Preaching Moment 337: Otis Moss III on Improvisation



Using the scenario of the tragedy at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C., Pastor Otis Moss III shares how a heightened preparation and sensitivity to what is happening in the community can aid in sermon improvisation.

According to Moss, “there’s a level of preparation where you are sensitive to what is happening in the moment but also sensitive to what’s leading up to the moment.”

“We were talking about prophetic grief. Not pathetic, but prophetic grief. What does prophetic grief look like, to be able to work while tears are flowing from your eyes. To be able to have a bifurcated vision of throwing the dirt on the casket and at the same time speaking truth to power.”