Do Heretical Preachers need Small Group Ministry?

Back from weeks of conferences, trainings and retreats I am presently slogging through an absurd amount of email. One of the emails in the mountain was a link to an op-ed by the Rev. Davidson Loehr which appeared in the Austin American-Statesman on Saturday, August 6, 2005.

In it he explores the question whether people want the full TRUTH from American preachers. From our economy to issues related to Iraq -- if preachers used the full freedom of the pulpit many would probably cut their pledge or go somewhere less challenging.

Are our pulpits and our preachers lescourageousus than years passed? I wouldn't be surprised. I've seeworshipip committees crucify ministers for wanting to limit joys and sorrows.

If you are a preacher who is experiencing pressure to be a little more tame, here is a suggestion for you. USE small group ministry as a vehicle for exploring the "TRUTH" which was once readily available in thpulpitit.

By using SGM sessions you can convey your heretical ideas, quote others, ask people to reflect on heresy in their lives, and through their reflection consider the ideas you have offered with more attention than a sermon ever receives. If you are a heretical preacher you don't so much NEED small group ministry as you would be a FOOL to not deliver your heretical ideas through it.

Don't give up on being heretical in the pulpit or upholding the freedom of thpulpitit. But I also urge you not to miss out on the opportunity for heretical reflection inherent in Small Group Ministry.

Davidson Loehr is author of the book America, Fascism, and God: Sermons from a Heretical Preacher which is being released this September by Chelsea Green.

Read Loehr's op-ed Religion and Politics Are Sensitive Subjects, Even in the Pulpit