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This Month: "Using Personal Illustrations"
By George Vander Weit, Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, MI
One congregation posted the words of John 12:21 in its pulpit to remind pastors of the central purpose of the sermon: "We would like to see Jesus." What an important reminder for all who seek to assist the worshiping community live out the Christian life!
Often the life experiences of the pastor can be very helpful in illustrating the gospel. People look for authenticity. They respect pastors who practice what they preach and, more importantly, preach what they practice. One of the most treasured notes retained by one pastor says, "We always appreciate your genuineness—the fact that you’re the same guy in the pulpit as in the parking lot."
Part of making the gospel message authentic involves revealing some of the struggles and triumphs of the pastor’s own life. Recently a church member said to me, "It was really helpful that you spoke so openly and regretfully about the times you got so wrapped up in your work that you neglected your wife and children. It was something I needed to be reminded about in my own life. Thank you."
Using illustrations from one’s personal or family life can be a rich blessing for members of the congregation—windows that offer views of pain, laughter, grace, forgiveness, healing, and joy. Pastors, always with the permission of their spouses or children, are well advised to use such illustrations . . . but also ought to be aware of some cautions regarding such material.
First, there are dangers in self-revelation. As someone pointed out, there is a difference between confession and spiritual striptease. There are some things about my pastor that I need not know if I am to follow him or her as a leader.
Second, there is a danger in overusing such material. Recently a person said to me, "Our congregation is sick and tired of hearing about the home in which our pastor was raised. You’d think no other home had any difficulties or struggles." A regional pastor I know counseled one of the pastors in his classis, "Don’t always use yourself and your own family as illustrations. There are plenty of people in your own congregation and elsewhere who can serve as wonderful illustrations of the gospel."
Third, when such material is used to illustrate the triumphs of the Christian life, there is a very real danger of putting the focus on the pastor, not on the Savior. One congregation finally said to a regular guest pastor, "If you describe your ministry in your sermon, please do so to illustrate the grace and power of the Savior, not to exalt yourself and your own importance."
The pastor’s own experiences can assist the congregation to follow in the footsteps of Jesus or can stop the congregation dead in its tracks. Discernment makes all the difference.