Paul Zahl at #2014Liberate

I attended a luncheon with Paul Zahl whose topic was "Preaching Grace from the Pulpit"

The opening of your message will be entirely forgotten by your congregation.

Two preliminary points in making connection with others: you have to get to the end of law (sanctions don't work with kids, spouses, or others) & the name of the game is healing.

"If you are trying to find God, go back to where you lost him." 

3 pointed star of communicating with others.
      1.   Healing work of the preacher (everyone needs a Savior)

You are absolutely nothing until it gets into your system as a preacher. You have to get deep enough in yourself that it connects with others beyond gender, history, etc.

       2.   Sermon Illustration from life

People are altruistic in the pew.  It's about me. It can be the heavy lifting. 

        3.  Humor

It cuts down the resistance. 

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