The Look of Unoriginality

Leave those internet sermons on the internet!

I know, I know, the Bible says. “There is nothing new under the sun” (Eccl. 1:9). But that doesn’t mean we are to be copycats, plagiarist, or plain old lazy in our preparation to minister the gospel.

Internet sermons can be useful tools in our preparation. They can inspire, offer illustrations, and enlighten. But they should not replace our first and foremost Source, the Holy Spirit. When preparing sermons, never, never, never research internet sermons first. Get into the habit of NOT DEPENDING or NEEDING them. You will stunt your development as a preacher if you choose to preach sermons prepared by others.

One problem I’ve witnessed is that of preachers allowing research assistants to prepare their sermons instead of just researching the scripture, big idea, or theme. Some of us sitting in the congregation are studious and not stupid. We know you didn’t prepare your sermon. As a matter of fact, we can pretty much figure out which of your sermon writers prepared the message! And here’s a tip to you who choose to continue in this venue—your sermon writers can’t hold water! In other words they will tell someone, who will tell another, who will tell another the truth about your “preparation time.”

The problem of preachers relying on sermons from the internet is growing in the church. I was in a small church setting and heard a guy preaching a message that just didn’t match his personality. I jotted down a few quotes from his message, googled, and WAH-LA—there it was in its entirety on the internet. I was in a larger church setting, and the same happened---same title, same introduction, same body---could this be a coincidence? I think not!

Here me out, I know sometimes you can get into a bind. But don’t fall into the trap of taking shortcuts in your preparation. Internet sermons are shortcuts. They can be a help—especially when seeking out illustrations. HOWEVER, internet sermons are NOT to be the only tool of research.

Recently Beyonce performed on the Billboard awards. I did not see the show, but I saw a clip of her performance that had been posted on Facebook by a friend. Beyonce had been accused of copying the routine of another artist. For proof, the video showed the performances by both artists side by side simultaneously. I must admit, I was shocked by the similarities. Also, I was a little disappointed that the choreographer of Beyonce’s routine could have possibly been a copycat.  Beyoncé's team admitted the routine was initially inspired by a similar performance by Italian singer Lorella Cuccarini. Once I viewed Beyonce’s video and the original video, I began thinking that someone has misrepresented themselves. A copycat, internet sermon preacher is misrepresenting the call God placed on you.

Check out the Beyonce video: