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On Preaching: Known, Called, and Empowered by God

Shavon Starling-Louis

Shavon Starling-Louis is past Co-Moderator of the 225th General Assembly (2022) and serves as campus minister at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

One of my favorite parts of preaching, particularly as a preacher who regularly uses the Revised Common Lectionary, is that I get to return to passages over and over and discover anew their blessings and revelations, holy reminders of how God has been, is, and will be present with creation in the most intimate and enduring ways. Recently I have been returning to the words of the Psalms, the call story of Samuel, and the interconnectedness lifted up by Paul as inspirations on the call to share life for collective flourishing.

Known, Called, and Empowered by God: A Reflection for Preachers on Ministry and Community 

In Psalm 139, we encounter a God who knows us fully: “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.” This profound knowledge is not just theological—it’s deeply personal and pastoral. For those of us who are preachers, this intimate relationship with God serves as both a foundation and a guide. It reminds us that we minister not out of our strength alone but from a place of being fully known, purposefully called, and lovingly empowered by God. As we bring this message to our congregations, we help create spaces where our members, too, can experience what it means to be known by God and embrace the gifts of sharing life with God and neighbor.

Known by God: Embracing Identity and Vulnerability

In Psalm 139, the assurance of being known by God offers a foundation of safety that frees people to come as they are. In a world where many feel unseen, this promise from God becomes a source of comfort. God knows our thoughts, actions, and even our hesitations. For preachers, sharing this truth can help our communities understand that God’s knowledge isn’t distant or cold but compassionate and understanding.

This divine intimacy includes both our strengths and weaknesses. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV), “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s words offer comfort, reminding us that God does not turn away from our limitations; rather, God invites us to bring our whole selves. By encouraging our congregations to embrace this vulnerability, we foster an environment where others can be honest about their struggles, knowing they are loved and accepted both by God and by their church community.

Called by God: Responding with Obedience and Faith

The story of young Samuel (1 Sam. 3:1–10) presents an example of calling that is both humbling and empowering. Samuel hears God’s call in the quiet of the night—a moment that reminds us to be attentive to God’s voice, even when it arrives in subtle or unexpected ways. For those of us who lead, Samuel’s experience serves as a powerful reminder that God’s calling may reach us at any stage in life, often asking us to step into roles we may not feel entirely prepared for.

Sharing this story can inspire our congregations to reflect on their own lives and calling. How might God be calling them to use their gifts? Whether in church, at work, or in daily life, there is an invitation here for each person to respond with a willing heart. Samuel’s story reassures us that answering God’s call doesn’t require perfection or expertise—just a readiness to listen and trust.

Empowered by God: Strength in Weakness

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me,” capture a transformative truth. For us as preachers, and for all who follow Christ, it is liberating to realize that God’s strength is made visible in our limitations. This knowledge frees us from the unrealistic expectations of perfection that ministry can sometimes impose.

By sharing our own stories of relying on God’s strength in times of weakness, we can model a ministry that depends not on our own capacity but on God’s. This approach encourages our congregations to serve without pretense, trusting that God can work through their lives, even when they feel inadequate. Emphasizing this message helps break down barriers of self-doubt and encourages others to answer God’s call with confidence in God’s sustaining grace.

Sharing Space with God and Neighbor

When we gather as a faith community, we’re reminded that we are sharing sacred space not only with God but also with one another. This shared space, enriched by the presence of a God who knows us deeply, allows our congregations to experience healing, trust, and encouragement. As preachers, we can nurture this by creating environments where people feel safe, celebrated, and supported in their journeys.

This communal life is both a gift and a responsibility, calling us to build a church that mirrors God’s love and compassion. In sharing this space, we become a tangible expression of God’s care for one another. Here, people can wrestle with their callings, find strength in their weaknesses, and know they are not alone. Together, we are part of a sacred journey—rooted in being fully known by God, bonded with our neighbors, and empowered to live out God’s purposes.

Practical Ways for Preachers to Foster a Known, Called, and Empowered Community

  1. Highlight vulnerability as a strength: Encourage your congregation to embrace vulnerability by preaching about God’s power in our weakness, as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 12:9. In sharing your own journey, you help create a space where authenticity is valued.
  2. Empower individuals to discern their calling: Like Samuel, each person has a unique calling. Offer practical tools for discernment, such as prayer, reflection, and community support, helping people listen for God’s voice in their lives.
  3. Model dependence on God’s strength: Openly acknowledge your own reliance on God’s grace. By showing your own trust in God’s strength over personal ability, you invite others to step out in faith, even when they feel unsure.
  4. Celebrate the blessing of shared space: Remind your congregation that sharing space with God and neighbor is a blessing that strengthens us all. Cultivate a sense of gratitude for this community, and encourage each member to see their relationships as opportunities to give and receive God’s love.

As preachers, we are given the privilege of leading a people who are fully known, purposefully called, and lovingly empowered by God. Through our preaching, may we continue to build spaces where others feel truly known, valued, and equipped for their callings. In our shared life with God and with one another, let us witness to the beauty and power of community—a gift that enriches our lives and deepens our faith. Together, may we walk in love and service, ever mindful of the God who knows us, calls us, and strengthens us for divine work.

On Liturgy – 56.2

On Liturgy – 56.2

One Friday during a recent low point in our community’s COVID-19 infection rates, my husband and I bought tickets to a dinner show at an iconic jazz club in our city. The evening’s featured performer was a local musician who also happened to be a congregation member—I had not yet had the chance to meet him, and I was eager to hear his music.

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On Liturgy – 56.2

On Preaching – 56.2

In keeping with the Directory for Worship, Kaela (not her real name) was presented for baptism with neither undue haste nor undue delay. She was thirteen years old, wearing her backpack and clinging to a stuffed animal as she walked to the baptismal font. Her mothers had been Presbyterian for a little over a year—they joined soon after visiting our church’s booth at the downtown Pride festival the year before.

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