safe space in a sermon

Looking at things I would not want to experience in a sermon, these would be: not being laughed about, shamed, made fun of, or left alone. For me it boils down to: not being first invited and then rejected.

For example, to be invited to think about something and then (just when one starts thinking) to be told how and what to think are forms of rejection of one’s contribution. Being invited to respond, but not leaving time (by continuing to talk or by providing an answer) is a rejection and a dishonouring.

It is important to leave room for people to move into and to honour that space as precious. A sermon does not stand on its own. Safe space is an attitude not a technique.

The honouring of people and the space a sermon may open for them has to go beyond the sermon. The conduct of the whole person counts: parishioners need to know that their contributions count and are held dear.

One can never know what rooms get opened for listeners. After a sermon, in treating the people with dignity we have to tread softly, because we may tread on their dreams, hopes or fears.