A strategy to empower lay leaders to develop effective preaching at Ambohidratrimo Seventh-day Adventist Church, Madagascar

Abstract

Preaching plays an important role in the lives of believers. The spiritual life of the church depends on it. Most of the members of our church are not satisfied with the sermons they hear in the church on Sabbath. The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Ambohidratrimo is facing that problem. First, educated lay leaders use their skills and knowledge to preach. However, their sermons become profound and philosophical. Second, lay leaders who have not progressed much in their education convince the audience with their chosen language and voice only in preaching. Third, different opinions have been heard from members about lay leaders preaching. In particular, the sermon is too long and uninspiring. Too many references are used and the topic is not clear. The objective of this project is to develop a strategy to empower lay leaders to promote effective preaching. The study followed Biblical teaching, the writings of Ellen Gould White, and a seminar was conducted. The seminar trained lay leaders of Ambohidratrimo SDA Church in terms of preaching. The study reveals that lay leaders of Ambohidratrimo SDA Church must improve their manner of preaching. Because of this research, strategies are given to empower lay leaders to develop effective preaching.