Proclaimers Club

So in everything strive to love. Passionately seek the gifts of the Spirit, especially the gift of prophecy. – 1 Corinthians 14:1 (VOICE) 

I am writing at the end of a week of preaching camp, which is exactly what it sounds like. It is summer camp, with grace sung before communal meals, bear sightings on the way to the lake, and bunk beds designed for more youthful bodies than we current campers embody. And, the days are full of preaching: animated workshops, small group discussions, moving worship services, and nightly open mics where anyone with a good word to share has an eager audience. For this church geek and nature nerd, preaching camp is basically heaven on earth.  

What I love most about preaching camp is that this is not a clergy event. It’s a week for anyone who wants to proclaim the good news of God’s love. We are pastors, seminarians, and lay leaders learning side by side. There are faith formation ministers and church administrators practicing new skills together. 

The art of proclamation is not limited to the people who inhabit your local pulpit. In fact, I’ve heard over 30 sermons this week and there hasn’t been a pulpit in sight. Proclamation belongs to the whole body of Christ, taking as many forms as there are types of communication.  

Too often we focus on the differences between church folks, reminding each other that we each have different gifts and to not be surprised if we don’t have much in common with one another. Too often we forget that the different parts of the Body of Christ work together in service to the same purpose. 

Call it proclamation or preaching. Call it evangelism or testifying. Each of us is called to proclaim the word of God using the unique tools and gifts we have been given.  

Prayer
Can I get an Amen?

About the Author
Ellis Miller serves as the Designated Pastor of Granby Congregational Church, UCC and is the author of Only Work Sundays: A Laidback Guide to Doing Less while Helping Your Church Thrive.