Theology Of (Part III) | The One About That Dolly Parton Movie

·19 min·1 clip

A lay preacher reveals how a prayer for growth led to crafting a sermon that assumes an actual encounter with God.

The episode begins with the speaker, a lay preacher, humorously reflecting on how a prayer for growth led to this preaching opportunity, referencing a guidebook that defines preaching as inviting an encounter with God. They open by playing Dolly Parton's '9 to 5,' drawing parallels between the film's workplace struggles and universal work experiences, noting that work is a 'have-to' for earning wages and managing life. The speaker sets three intentions: reframing work as divine assignment, being open to redirection, and bearing love with others. A scripture reading from Genesis 2 reveals that the first humans were placed in Eden to 'till and keep' the garden, challenging the idea of Eden as a leisure paradise and framing work as part of God's original design. The word 'till' is explored as cultivation, applying to various roles like teachers, bankers, and volunteers. The speaker shares their own work in marketing and fitness coaching. A second reading from Exodus discusses Moses at the burning bush, where God interrupts his ordinary shepherding work with a calling to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, illustrating how divine redirection can occur in careers. The speaker personalizes this by recounting a health scare early in their career that led to a focus on healthcare marketing and fitness teaching. New Testament examples like Jesus calling fishermen as disciples are mentioned. The sermon then addresses practical challenges with difficult coworkers, referencing 'The Wizard of Oz' and Auntie Em's restraint, tying it to Paul's letter to the Ephesians about bearing with one another in love and keeping unity. Corporate analogies like 'seeking to understand' are used. The speaker admits struggles with difficult people at work but emphasizes guarding words with humility. They conclude by revisiting Dolly Parton's prayerful attitude, encouraging listeners to reframe work, be open to redirection, and bear love, applying these insights to Monday mornings.

As heard by us

Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" opens a practical sermon on Moses, work, and divine assignment.

Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" gives this sermon an easy doorway into a broader reflection on work, calling, and the ways ordinary tasks can take on spiritual weight.

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Why you'd press play

You want Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" to walk you into Moses, ordinary work, and a sermon about calling.

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