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May 2008
I have often dreamed of this possibility, but never thought it would happen. On Sunday, May 18, at the 10:45 service (the only service that day as we move to the summer schedule), Dr. Fred B. Craddock, my beloved former preaching professor, will deliver the sermon in the Mayflower pulpit. Dr. Craddock is arguably the most respected teacher of preaching in the United States, and one of the most revered preachers in America. If you have never heard him, but wonder why I speak of him so often, make plans to attend church on May 18 - but get there early! Our amazing good fortune is owed to an unfortunate event followed by a kind gesture on the part of a Mayflower member. Fred has a daughter, Laura, who lives in Oklahoma City. Last year, she and her husband lost their home in a fire and Fred wrote to me asking if there was an attorney who could represent her in dealing with the insurance company. Fred said, "Rumor has it, Mayflower is flush with lawyers!" Dave Thomas volunteered and did his work pro bono. Fred was so pleased that he wrote to say he "owed us one." Quickly I replied, "One sermon at Mayflower would be just fine." "Done" he replied, "One sermon at Mayflower in the near future." Quickly again I replied. "The near future? You are giving the commencement address at Phillips Theological Seminary on May 17. Why don't you just let us bring you down to OKC after the ceremony, and you can see your daughter, check out their new house, thank Dave in person and preach at Mayflower." "So be it," he replied, and characteristic of Fred, added, "My people will be in touch with your people." Fred Craddock retired as the Bandy Distinguished Professor of Preaching and New Testament at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, after serving Phillips Theological Seminary for nearly two decades. An ordained minister of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Dr. Craddock has served pastorates in Tennessee and Oklahoma. He delivered the Lyman Beecher Lectures on Preaching at Yale, the Scott Lectures at Claremont School of Theology, the Adams Lectures at Southeastern Baptist Seminary, the Schaff Lectures at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, the Cole Lectures at Vanderbilt, the Westervelt Lectures at Austin Presbyterian Seminary, the Mullins Lectures at Southwest, and Earl Lectures at Pacific School of Religion. He has preached in countless pulpits around the world, including The Riverside Church in New York City. His books on preaching have so changed the way pastors approach their art that scholars have referred to his work as a "Copernican revolution." "Preaching is not about telling people what they need to hear," he said, "so much as it is about helping them to hear what it is they need to say." To accomplish this, preachers must shape their sermons inductively, and rediscover the power of narrative form. Dr. Craddock has written numerous books, including The Pre-Existence of Christ (1968), As One Without Authority (1971), Overhearing the Gospel (1978), The Gospels (1981), commentaries on John (1982) and Philippians (1984), Preaching (1985), and a commentary on Luke (1990). A native of Humbolt, Tennessee, Dr. Craddock is married to Nettie and they have a daughter (Laura) and a son (John). We have made the Disciples community in Oklahoma aware of his visit, and are preparing for a large crowd. Overflow seating will be set up in Milligan Hall, with a video/audio feed of the sermon available for all who cannot be accommodated in the sanctuary. Seating will be first- come, first seated. Don't miss it. It will be a day to remember. |
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