I remember when a weak pastor tried to check me about using “secular music lyrics” in my sermon when I was a guest preacher at “his” church. Aggressions like this are common for women pastors/preachers, but the truth is that he was never able to connect with that congregation in ways that I did in one sermon. The truth is that he simply envied the congregational and contextual exegesis that enabled me to read the room and preach to reach each ache (as @revdrtfrybrown taught us in seminary).
Indeed, I value the way some preachers engage current events, political issues, and pop culture references to increase the relevance of messages for diverse audiences. My friend, Pastor Peter Edward Matthews does a great job of that here when he takes Regina King’s film, One Night in Miami, and makes historical and contemporary connections with multiple audiences via allusions to music, movies, economics, and culture without diluting the challenge and conviction of the Good News. I also like the incorporation of technology and art. Sure, all that requires more time and resources — and many faith communities are under resourced — but as my folks used to say, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
I recall that somewhere it’s written, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof....” No secular/sacred dualisms please! I’m glad to teach about why, but for now, enjoy this word of encouragement from our brother, @peterematthews.