Get To The Point

I have noticed something. A lot of news stories draw me in with a headline that promises useful information. Then, they begin the story by going back in time to explain how we got to where we are now. So the headline is buried under the weight of the history. By the time they get back to the headline often I have clicked off the story.

In church I see this happening in our pulpits too. The preacher will make a statement to explain the scripture that makes me pay attention. Then, he stops so that he can explain the context or the story that led to this current place in the Bible. When he finally gets back to the main point, he has lost my interest. 

Maybe there are those who honestly do not know the history or the background of anything. I suppose they have to learn somewhere. I have lived a long time and I have learned a few things. I am ready to hear the headline now. Some ignorant and unlearned people must need to be informed first. Not me, usually.

One final thought. If a pastor will preach on money on a regular basis, he will not need to preach a sermon on money for every offering. Pastor Mitchell raised a lot of money in the Prescott church with short and concise thoughts, just enough to announce that he was taking the offering. I have been in conference services with money in my hand, ready to give. But the guy taking the offering went on and on and on until I put my offering back in my pocket to give another day. He no longer takes the offering in Prescott conference. Just saying.

If you want me to pay attention, get to the point!