Preaching to PEOPLE IN PAIN

How Suffering Can Shape Your Sermons and Connect with Your Congregation

Matthew D. Kim

a division of Baker Publishing Group

Grand Rapids, Michigan

© 2021 by Matthew D. Kim

Published by Baker Academic

a division of Baker Publishing Group

PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.bakeracademic.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Kim, Matthew D., 1977– author.

Title: Preaching to people in pain : how suffering can shape your sermons and connect with your congregation / Matthew D. Kim.

Description: Grand Rapids, Michigan : Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group, [2021] | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2020042372 | ISBN 9781540961297 (paperback) | ISBN 9781540964304 (casebound)

Subjects: LCSH: Preaching. | Pain—Religious aspects—Christianity. | Suffering—Religious aspects—Christianity.

Classification: LCC BV4211.3 .K55295 2021 | DDC 251/.56—dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020042372

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

To my wonderful parents-in-law,

Dr. Chung Hyun Oh and Mrs. Jung Sook Oh

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part 1: Naming the Pain

1. The Preacher’s Pain

2. The Listeners’ Pain

3. A Plan for Preaching on Pain

Part 2: Preaching on Pain

4. Painful Decisions

“The Anatomy of a Bad Decision” (Sermon on 1 Samuel 15)

5. Painful Finances

“The Secret to Contentment” (Sermon on Philippians 4:10–20)

6. Painful Health Issues

“Panhandling for True Satisfaction” (Sermon on Acts 3:1–10)

7. Painful Losses

“Successful Suffering” (Sermon on 2 Corinthians 1:3–11)

8. Painful Relationships

“Honoring Mom as Honoring God” (Sermon on Ruth 1–4)

9. Painful Sins

“The God of Fourth Chances” (Sermon on John 21:15–25)

Conclusion

Appendix: Worksheet for Understanding Pain

Scripture Index

Subject Index

Acknowledgments

This book arose out of witnessing the weekly pain and suffering of broken parishioners and making sense of my own pain as a disciple of Jesus, pastor, preacher, and teacher. In writing this book, I wish to mention several individuals who have helped me along the way.

First, I give thanks for the pastors who filled out a survey on preaching to people in pain. You know who you are, and I’m grateful for your continued friendship, partnership, and insights on this subject.

I’m grateful to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary for providing a generous sabbatical program and to my colleagues in the preaching department: Jeffrey Arthurs, Patricia Batten, and Pablo ...