Erik Raymond writes of “A Couple Phrases I Wish Preachers Would Stop Saying So Often.” And though Raymond directs his comments at pastors, Bible study leaders would be wise to listen in:
In recent years I’ve noticed an uptick in a couple of phrases from preachers and teachers. I don’t want to go so far as to mark them as homiletical cuss words, but I do want to draw a circle around them and ask why we are saying them so much. These two phrases are “I think” and “I feel.”
Let me explain. Suppose someone is preaching through Colossians and they come to chapter 3. They then read the following words aloud:
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Col. 3:1–2)
Then they say, “I think what Paul is saying here is that we need to be seeking the things above.” After a pause, he goes on to say, “I feel like this is especially hard for us today because of all of our temptations for distractions.” Later he says, “I feel like too many of us, myself included, are really susceptible to this. I think it can really hinder our walk with Christ.”
Now what’s wrong with this phrasing? On one level, nothing. He is not saying anything wrong. But, at the same time, he is not saying it like he could. If he is not completely declawing the passage he is at least filing down its nails. He is saying it in a less authoritative and offensive way. And while he may still be bouncing the ball to his congregation for application it is a bit of a deflated ball, or at least not as pumped up as it could be.
To see how Raymond would revise such comments to sharpen their claws, you’ll have to read the full article. Check it out!
However, I will make one disclaimer. When we are not (or cannot be) certain about the meaning of a passage, “I think” would be a perfectly reasonable thing to say. Or if we move off the main point into the sub-sub-sub-points of the passage, we should also avoid confident bluster and bravado. Remember, the main points are the ones worth fighting for. And they are the points whose claws must never be pared.
As a non-ordained elder of any church, how can I lead with such certainty. I have not been given the privilege of expounding and teaching scripture to OTHERS. As a Bible Study leader, I help lead through sound hermeneutical principles, but this does not necessarily mean I am correct. I know I am wrong… I know I am wrong many times…
Also, I have had people tell me, that people I come across as confident in my interpretations, that they feel like they can’t know or do anything “right.” How am I supposed to be able lead with confidence without people thinking that I am a “know-it-all?”
Good questions, Jake. In answer to your final question, I would simply say, “just lead with confidence without acting like a know-it-all.” Confidence is not the same thing as bravado; please don’t mistake them. Confidence should partner with humility to love and serve the flock.
When the text is clear, speak it clearly, whether you are ordained or not. When the text is unclear, be honest about the fact. In either case, don’t ever use the truth of the text to beat people into submission. Always win them with your love and good works. Earn their respect; don’t demand it (1 Tim 4:12-16).