I was in the pulpit last Sunday as part of our congregation’s lay-preaching program. I spoke to a verse that troubled me. If you missed the service and the livestream, my time in the pulpit will live on and on here on YouTube. Note that the service starts at about 12 minutes in.
Why Our Congregation Shares the Pulpit
A couple of years ago, our minister launched a preaching class. He trained the first batch of us to craft a sermon around a Bible verse or a practice that troubles us. We have spoken to a wide range of verses, Bible characters, and topics.
We call ourselves the Preacher Pack, and since the initial training, the ministers have offered additional preaching classes. The Preacher Pack continues to grow.
People outside our tradition become curious. My partner even asked if we were moving away from having a minister at all, so that all services were lay-sermons.
“Absolutely not,” I responded.
We’re not taking the place of our ministers, we’re not taking over their jobs or their voices. I see our role as opening the doors and windows to let in more voice, more air. We give the tapestry that is our church a hefty flap to clear the dust, to unfold and reveal the richness of the texture and colors that sometimes get folded in.
I don’t see us as instead ofs. We are the ands and alsos. We are the connecting threads.
I’m not sure all ministers have the capacity to entrust their congregants with voice at the pulpit, to feel secure that other voices won’t drown out their own. I appreciate that our ministers have the confidence and faith necessary to allow the air, light, and depth the Preacher Pack voices bring to the pulpit.
What Troubles You?
If this question is put to you—What is a verse from a religious text that troubles you?—how would you respond? Please share in the comments your struggle with a verse or religious teaching.
I’ve learned so much about my community through their answers to this question.
©Pennie Nichols. All Rights Reserved. 2025.
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