Lay readers in training find out: what makes a good preacher? 

15 people gathered round the table in the synod offices board room on July 11. They came from a wide variety of personal and career backgrounds, but all had one purpose: to learn as much as they could about how to preach a good sermon. The group worked together for the better part of three hours, covering a lot of helpful information provided by the Very Rev. Neil Gordon, who is the Dean of All Saints' Cathedral and someone with a lot of preaching experience under his belt.  

Three pieces of wisdom, amongst many shared, were these:

• Avoid trying to be like anyone else. Find your own ‘voice.’

• Have someone praying for you while you preach.

• Keep it simple when you’re starting out. As the Dean says, “Learn how to ride the bike before you try doing tricks.”

The class was part of the Lay Reader Training Program underway now in the diocese. It’s mandatory for those who are training to become lay readers and a good refresher those who have been serving in this capacity for some time.

See our events calendar for details of classes on other topics and the licensing of the new lay readers, which happens on Sunday evening, September 17.