A friend told me about attending a worship service when he was a new pastor and the pastor called on him to preach.

A young pastor went to another church
to sit in a pew and observe
an experienced pastor weave a web
of words with much calmness of nerve.

The service began a few minutes late.
Hymns were sung and the prayers were prayed.
Offering plates were passed down all the rows
and a special number was played.

The young preacher sat back to watch and learn
from the pastor’s well prepared speech.
Before getting comfy he was asked
to come to the pulpit and preach.

He stood to apologize and decline,
“I don’t have a sermon”, he said.
After he was seated she preached the Word.
And the gospel was fully spread.

Last “amens” were said when she went to him.
She gave him an important clue.
“Young man,” she said, “you need to know
to always have a sermon with you.”