Pablo A. Jiménezwww.drpablojimenez.net

Church life is full of activity. Beyond regular worship, the Church observes celebrations such as weddings, christenings, baptisms, funerals and births.

Besides, the Church may observe some secular celebrations such as Thanksgiving Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Independence Day, among others.

A special event sermon offers a theological interpretation of a particular incident or holiday in the life of the Church.

It is usually preached at a worship service that honors such incident or holiday.

The main function of the special event sermon is to help the audience to interpret theologically the observed incident or holiday. In this sense, the special event sermon offers pastoral care to the congregation.

This means that tone sermon depends entirely on the nature of the interpreted event. A wedding sermon has a totally different character than a funeral sermon. Yet, both perform a similar function and share a similar methodology.

Once again, the form of the special event sermon depends largely on the nature of the observed incident or holiday. A sermon in a Baccalaureate tends to be learned and formal. A funeral sermon must be short and colloquial.

Nonetheless, the sermon must make a clear reference to the event observed. This may be done in the introduction or in the conclusion of the sermon.

We propose a three-step methodology to fashion the special event sermon. It mirrors our methodology for the preparation of doctrinal and topical sermons (enclosed).

Before hitting the books, meditate on the nature and meaning of the celebration. Analyze the occasion, exploring its relevance for the congregation.

After clarifying your thoughts and beliefs about the event, research the biblical and theological concepts that may help you expound on the topic. Remember that our aim is to offer a theological interpretation of the event. Such interpretation must be inform by the Bible, tradition, theology, history, pastoral psychology, experience and reason, among others.

Apply the findings of your research to the congregation’s current situation. Expound only the most relevant and useful principles in your sermon.

Although each event calls for its own variant, there are three special events sermons stand out from the pack.

The aim of the funeral sermon is multiple.

It celebrates the life of the deceased.

It consoles those who grieve.It affirms the ultimate triumph of life.

It proclaims the Christian hope of resurrection.

The aim of the wedding sermon is double:

It celebrates the covenant between the couple (and the community) and God.

It affirms a positive and balanced view of family life.

It offers theological reflection on the given holiday.

Given that many visitors may worship with us during holidays, it may well have an evangelistic or missionary tone.

Be pastoralBe realBe contextual

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