Walther, 1906. Chapter 9, “The First Sermon by the Pastor”

Chapter 9, “The First Sermon by the Pastor” pp. 50-54

Walther observes two important functions of the pastor’s first sermon, “1. what it [the congregation] is to expect from the one it has chosen; and 2. what he expects from it” (p. 51). The preacher will want to diverge from the pericope at least enough to present the new relationship being formed. The congregation needs to know of the pastor’s care as well as the pastor’s expectations from the congregation.

Walther suggests that it is wise to use the assigned pericope (p. 53). Yet he gives a variety of other suggested passages. Above all, the pastor will always preach Law and Gospel.