Firstly, it must be pointed out that the subject under discussion is sermons; given at sacrament meetings, conferences and the like. There has always been room for the reading of prepared papers in seminars and similar meetings, and quite often youth have been encouraged to prepare short addresses on specific topics, like ’scripture gems’ for those who remember them. Likewise, those teaching classes such as Sunday School will often have prepared a short talk, possibly to set the scene for discussion. Also, there may occasionally be letters or notices to be read to the congregation, and probably other exceptions that I have overlooked. However, with these situations excepted, it can be clearly shown that the early practice of the church was extemporaneous sermons, with an abhorrence for written talks. …
“With the Latter-day Saints, the idea of writing sermons or preparing addresses beforehand is entirely discarded; it never was practised amongst them.” (George A. Smith JD 13:292)
And to show that this was not just a local phenomenon, but instead, a church-wide practice:
“Hence the folly of sermons written beforehand; and unless the written beforehand sermons are by revelation, or prophecy, all men the world over, may know when they hear a sermon read from the pulpit, that God has no hand in that matter; and the preacher is not sent of God; and is not God’s servant.” (Editorial, Deseret News, 4th September 1852)
Were not the earlier Saints told:
“… take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” (Matthew 10:19-20)
As Moroni pointed out:
“…their meetings were …after …the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done.” (Moroni 6:9)
And closer to our times:
“…it always has been given …and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit.” (D&C 46:2)
This is not to be compared with a system where Saints earnestly pray for the Spirit to direct, and then structure meetings to largely prevent Heavenly direction, most often arranging speakers, topics, even hymns and prayers, in advance of the meeting.
To listen to a Saint who does not prepare a talk is to listen to an honest expression of his or her beliefs and understanding and experiences, not another’s words or learning prepared at another time. It provides much greater room for inspiration and the influence of the Spirit; not just in how the subject is addressed, but the very choice of subject and the whole direction the sermon takes. Certainly, an individual will benefit from preparing a talk, for they are studying the Gospel and will receive the blessings of doing that; they go astray when they use that talk in a meeting, for there is ‘a more excellent way.’ Thus, as they do not know who will be called upon to speak, Saints arrive at a meeting to truly take part, not just to passively listen. They are there as potential participants, not casual observers. No-one prepares a talk once a year and then settles back to inactivity for 51 weeks. Rather, they are encouraged to live the Gospel, so that at any moment they are ready to expound upon it. As Wilford Woodruff commented:
“It is well known to the Latter-day Saints – though perhaps not to strangers – that no Elder or member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who enters into this tabernacle knows who is going to be called upon to speak to the people. Hence no man spends a week, a day, an hour, or a moment to prepare a discourse to deliver unto the people.” (JD 24:236)
Hence the Saints are prepared to discuss the Gospel with others, rather than read talks to each other. Their worship is personal, they speak with the Saints and with God, rather than read a talk to them.
As one who has been privileged to conduct, observe and participate in meetings and conferences under the current Church system, over a period of years, and then contrasting this with the experience of conducting, observing and participating in meetings which are organised as led by the Spirit, where no-one knows if they are to be called upon, where no-one even knows how many speakers there will be, or for how long they will each speak, I can testify that the Spirit can be poured out upon the Saints in great measure only as we conduct our meetings in the way God has set forth clearly in His scriptures. It is a more excellent way.
From Volume 2, Issue 1 of Truth Seeker magazine.
