Interview: Minister Kwame Ronnie Vanderhorst on Preaching

Ronnie Vanderhorst Interview Email:
Janepelote@aol.com wrote:
Vanderhorst,
I just want to personally say thank you for your continued ministry. I was present today at the Oakwood Academy Graduation and your message was powerful (as usual), which leads me to let you know how much I admire and respect your ministry. I know that you don't "plant seeds" for recognition, but a "prophet is truly without honor in his own country." You are one of the best SDA preachers--hands down. And you have been that consistently for the past 20 years or more. You are sincere, vulnerable, graphic, convicting, eloquent, RELEVANT, and flat out anointed. I don not say these things to "gas your head" as it were, but rather to let you know that you are highly un-appreciated as a preacher by our denomination.

I can't tell you how many young preachers (myself specifically) and young people have been converted as a result of your preaching. You have been and continue to be a prophet to the generations.

I have heard you so much for so long that I find myself in my own preaching "unknowingly" imitating your style.

Honest Questions:
1. How do you stay so relevantly informed as it relates to young people (i feel you know my generation better than me when I here you)?
2. What are you reading?
3. If you could teach a class on preaching what would be the "Vanderhorst Method" of exegesis and preparation (I honestly want to know...you need to be studied)?

Anyway just wanted to drop this word of APPRECIATION on you brother.

MyRon

From: ronnievanderhorst@yahoo.com
To: janepelote@aol.com
Re: Thank You!
Date: Tue, May 29, 2007 3:44 PM

Man of God,

You know how to make a grown man cry! Seriously! I am so humbled to read this. You don't know how little encouragement I get. I guess since I am constantly trying to give it, that most people don't think I need it. Thank you. I have learned early in my ministry to "encourage myself in the Lord," so I don't look for it or expect it. But, it feels good to be encouraged by someone else every blue moon. You don't know how you uncapped a fountain within me that has been percolating within. You can tell with my long response.

Let me say that Yahweh has truly anointed you. I'm following you. I heard your whole Spring Revival last year at Mt. Rubidoux. In fact, I was listening to you you again last week on your church website - from Mr. Rubidoux. Your message at Oakwood's graduation was awesome! I hope I get a chance to hear your sermon at the Convocation in Pasadena. You and your contemporaries are next level preachers in our church. Each generation perfects the previous generation's stuff.

I'm amazed at the things you said below. I've never been as cognizant of the "total effect" of my ministry over the years. Maybe if I was, I would have interfered long ago, so the Lord has kept me virtually oblivious to most of it. He does grant opportunity to me to see "fruit" from time to time, but I only know when someone, such as yourself, tell me.

The truth is that I have walked a lonely path - in ministry. Years ago, I had a human desire to be recognized or acknowledged, even though I was not in pastoral ministry, but early on, I saw that would not be the case. My spiritual (biblical) twin is the apostle Saul. We have such a close experience that it's frightening (especially as it pertains to martyrdom - smile). But he had a solid upbringing. So did I. So much so that I don't have any childhood baggage. I have nothing to work through emotionally from growing up. That's how good and balanced (spiritual, sense of humor and peaceful) it was.

After Pine Forge, I had my Damascus Road experience. I immediately went into my wilderness experience and studied the Word day and night, just as Saul went into the Arabian desert after his conversion. I went to Oakwood, but they were locked into pastoral ministry and had nothing for self-supporting ministry. The year and a half I was there was for character work. I left, started Prepare Our Youth, and got married that same year. So like Saul, my ministry has been primarily to the "gentiles" (community). Self supporting or independent ministry, especially with an emphasis on the inner city, is not accepted by our church, and even our own regional conferences. I have been constantly reminded over the years that I am not "in the work." Thus, I have been shunned for the most part.

I have been presenting for national venues for educational, civic and social organization for many years. 99% of the invitations I get in our churches have come through auxiliary, not the pastor. I do know that there is a fraternity of pastoral ministers, and I am not in it. I don't have time to tell you all the opposition I have received, (and still receive) over the years. But they spiritual stance that I have maintained to this very day is that I could be ever so right, but if my spirit or attitude is wrong, I'm just as wrong as those who have said or done wrong against me. So I've never retaliated or complained. Saul had his challenges with the brethren but it did not deter him from doing the work he was called to do.

So like Saul, the Lord has given me my assignments over the years, and I have sought to be faithful to Him. Yahweh promised in His Word that if I humble myself, in due time, He would exalt me - but for His glory alone. And I will let you know that I am at the precipice of His promise coming to pass. It has everything to do with my present assignment, which will be revealed shortly. This is one that Oprah, Bill Gates, Bill Cosby, Tavis Smiley, etc., will totally embrace and assist in funding. The Holy Spirit has already confirmed that to me. (Probably then, will some try to latch on or "claim me", like the church did when Street became mayor - when they had previously dissed him for his activism. Watch what God is about to do with this assignment! (But the church will not be able to get or take credit for what the Lord Himself does.)

It's a lonely path, but I have not been alone. I have a few good friends like your dad and a couple others who I know have been with me from day one in friendship and spirit. And then when you say what you said, I thank God that this lonely journey has not been in vain for your generation. I used to wonder how Malcolm, Sojourner, Martin, and others of our people got down on that lonely road. The Holy Spirit gave me a simple revelation. It was because of the love of the truth.



Goodness and mercy has followed me all the days of my life! And Yahweh has done exceedingly, abundantly, above all I am able to ask or think!


Honest Questions:
1. How do you stay so relevantly informed as it relates to young people (I feel you know my generation better than me when I hear you)?

A. This answer is going to sound strange to you, but this is how I flow. The relevancy comes with understanding human nature (or what Messiah alluded to when He said, "I know what was in man") than keeping up with the ever-changing fads, words and stuff that pertain to this young generation.

My secret is that I constantly observe, study and research "what is in youth." I am an avid reader but I don't read youth-oriented material like Source, Vibe, Yo magazines. I don't look at snapshots of the videos on BET. (I used to read or peek at a video or two years ago to try to stay informed, but I stopped. That stuff changes so fast, and it is really non-informative to me. So years ago I started reading and researching accurate information pertaining to youth.

My philosophy comes from people who are readily able to identify counterfeit money. The interesting thing is that they never study counterfeit money. They only study real money, so that they are quickly able to identify the counterfeit. I don't study the counterfeit lives, fads and lifestyles of young people. I don't read their authors, artists, magazines, view their shows, etc. I read and research things that pertain to human nature, the mind, how habits are formed, addictions, health-related information (stats and articles on STD/HIV/AIDS, incarceration rates, youth suicide, youth education issues, family matters, youth mental health challenges, etc.) I truly believe that the number one challenge of youth is mental health - which is different from mental illness.

So when I encounter youth, or groups, etc., I am readily able to assess them and their primary issues and challenges they are dealing with. Then I ask the Lord to help me prepare to address the "root" issues or causes instead of articulating on their behaviors. So in my presentations it may sound as if I am "keeping up" with all their fads, etc., but I am really addressing root causes, or instructing them in what they need to know or do to counter the root causes that are impediments in their lives.

I told you this sounds strange, but I don't "chase rabbits" because there is so much drama and changing fads as it relates to youth.

2. What are you reading?
A. MyRon, I read voraciously. But when I read a book, once I understand the concept, I can put the book down; I don't have to read anymore. I just process the concepts through my own sieve, file it, and use it if I need it, when I need it; or trash it. But I'll usually finish the book for discipline sake. But when I'm writing, I will stay away from any topic that I am addressing in the book I'm writing.

I read the Word, daily, along with the Conflict of the Ages series. I'm reading books that deal with health (physical and mental-emotional), male-female relationships, African-centered books, etc.) I read five or six books at a time. Half of my readings are by African American women. (I have to get their, fresh perspective, too.)

If there is one spiritual book that I recommend you read is, The Spiritual Man - by Watchman Nee. (Anything by Nee is good. He's my #1 theologian).

3. If you could teach a class on preaching what would be the "Vanderhorst Method" of exegesis and preparation (I honestly want to know...you need to be studied)?

A. Years ago, I God-wrestled one night with Yahweh. I asked Him for an answer for my sojourn, which was vastly different from the rest of the brethern. He led me to a quotation (not EGW) that said, "Those who suffer most for Christ are better able to understand what He suffered for us." And then the Holy Spirit spoke to me as clear as a bell and said, "The Lord is learning how to trust you enough to make you a co-sufferer with Him." I cried like a baby! I have no more questions.

My journey has put me in such proximity with the Lord and His suffering (as it pertains to people misunderstanding me, misquoting me and misinterpreting me) but that proximity has been the reason of my longevity. I'm am closest to Him, not in the pulpit, but when opposition and trials come to me, because I am identifying with Him, and He with me. My favorite verse is Romans 8:17, 18.

The way I approach the Word (Messiah) is that I study His mind, His life, His attitude, His psyche, His compassion, His miracles, His work ethic, His communication style, His attitude toward opposition, His balance, and so much more about Him. I study Him to a tee. I'm still studying Him. When He said, the Word "testifies of Me." I found the secret of the effective studying, preaching and ministering. It's Him! I don't study counterfeits. I study the real person. He can tell me more about Himself that some theologian can tell me about Him. Although I will see at times what revelation (perspective) an author has been given of Him.

I never had a homiletics course at Oakwood. My homiletics class was on street corners preaching to hustlers, prostitutes, folk on the bus stop, etc., in Youngstown, Ohio. My buddy (Jeff Baskins) and I would see if people would miss busses to sit there and listen. If we were "bringing it" they stayed. If we were bringing it, drug dealers, etc., would stand there and listen. If we weren't bringing it, people would get on the bus, or folk would move down a few blocks to another corner until we finished, packed up our portable mic and speaker and left.

My friend and I used to use the back seat of my car as the altar. After making an appeal, we would take them one by one into the back seat of the car and pray with them. We had many folk who gave their lives to the Lord, but never joined the church, because we weren't out to proselytize. Those were the days! (Whenever your dad had something on the street in front of his churches, he would always call me to come preach on the street for him. We had some times out there in Jersey and Baltimore.)

People study the Scriptures. (I also know, as you do, that studying for a sermon is no substitute for your own personal, daily devotion with the Lord.) I study the Savior. He knew what was in man. He knew how to tap men and women at the core of their being. Even though He didn't engage in their sinful activities, he could relate because of how He flowed "out of the pulpit." His love and passion for their well-being always flashed through, and the people knew He was sincere. The grassroots people heard Him gladly. It was His life that spoke volumes. Even as I read the Scriptures every day, I never read for information, only for a relationship with Him.

My mother told me something when I told her that was was going into ministry full time. She said, "You will preach your sermons long before you get in the pulpit. What people see of you outside of the pulpit will tell whether they will listen once you get in the pulpit." It has been my privilege and prayer to be a man of integrity, passion, compassion, eternally optimistic, creative and spiritual outside of the pulpit. It is there where I have sought to connect with people, especially young people, and the Lord has assisted me to plant seeds outside of the pulpit, which in turn makes a difference when I get in the pulpit.

One thing I have always been impressed by the Holy Spirit to do is self-disclosure. When I let them know some of the things I struggled with, or things I went through, they connect. (I see that you are are not afraid to do the same, admitting faults and mistakes; when you have failed God, etc.,). Self disclosure - while letting discretion preserve us, as Solomon said) brings us into close proximity with people, their struggles and their needs. People are more willing to listen to how God helped you through it, and are in a position to receive the Word.

Sermon preparation for me is also listening. I can't preach anything I don't hear to preach. Believe or not, it takes me about three months to put a sermon together, because I have to live with it for a while. (I don't have that gift like you brothas who can go in on Friday evening and preach it the next day!). Every message I preach or presentation I give is more experiential than theoretical. I have to process it for a while.

As I listen, I get a "seed" for a message or presentation at anytime or any place. When I read Ebony and the interview that Common did with Harry Belafonte, "Tag, You're It" jumped out at me, because I could relate to playing that game. All I got was the title, then I began to pray for the substance to accompany that seed. It ended up as Purpose.

When I preach or present, I engage all my senses - taste, touch, smell, hear, and see. Is there anything in that scripture that I can bring my senses to bear on? I try to picture the faces of the characters in that scripture - what I think they look like; what they might be wearing, what their style might be, and how they might talk. (I see and hear Peter as a trash talker. Nathaniel as a quiet, deep thinker. Simon the Zealot as a wide-eyed, slightly off his rocker). What I do is humanize the Biblical characters, as I sense them. This gives them diverse personalities that I contemporize for today's audience. In "Can You Hear Me Now?", I called Jonah, Joe.

Next, I try to engage the listener's senses. If I can get them to see this personality as a contemporary, instead of some long-ago biblical character, then they can relate to them better. That's why I had young David take off Saul's armor and put on a LeBron cap and jersey, jeans and Tims to go out and fight Goliath in my sermon, The Power of One.

Thirdly, I know that we all have a primary learning style, either auditory, visual or kinesthetic. Some learn best through hearing, others through seeing and the last group who learns through touching or activity. My presentations or messages have to reach those three groups. That's why understanding learning styles is the path of least resistance to give information and instruction, as I write in one of my parenting books.

Even when it is only the spoken word, certain words or adjectives can become pictures for those who are visual, and explaining a process becomes kinesthetic to those who learn through activity or feelings. Certain words, terms or phraseology causes pictures or emotions to be accessed. For example, I said that Pharisees strutted around with ostentatious peacock attitudes. A lot can be said with a few, colorful words. But these three words covered the auditory, visual and kinethetic people in the congregation. Speaking to their learning styles can get and keep their attention, for the most part, if we have something substantive to say.

Finally, I preach in alignment with natural and spiritual principles. Understanding natural principles is a prelude for understanding spiritual reality. The Savior used nature (sheep, lilies, etc.) that which was in the sphere of their environment, to draw deeper spiritual lessons. Furthermore, all nature function from center-to-circumference, from the inside out. So my messages have to affect their spirit, soul and body (1 Thes. 5:23). When we preach, teach, and present from the inside out, we are in alignment with natural and spiritual principles. Work from the inside out.

For instance, what things have affected their human spirit? Where is their spirit interrupted? Then moving out to the Soul (thoughts, emotions and will). And finally the body. When a person's spirit is interrupted, it automatically affects the soul (their thoughts, emotions and will), and the Body is simply the servant that carries it out. People need their spirit restored, their soul (thoughts, emotions and will) instructed, and their body will follow the spirit and soul's dictates.

I hear a lot of sermons and it doesn't seem as if most ministers know what part of the person they are intending to address. It's like shooting a bow and arrow, but not knowing what the target is. Is the intent to affect their will - which is their decision-making faculty? Is it teach them how to change their thinking? The African proverb says, "If you don't know where you're going, then any road will lead you there." Where's the target? If the minister is not clear, the people listening won't be clear. Or it's like getting into a car. Everybody in the car should know where they're going, and what part they are to play in getting to the destination. Oftentimes that's not clear in a lot of sermons.

What did I want the OA graduates to know? Your Purpose. Know you have a Purpose. Know it is dangerous not to know your Purpose. (Examples of the consequences of Unknown Purpose to drive home that point. Know where you can get your Purpose from - your Creator.

The bottom line is that I always pray for the spirit of wisdom and revelation. And He gives it to me. Well, I'll let you go get some work done. Hit me up whenever you need to.

I'm sending you my manual entitled Communiversity. I sent it to Wesley. This is a manual I wrote years ago that can get all your church involved in community ministry. We'll have to talk about it. Let me know if you can use it there.

Be Encouraged,
Vanderhorst