Welcome back to my interview with Bill Kittrell, senior pastor of Cornerstone Church of Knoxville (TN). Read part one of the interview here.
Bill, if you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
Maybe Martin Luther because I think it would include a lot of laughter, and I like to laugh. Also because of his grasp of God’s sovereignty and grace that produced in him a life of faith and courage (I need this). Also because I think he would be patient with me regarding my sin.
But since I couldn’t do German or Latin, R.C. Sproul would be perfect. He’s alive and a Steelers fan! I’m available.
If this includes pastor/theologians it would be hands down John Flavel. He was a man of faith and courage, a fine theologian, and a careful and caring pastor.
What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?
It might not qualify as a single piece of counsel, but Jeff Purswell spent a couple of hours reviewing my preaching notes one day and trying to be, well, kind. He marginally succeeded.
Though I had heard this counsel before, that day Jeff was, um, more persuasive. My notes read:
The proposition communicates the Intended Redemptive Effect (I.R.E.) of the sermon—the purpose of the sermon. The prop is not just restating the info in the text.
Get the prop by answering these questions: What does God want this text to get done in this congregation this Sunday? What is the purpose of this sermon? God gave us this text to accomplish something in CCK [Cornerstone Church of Knoxville] today—what is it?
Every text has a claim. It places a claim on us: our heart; our life; our beliefs. What is the text saying today? What is the claim it is making on us?
Actually, now that I think back about it, Jeff was harsh with me that day.
What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
Books: Preaching and Preachers by Lloyd-Jones; Preach the Word edited by Ryken and Wilson; The Preacher and Preaching edited by Logan; Christ-Centered Preaching by Chapell; The Supremacy of God in Preaching by Piper; Feed My Sheep: A Passionate Plea for Preaching published by Soli Deo Gloria.
Example: C.J., I’ve tried to follow your example with severe gifting limitations, which has been depressing at times. But I can’t imagine trying to preach without your leadership and example.
What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
I remember the story you tell, C.J., of someone asking you after your daughter Nicole was born, “I bet Nicole is the apple of your eye?” And C.J. you responded by saying, “No, my wife Carolyn is the apple of my eye.”
I learned from this counsel (20+ years ago) how to lead my home with an emphasis on my relationship with Cheri. Now that my kids are growing up, getting married, and dumping me like a bad habit, I am grateful that Cheri is my best friend. I am grateful for all the times we have invested in our relationship over all other relationships.
C.J. you have also said that most men fail in cultivating romance with their wives because they fail to put their plans for romance in the calendar (which is required to make sure the above happen). So that helped, too.
Join me next time for the third and final portion of my interview with Bill Kittrell.