I attended Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas for 4 years while Dr. Jim Dennison was the pastor. I LOVED how he always opened his sermon with a prayer over God’s word. He would often read the entire passage first, & have the congregation stand in honor of our Lord. That might be interesting to try in our congregation.

I am a member of Shandon, & I attend the first service.

Dr. Lincoln,
I love your preaching…..most especially when you explain to us what God says in His Word. I long/yearn/ hunger for that. I love you Dick. You are my Pastor, and I praise Jesus for that……but I love God’s Word more. He is my Lord.
1Peter 2:2

I love when you tell personal stories. I have heard you express that you can’t stand the “movie star” tag that comes along with the title of Pastor of a large southern baptist church. I think when you tell stories, much like the story about Patty’s eye surgery this past Sunday, you become vulnerable and real (not that you aren’t anyway!). People (meaning ME) relate more with the sermon when you show how its worked/working in your life!

I love your invitation each Sunday and how God always provides you with that parallel to what we have just learned and how a “seeker” can take it and know Him. I can feel the power in the room as The Spirit works.
Many Sundays I wish the congregation would not start shutting thier Bibles, clicking pens and reaching for their handbags as if the sermon was over and the invitation was a formality. God is at work in that sanctuary and I would love for everyone to be able to take in your words in that time.
Hmmm, how do you tactfully say…”lunch can wait 30 more seconds…?”
I attend the first service and it is such a blessing!