Randy Harris plans to take an eight-month hiatus from preaching beginning Sep. 1.

Harris, spiritual director and professor for the College of Biblical Studies, said he has been traveling and preaching at churches almost every weekend for the past 15 years.

“My speaking and my listening are out of whack,” Harris said, “so for a little while I’m going to talk a little less and listen more.”

Harris, who is also the spiritual director for the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry, gave his last sermon before the break at a ministers’ luncheon hosted by Siburt Institute at the Hunter Welcome Center on Aug. 29. 

The topic entitled “Does the Church Matter?” was aimed to discuss the decline in church involvement throughout society, including the younger generation of churchgoers, and how there is an increase in the religious preference of ‘none.’

Harris spoke to the other ministers about how to recognize, appreciate and highlight the church’s relevance. Afterward there was a discussion about what actions the church can take to engage its present reality and ignite its future possibilities. 

Though Harris does not plan to preach again until April, he will continue to teach Bible classes in the meantime.