Some time ago I accepted an invitation to write a chapter for a book on preaching. The editors were wanting a sermon preached in a rural setting. It is due by the end of this month! Not long after I received the invitation I visited King Island, recorded the sermon and had it transcribed: how embarrassing is it to hear what you actually preached as opposed to all the hopes and prayers during preparation? However, moving right along, I am now writing an introduction to set the context of the sermon; life on King Island. Ah! The cheese factory! Now, let me not get too distracted, back to writing.

So far I have: STRUCTURE OF THE CHAPTER re RURAL SERMON

Introduction

Bible reading. Tell the bible story. Links to other parts of scripture

Context, culture in which it is being preached – King Island/islander & rural

Relationships are even more vital in rural communities than in city ones.
Personalize the story/sermon where possible.
Be real. I need to share some of who I am and my own walk with Jesus.
Humour
Inter dependence of rural communities. Affirm the church community and the wider community: often the links overlap considerably in rural communities

Conclusion: Application & Challenge: Possibility is to affirm an aspect of the learning from the previous day’s workshop on Christian discipleship

Include the Sermon itself