Good counsel here - but I'm a manuscript guy. Can't imagine ever being anything else. The task it too important not to have clearly thought out every word, every phrase, and every flow in the message. Frankly, I don't trust myself to speak without a full manuscript, though things almost always come out extemporaneously that I haven't written. Far be it from me to dispute Dr. Clark or any other accomplished preacher, but just do what feels best to you -- manuscript, outline, or hybrid. And if full manuscript is your way to go, learn to retain good eye contact. I've found that repeatedly reading and praying over your manuscript (like, multiple multiple times) helps with that. Be so familiar with it that you know what comes next, and keep your eyes on your people. My two-cents. :-)
Of course, Dr. Clark is “pro manuscript,” just not in the pulpit. He thinks we should, once written, leave it in the study 😉
Good counsel here - but I'm a manuscript guy. Can't imagine ever being anything else. The task it too important not to have clearly thought out every word, every phrase, and every flow in the message. Frankly, I don't trust myself to speak without a full manuscript, though things almost always come out extemporaneously that I haven't written. Far be it from me to dispute Dr. Clark or any other accomplished preacher, but just do what feels best to you -- manuscript, outline, or hybrid. And if full manuscript is your way to go, learn to retain good eye contact. I've found that repeatedly reading and praying over your manuscript (like, multiple multiple times) helps with that. Be so familiar with it that you know what comes next, and keep your eyes on your people. My two-cents. :-)