Access to the sermons of great communicators is easier than ever. Plagiarism isn't just about what it does to the person I stole it from. It's about what it does to the level of trust with those who will hear me. They may not be able to articulate this, but my listeners come with the expectation that what I'm sharing came through honest, prayerful work. If I'm not careful, I can abuse the privilege and select excerpts from my life that make me look smarter, funnier, and kinder than I'll ever be.
Love does cover a multitude of pastoral sins.
If my flock recognizes my voice as that of a loving undershepherd, they will listen with ears of trust and faith. They'll know instinctively I have their best interests at heart. They'll think I'm a better preacher than I really am. Ed Rowell is assistant editor of Leadership and editor of Preaching Today . Fall 1997, Vol.