Godly Play

I am now, and always have been a good student. I have excellent study habits. I take good notes. I make good grades on most of my sermons. For many years I saw this as the only way to do ministry - to be constantly reading and studying and trying to "make the grade" among my peers. Recently, however, I have found a fatal flaw to that line of thinking about and doing ministry. It disconnects me from my people and my community. I would venture to say that almost no one I preach to has a Master of Divinity. They wouldn't know a periscope from a hermeneutical triangle. I discovered I had to get out of the books and out of the office and find out what was going on in the "real" world!
The apostle Paul knew this instinctively. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23  he explains how we are to include the world as a part of our "research":

Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.  When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.  When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.  I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

I need to get out more. Enjoy people and get to know them. Find the ones who need a friend. Find the things they are passionate about. Find the things they are worried about. I need to play with them. It helps so much in finding the context in which I am called to preach.
There's more to it, though. I found that as I went out among strangers to make friends, something in me changed. I became more relaxed and friendly. I learned how to let down and just be me. In trying to reach others for Christ, I found myself easily sharing my story with strangers. Now, I'm an introvert, so just talking to someone I don't know is hard for me. Yet, God worked on me and changed me as I introduced myself to various people in the community. I found a holy boldness that I have never had! In attempting to bless others, I am the one who was blessed! People shared their stories with me. Strangers shared their faith and their doubts with me. We prayed together for the needs of ourselves and the community. And I felt blessed.
I don't know if my little "field trip" will improve my sermons, but I DO KNOW it has improved my walk with Christ. I pray that God will continue to guide me out of the office and into the world that needs to know Jesus loves them. My dad used to always greet anyone on his path with the words: "God loves you and I love you!" And he meant it. And people would often respond in like kind. Or some people just kept on walking. But the seed was planted....