How best should pastors present the Gospel to their congregations? This question plagues every pastor. Effective communication of the Gospel should be the primary goal of any local pastor. One cannot effectively communicate the Gospel without taking the dynamics of their hearers into consideration as part of the preparation of delivering a sermon. Tisdale advocates for careful congregational exegesis as part of any good sermon in her book Preaching as Local Theology and Folk Art. Tisdale suggest that every pastor needs to become an amateur ethnographer and decode the complex mix of subcultures of a congregation to develop an understanding of how best to present the Gospel within the native culture of the congregation. Tisdale lays out a two tier approach for this congregational exegesis: symbolic and cultural analysis. It is this second approach for which the congregational exegesis for Lansing Woodview Church of the Nazarene will examine worldview, values and ethos.
Congregational Demographics Lansing …show more content…
Lansing Woodview is a congregation that views creation is one of “Mastery over nature”4 where the major concern is how nature may interfere with life. There is also a small, but vocal minority that is pushing the congregation to live in harmony with nature. In terms of eschatology, the congregation of Lansing Woodview is primarily concerned with present with appropriate attention given to honoring the past, while keeping an eye towards the future ministry of the church. In small group and corporate worship the church has a very relational approach to time where meetings may not end on time while giving time for the Holy Spirit to move among the gathering. Finally, there is a sense of hope in the future through the promise of salvation. There is an urgency among members to pray for the lost and share the Gospel, all the while testifying to God's grace at work in their own
Congregational Demographics Lansing …show more content…
Lansing Woodview is a congregation that views creation is one of “Mastery over nature”4 where the major concern is how nature may interfere with life. There is also a small, but vocal minority that is pushing the congregation to live in harmony with nature. In terms of eschatology, the congregation of Lansing Woodview is primarily concerned with present with appropriate attention given to honoring the past, while keeping an eye towards the future ministry of the church. In small group and corporate worship the church has a very relational approach to time where meetings may not end on time while giving time for the Holy Spirit to move among the gathering. Finally, there is a sense of hope in the future through the promise of salvation. There is an urgency among members to pray for the lost and share the Gospel, all the while testifying to God's grace at work in their own