As a coach for both clergy and executives, I find that preaching is a familiar concept for some of my clients, but foreign to others. Entrepreneurs may view preaching with suspicion, associating it with smarmy charlatans. However, as someone who has had the tremendous honor of preaching at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus and other churches, I can attest that preaching is just one of many forms of public speaking, each with its own techniques and audiences.
The majority of the effort and energy in preaching goes into the writing of the sermon (especially for me!). Preaching is typically scripted due to the short preparation time and the need to stay within a specific speaking time. This can lead to either stilted or dramatic delivery, but good preachers are able to infuse a text with meaning and energy through their reading.
My sermons for the Unitarian Universalist church have not been based on Christian scripture, but rather on concepts and ideas that can be found in poetry, books, or even blog posts. My goal wherever I preach is to explore the most human and meaningful aspects of the topic and invite my listeners to greater awareness of themselves and others. I also seek to urge them toward meaningful action that will improve their lives and give them purpose.
In my sermons, I always share from personal experience, including my experience as an entrepreneur. I may mention the services I offer, but I never ever make a sales pitch! But preaching is a unique and meaningful form of public speaking that allows me to share my experiences and ideas with a spiritual audience.
You might find preaching to be incompatible to coaching or entrepreneurship, but it is an important and meaningful way to connect with a spiritual audience. If you would like someone to explore with your congregation the most human and meaningful aspects of any topic explored on this website, please reach out to me.
