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Giving Food at the Proper Time: The Beginning of a Sermon

MAN Chin Tao

According to the gospel tradition, “Giving food at the proper time” is an attitude that shows a steward's loyalty to his/her master. This attitude has been applied to and becomes significant in the preaching ministry. The emphasis of giving food at the proper time is often understood as preaching a message that is relevant to the congregation. Yet the question remains, what is the function of “relevance” in the preaching ministry? 

This article attempts to address this question from three stages: 1. The message of a sermon: focusing on the nourishment of an idea that is relevant to the congregation. 2. The structure of a sermon: discussing the design and strategy of a sermon. 3. The delivery of a sermon: discussing how a preacher may effectively present his/her sermon. This article suggests that these three stages of preaching point to the significance of the congregation. A sermon that is relevant to the congregation need not mean placating the congregation; it is however true that the congregation's need defines whether a sermon is relevant and effective.