Sermon as Conversation: How to Use Progressional Implicatory Preaching and Why it is Liberating
Before a single word is prepared in a PIP sermon, there is preparation that is necessary to engender a PIP sermon–that is a physical restructuring of the worship space. The physical structure vastly determines how a congregation can receive a sermon. Because of the mutual interactiveness of PIP, the physical structure of a worship space must engender this mutual interactiveness. Nonetheless, Solomon’s Porch has structured its worship space by tearing out all of the pews that were original to the church building and replacing them with couches, chairs, coffee tables to foment a sense of homeliness. In addition, the couches and chairs are organized in concentric circles around the space, so that no matter where one sits, they can see everyone else. This structure is specifically designed to adequately deliver a PIP sermon.
With a re-designed structure in a worship space, one can begin to craft a PIP sermon. To follow the elements of crafting a PIP discussed earlier, dialogue, immersion in the story, listening, experimentation, disagreement, and openness to others, one of the many specific ways in which a PIP sermon can be crafted is how Solomon’s Porch has typically prepared one. A weekly open group of people meet with one another, often at one of the people’s homes, and discuss the upcoming sermon’s biblical text or topic. When focusing on a biblical text, Solomon’s Porch often works through a whole book of the Bible at one time. For example, if the church works through the 28 chapters of Acts, then the next 28 Sundays will focus on each chapter of the book. Rather than the Bible discussion group being a Bible study, this group meets to set the “form and feel and content for what will happen on Sunday…” In this Bible discussion group there is dialogue amongst the group, immersion in stories, listening to others, experimenting with interpretation and theology, and disagreement and openness between one another.
With the physical structure set and the sermon prepared, delivery and reception are ready. At Solomon’s Porch the facilitator often sits on a spinning stool in the middle of a circle of participants sitting on couches and chairs. The facilitator invites a participant to read a section (usually about five verses) from the chapter that the Bible discussion group wrestled over days before. After reading the section, the facilitator often includes their own commentary. This commentary may include historical clarification or reflections on what the section may have to say to the church. After the facilitator offers their commentary, they open the floor to participants to offer their own commentary. Participants may further clarify the history of the section or provide reflections on how the section speaks to them. This process repeats until the whole chapter is finished. Depending on how many participants comment throughout the sermon, the facilitator may have to expedite the sermon some. Sermons often conclude with any final comments, reflections, or observations participants may have to offer the rest of the community…