Words Have Meaning

8 Trends that Were Forecasted

In this post we will look at trend #6 that was forecasted for 2023. As we look at what was forecasted and now look at the end of 2023, are we seeing these claims being fulfilled or not.

Content Curation Will Matter as Much as Content Creation

As more pastors are discovering every year, it’s almost impossible to produce top-tier messages week after week that can compete with the best that’s available on the internet. This is not a pressure any previous generation of pastors dealt with, honestly, it’s unsustainable!

Faced with the reality of an open internet and feeling the pressure to perform week after week, far too many pastors have succumbed to “plagiarism,” which is a terrible practice for several reasons. Intellectual dishonesty would be at the top of the list!

Curation is taking relevant articles, Vlogs, and Videos from the internet to more fully express your thoughts for your news letters (Ie. 5-Bullet Friday, On The Rise). You voice is still being heard weekly by communicating what you trust and do not trust on the Internet.

Reflection

As I have reflected on this 6th trend for 2023 there are some observations that I would offer. 

• In my 49th year as an ordained minister I have never felt the pressure to compete with other Pastors.
• My felt pressure was always upon myself to accurately represent God’s word in context and application. Plagiarism is a dangerous and lazy practice for sermon preparation. This leads to intellectual dishonesty!
• Curated articles, videos, and vlogs can be a way of enhancing your sermon notes handouts. This can give additional voice to the main idea of your sermon. Choose wisely!!

What are your observations about modern day preaching of the Gospel?