We had such a great question in the comments on a recent post that we wanted to pull it out and get your response. The question, from James Gleason, at isonrise.com is this:
I'm new to CP since C3 in January and wonder how to use Ed's (and his team's) ideas in my sermons. What do you guys/gals usually do when you use a sermon point, an outline, or even download a transcript? Do you give Ed credit? How much of it becomes "yours" as you modify it and present it to your church setting?
We'd love to have you church leaders chime in on that one, but in the meantime we'll share our thoughts. Ed always says that if you are going to use someone else's idea, make sure you take it to the next level. In other words, improve upon it! Some of the best examples we've heard of lately have been coming from pastors using our In the Zone series at their churches. Check out what Brian Moon from Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Tarpon Springs, Fla. did:
I am a student pastor / church starter in the Tampa area and I recently spoke for both our Sunday morning services. I picked up the "In the Zone (Skittles)" talk and called it "The Sweet Spot" and tied it into the sweet spot on a golf club. I changed the skittles to M & M's (Money & Material Possesions). The response from the service was outstanding and the following week I came into my office on Monday and found a bank envelope that said, "For student ministry use." Inside was $1,000 cash!!! A real "Yeah God" moment followed!!
As Brian shows us in this example, the key is to make it your own. Ed uses many personal illustrations, which not only help our church members get to know him, but also show that he is a fellow struggler, just like us. Where Ed tells a story from his life, it's the perfect opportunity to add your own twist. What experience do you have with the situation? Is there a particular aspect of the subject that your membership needs to hear about? That's what will make your message truly authentic and effective for your church.
Our messages can also be used as idea generators. Many times pastors will use our media or transcripts as catalysts for brainstorming. The ideas start flowing and next thing you know you end up with a message that is completely different—and even better!
I use Ed's stuff to create idea flow with our creative team. Then we design our own ideas, themes, and thought trails from that starting point. If we really like what Ed did, and we use a large chunk of it, I give him credit in the service or on printed material. The primary benefit of Ed's stuff is a great direction, an initial take, that gets our team moving.
Posted by: Chris Bell | July 19, 2005 at 04:13 PM