preaching.org Discussion Threads
Stealing Sermons?
Posted by Kent Anderson on April 25, 2008 15:25
Should it matter if a preacher "steals" a sermon? What if it blesses people? What if it helps people? Who cares where it came from? If the message is true, it came from God. Isn’t that all that matters? We all stand upon one another’s shoulders don’t we? Are we really hearing from God ourselves or are we just riding someone else’s coat tails?
Replies
re: Stealing Sermons?
Posted by Albert Runge on Apr. 26, 2008 at 22:02
This is an interesting question. I enjoy experiencing spiritual insight from other preacher’s messages, but in preparing to speak to a congregation I want a fresh word from the Lord for my congregation through my research. Personally I feel honored if other preachers use my research whether or not they give me recognition. Pastor Albert Runge my insights
re: Stealing Sermons?
Posted by Kent Anderson on Apr. 28, 2008 at 10:34
I understand that there is something of a compliment when people use our ideas. At the same time, I’d really like to endorse what you said about wanting a "fresh word from the Lord." I suppose that’s my concern about the borrowing of sermons. Are we really hearing from God ourselves or are we just riding someone else’s coat tails?
re: Stealing Sermons?
Posted by Albert Runge on Apr. 29, 2008 at 00:28
I believe that a sermon is different than an academic thesis. When I read a sermon its illustrations may trigger my mind of similar personal experiences, which I can use. The topic of the message may suggest I preach on the same theme and the ideas presented may integrate themselves within my own convictions. In such situations I do not think it wrong to build a new and unique message on the help that the sermon gave me without me identifying the preacher of the sermon I read. Pastor Albert Runge
re: Stealing Sermons?
Posted by Ian McCloy on Jun. 17, 2008 at 23:04
What if a person is trying to get a point of view for their first sermon. Is one allowed to look at various sermons that have been done the same idea
Also a possible idea for a template for a sermon based on the idea one is using for a sermon
or would that be called being lazy