Some of you out there might know that at southern cross we run a preaching group, a group of guys learning to prepare and deliver bible talks, who speak at other presbyterian churches around our region. I thought it’d be good to let everyone know about what’s been happening with these guys so far. This year we have a couple of guys (Dave Huxley, Dave Kemsley and Mitch Grivins) continuing from last year, as well as a few new guys stepping up to the plate: James Ritchie, Dylan Brooks and Mark Tirris. Most of these guys recently gave a series of talks from Colossians at Byron Bay and Bangalow Presbyterian churches.

Since he was in the office at the right time, I thought I’d ask one of the guys, Mark Tirris, how’s he’s found being involved in the preaching group this year.

1. So you preached on Colossians 4… did preparing the talk cause you to gain any new insight into this passage?

Did it ever! It was the first time I’d ever read a letter and read it like a letter, I’d never done that before. I read it verse by verse, chapter by chapter. So I felt like I really understood more what Paul was thinking as he was writing, what their situation they were in and why it was relevant.

2.This was your first time giving a talk in front of a congregation…how difficult did you find that?

The first time I was pretty nervous, but I didn’t find it too hard, they were really supportive. But preparing the talk was very difficult, very time consuming.

3. So would you ever do it again?

I’d love to do it again, so long as I had a lot of time to prepare it.

4. Why would you love to do it again?

Because of the insight I gained into the passage, and I’m able to share passion for God with people.