It could be said that there are as many styles or methods of preaching as there are preachers. Each pastor has a unique personality with a voice all his own, a particular temperment, body presence and facial gestures.

There are, however, what we might classify as major styles or approaches. Some preachers speak extemporaneously. That is, they may prepare ahead of time, perhaps develop an outline of major points to make; yet when they deliver their sermons, they "make up," if you will, the text for the message as they speak before a congregation. Other preachers, perhaps the largest group, prepare and develop a substantial outline of the points and subpoints to present, then deliver their sermons with notes, making those points and "filling in the blanks" with on-the-spot connective comments, elaborations and Illustrations.

The third major historic tradition is the manuscript method. Preachers who preach from a manuscript prepare very thoroughly, spending healthy portions of time fashioning their sermons with the best language and formulation of thought of which they are capable. In New England and other locations for much of our national history, this method was the standard procedure for many preachers in preparation and delivery.

It is my view that this method remains the best approach for the production of the best sermon content and for the long-lasting spiritual growth of parishioners. It remains -- at least for me and many colleagues in ministry today -- the method which is most appropriate for our presentation of the Gospel and through which we find the finest opportunity to develop and communicate God's Word to a world that needs more than milk. I believe we need the meat of the Scriptures. The following are some of the values and benefits of employing this method.

Preparing a manuscript forces the preacher to spend sufficient, intentional time in study, thinking about the message and meaning of a particular passage, analyzing the biblical material, formulating and preparing articulation of the major themes to be presented. What usually results is a more well-crafted and thoughtful presentation of God's Word than might otherwise be offered.

Whereas with extemporaneous preaching or preaching with notes, one might argue there is afforded greater eye-to-eye contact between preacher and congregation, such attention does not ensure that the sermon will embody substantive material. Moreover, it does not follow that manuscript preachers do not have sufficient eye-to-eye contact. Skillful manuscript preachers will learn how to present themselves and look at the text when they need to and when they do not to provide for a very pleasing delivery which keeps parishioners' attention. After all, if the sermon is interesting and well crafted, parishioners will naturally maintain their focus.

When preachers provide well-prepared and articulated sermons, there is a greater potential for parishioners to receive a worthwhile body of persuasion and instruction. The persons in the pews will benefit more in the long run -- their body of engaged biblical material will enlarge and deepen when they are exposed to a manuscript prepared sermon. There is a greater growth potential fostered. Why?