Use of Language in Preaching

iPreach Conference

October 31, 2014

Use of Language“Preachers must make choices about words. This means that we do not simply say in the pulpit what comes to mind in our study, but we choose our words for specific purposes.”

Use of Language“We work, by our words, toward the main event or idea of the sermon. We make choices about key words and images, about transitions [etc.]. We hone our words for sermon focus.” (Lord, Jennifer L., 2010)

Use of LanguageInformational language – information that tells us who, what, where, when, and how by the use of straightforward terms.

Use of LanguageImagery or Evocative Language – speech that connects to memory, feelings and life experiences. It evokes emotion and aesthetic response.

Use of LanguageInformational language focuses on denotative use of words (dictionary definitions).

Imagery is more often connotative (lived-out or felt definition)

Use of LanguageInformational language often uses abstract terms (grace, forgiveness, sin, redemption).

Imagery is interested in what those terms look like in life (Ex: describe the relief of being rescued from guilt)

Choosing WordsKey points should not be long or descriptive. They should be strong and succinct. Leave off adjectives and adverbs but use nouns and verbs that have power on their own.

Choosing Words“The Conspiracy Against Caring”

• We are called to care.

• Satan has created a culture of apathy in our society.

• Jesus shows us how to care in an uncaring world.

Choosing WordsNoun – names or identifies anything.

Pronoun – replaces nouns/other pronouns

Adjective – describes nouns

Verbs – tell of something being done

Choosing WordsAdverbs – tell how things are being done

Conjunctions – join words together

Prepositions – show relationship between nouns or pronouns

Interjections – show excitement or emotion (Oh no! Ouch!)

Choosing Words

David walked toward Goliath.

Choosing Words

David descended toward Goliath.

Choosing Words

David descended steadfastly toward

Goliath.

Choosing Words

David descended steadfastly into

the valley toward Goliath.

Choosing Words

David descended steadfastly into

the valley toward the colossal figure.

Choosing Words

She cried before her accusers.

Choosing WordsStrategies:

1. Mind map – select a key word, image or phrase and write it in the center of a blank page. Then write down additional words, images, phrases as they come to mind.

HOPE

Anticipate

Expect

Aspire

Plan

Desire

Believe

Choosing WordsStrategies:

2. Write down words, phrases, or sentence fragments that come to mind as you contemplate the message.

Choosing WordsStrategies:

3. Keep a thesaurus nearby as you work on your sermon. Use it as you work on your words.

Figures of Speech“Christ’s manner of teaching was beautiful and attractive, and it was ever characterized by simplicity.

Figures of Speech“He unfolded the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven through the use of figures and symbols with which His hearers were familiar.” (CT 240)

Figures of SpeechMetaphor: Two things that are unlike are said to be identical .

“Her life is a fishbowl”

“the Lord God is a sun and shield”

Figures of SpeechSimile: compares one thing and another thing using the words “like” or “as”.

“Writing is like pulling teeth”

“rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft”

Figures of SpeechAnthropomorphism: Attributing human qualities to God.

“What brings me delight, what makes my mouth water,

is when you do justly, and show mercy” (paraphrase

Micah 6:7)

Figures of SpeechPersonification: endows inanimate object with human qualities.

“The wind stood and gave a shout”

Figures of SpeechContemporization: to set a historical narrative in a modern context

“Elijah sat in his office reading a scathing letter from Sister J. (Jezebel)”

Other Considerations

Grammar: The form and structure of words and their ordering in speech and writing.

Use of Grammar• Responsibly alternate

between “standard English” and colloquialisms.

• If you have good command of “standard English”, you have greater permission to use well-placed slang.

Use of Grammar• Know your preaching

context.

• Use colloquial grammar naturally and sparingly. It can be used to state a point emphatically at times.

Use of Grammar“They marveled at the spiritual truth expressed in the simplest language. The most highly educated were charmed with His words, and the uneducated were always profited.

Use of Grammar“He had a message for the illiterate; and He made even the heathen to understand that He had a message for them.” (DA, p. 254)

Other Considerations

Cliché: A word or phrase that has become predictable from overuse.

“What goes around comes around”

Other Considerations

Inclusive Language: Use of words that include all persons within a specific language community.

Inclusive Language

Use gender-neutral language:

• Restate generic use of man, he, his, him, himself with person, human, people, individuals, human beings

• Use humankind, humanity, or the human race instead of mankind.

Inclusive Language

Use first-person language:

• Person who is paralyzed vs. paralytic.

• People with disabilities vs. the disabled.

Inclusive Language

Avoid stereotypes associated with race, age, or gender.

• Men are strong, women are weak

• Elderly people are always frail and infirmed

• Certain races are lazy, unintelligent