Interruptions and Appendages

Interruptions and Appendages

Is it proper for a minister, whether seated on the platform near the pulpit or in the congregation, to make re­marks and comments during a sermon? Recently I heard a sermon interrupted in this way, with the result of breaking the continuity of statement and caus­ing some to lose the thought being presented by the preacher. Could not our ministers be advised to preach when they preach, and to keep still when a brother minister is preaching a sermon?

Good judgment would indicate that it is not proper for a minister in the con­gregation to make remarks and com­ments during a sermon being delivered by a brother minister. A poor sermon, uninterrupted, may accomplish far bet­ter results than a good sermon spoiled by interruptions. Even though it is apparent that the speaker is failing to make his points clear, there is no justification for such interruption. It is often the case that a congregation is greatly moved and blessed by a sermon which, if judged by the highest homi­letic standards, would be considered a failure.

Such interruptions are an indication that the interrupter considers himself able, on the spur of the moment, to contribute something so superior to what the speaker is saying as to justify the intrusion. But in the great ma­jority of instances, the interruption breaks the line of thought and does not contribute anything whatever to the theme being presented. The people in the congregation seldom catch the significance of the point which the interrupter tries to make, and it is an annoyance to those who are endeavor­ing to follow the speaker. The prin­ciples of courtesy and ministerial ethics should be sufficient to restrain any one from such a reprehensible practice.

Another practice, in equally bad taste, which •is frequently noticed, is for one minister to preach a sermonette at the close of another's sermon, either in an attempt to amplify what the speaker has said, or to introduce some other line of thought. Such a practice is a plain, outstanding exhibition of egotism on the part of the man who does it, and it has the same effect as if he should say to the congrega­tion that the speaker failed to make good in his sermon, and now, in order to repair the damage, something more needs to be said, and he will say it. Furthermore, it is evidence of forget­fulness in heeding the Scriptural in­junction, "In honor preferring one another."

Of all people in the world, ministers ought to be good listeners. The cul­tivation of this art will be of benefit to each of us.

J. L. McElhany.

Takoma Park, D. C.