M. Mahan Siler was the pastor at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. The service begins with a song of worship (0:00-1:58). The congregation sings “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” (1:59-4:23). There is a moment of prayer (4:24-5:48). Siler expresses his gratitude for being able to speak (5:49-6:45). Siler reads Scripture from Mark 10 (6:46-9:34). Siler speaks about the ambition of James, John, and the other disciples and the confusion and betrayal they must have felt at Jesus’ death (9:35-13:57). He shares that he has heard of ministers having the same feeling (13:58-17:35). Slier explains how he personally felt the sense of betrayal from seminary and the church congregation when he was not met with the church he expected (17:36-18:59). He shares a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer that helped him realize that visionary dreaming in the church can be dishonoring to God (19:00-22:23). Siler compares the grief of the disciples when they felt betrayed by Jesus to the excitement of hearing that Jesus did rise from the dead (22:24-25:43). He speaks about how present-day ministers knowing their weakness means they can learn to live with it (25:44-31:04). The choir sings a song of worship (31:05-33:54). Siler asks the congregation to sing with him “Create in Me a Clean Heart” to close the service (33:55-35:20).
