Self-Disclosure In Preaching : An Interview With Bob Russell, John Claypool, Barry Black, And Dieter Zander
Using self-disclosive stories appears to be more popular than ever among preachers. Various reasons are offered for employing autobiography in sermons. However, it is important that preachers discern their motives for using these personal accounts. When used effectively and appropriately, they can have profound impact on listeners.
Recently, Dr. James Barnette, Minister to the University at Samford University, interviewed four outstanding preachers about using self-disclosive stories in their messages. John Claypool, who popularized “confessional preaching” through his sermons and his Lyman Beecher Lectures, is Visiting Professor of Preaching at McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta. Barry Black serves as Chaplain of the United States Senate, and was formerly Chief of Chaplains for the U.S. Navy.
Bob Russell is pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, and has gained notoriety for his use of self-disclosive humor. Dieter Zander, formerly a preaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, now ministers in the San Francisco area and preaches across the country. They “disclose” with admirable candor their own struggles with their motives for using self-disclosive stories.
Preaching: Can you think of a time when you struggled with your motivation for using a particular self-disclosive story? What temptations have you faced when considering a particular personal narrative?
Russell: I can tell you some stories I chose not to use. Years ago I wrote a prayer and used it at a prayer breakfast at the state capitol. Then it was put in a publication. Then a preacher in Wichita used the prayer at the Kansas state legislature, and it created a stir. Then it got on Paul Harvey’s news twice. In both cases, this other preacher got the credit for the prayer.
I almost told this story a couple of times to say, “You know, that preacher is a friend of mine, but I’ve got to admit I struggle some with envy over a little thing like about who gets credit for that prayer.” But I chose not to use it for two reasons: first, it would make my friend look bad. Secondly, my motivation was my wanting to clarify that I am the one who wrote that prayer. My motivation was selfish pride.
Preachers often struggle with the motivation simply because you know it is a good and compelling story, but it really might not be appropriate or might not fit. I have learned how critical it is that a story fit. And I have also learned that it’s worth waiting for when the story really fits in the message. If a good personal story fits, you up it a notch. It goes from an 8 to a 9. If it doesn’t fit, you drop it a notch or two and it goes from an 8 to a 6. The key is to hold it until it fits.