We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. –Romans 12:6

Last July, I attended a preaching workshop led by Thomas Troeger who is a well-respected Professor of Homiletics (that’s a fancy Latin-based word meaning “the art of preaching.”) at Yale Divinity School. One of the challenges he gave to us preachers was to consider whether we are preaching sermons that take into consideration all kinds of intelligences. We learn in different ways and our worship, including sermons, should take into account all of a human being.

Troeger relies on work done by Howard Gardner on educational theory, particularly a book he wrote in 1999 called Intelligence Reframed. Gardner identifies eight different kinds of intelligence.

Linguistic Intelligence means people are “word smart.” They have sensitivity to the spoken and written language, an ability to learn languages, and the capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals.

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence refers to people who are “logic smart.” They have a capacity to analyze problems logically, carry out mathematical operations and investigate issues scientifically.

Musical Intelligence refers to people who are “music smart.” They have skill in performance, composition, and an appreciation for musical patterns.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence indicates people who are “body smart.” They have the potential of using their whole body, or parts of the body (for example, the hand) to solve problems or fashion products.

Spatial Intelligence means that people are “picture smart.” They have the potential to recognize and manipulate patterns of wide space (for example, airline pilots), or patterns of more confined space such as sculptors and architects.

Interpersonal Intelligence identifies people who are “people smart.” They understand intentions, motivations, and desires of other people and they work effectively with others.
Intrapersonal Intelligence refers to people who are “self smart.” They have the capacity to understand themselves and have an effective working model of themselves and they tend to regulate their lives effectively.

Naturalist Intelligence means that people are “nature smart.” They have the ability to recognize and classify numerous species in the environment’s flora and fauna.

I do try to vary the style of my sermons. In fact, about three years ago, I took an idea from a colleague to develop sermons series after Christmas and Easter that would especially appeal to holiday visitors by addressing topics that are very practical and don’t seem obviously too churchy or dogmatic. But Troeger challenged me to think more broadly than style to consider whether my sermons overly rely on the ways I am intelligent instead of taking into account the whole array.

Some of you have expressed your preference for certain kinds of sermons. Some like sermons that focus very tightly on the scripture and explore it fully. Others prefer sermons that are more like lectures in which they learn something. Some like sermons that are story based that evoke emotion. What we are all expressing is the variety of ways we are intelligent and therefore the key ways we experience God’s love for us and in turn express love for God and neighbor.

Obviously, the sermon isn’t the only thing in worship that engages our intelligence. I had a profound experience on December 23 as the orchestra accompanied our opening hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful.” As the tympani rumbled and the violins soared and we sang together “O come let us adore him,” tears rolled down my cheeks as the music ushered me into an experience of the sheer grandeur of God and the beauty and joy of coming humbly to worship in awe of God’s gift of a child. Perhaps that would be an example of engaging musical intelligence.

Starting January 13th, I’ll begin a four-week series called “Relationship Cures,” that will primarily draw on Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Intelligence. I’ll try to include things that will draw upon other kinds of intelligence as well, so don’t stay home if this isn’t your strong suit. In fact, perhaps if you are especially weak in these kinds of intelligences, you might be helped by this very practical approach to addressing sticky relationship troubles. This is a great time to invite someone who doesn’t have a home church. Ask God to help you muster up the courage to speak to that friend, acquaintance, relative or neighbor that you’ve been meaning to invite.

Walking with you as we follow Jesus,
Debra