Preaching is a sacred tradition of conveying God’s divine word to the public. It’s capable of profoundly transforming lives when executed skillfully. A well-crafted sermon leaves a lasting emotional impact on the soul, offering valuable insights to the listener. As a church leader, you should always be looking for ways to improve your preaching.
Teaching sermons is a deeply personal endeavor that sparks inspiration within society and cultivates enduring connections among diverse members of the ministry. However, effective preaching is more than mere public speaking; it demands a unique skill set. A seasoned preacher embodies charisma and faith.
It’s these essential qualities — and many others — that contribute to the power and effectiveness of their message when addressing a congregation. Here are a few ways you can improve your preaching. Because if there’s one thing we learn in life, it’s that there’s always room for improvement.
Always Kick Off With Prayer
Every sermon is an act of divine grace. Commence each session by seeking communication with God. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your delivery. Follow the example of Jesus, who frequently withdrew to pray for guidance (Luke 5:16).
While in communion with God, seek His blessings, express gratitude for the privilege of preaching His word, and receive the clarity of mind needed for your sermon.
As aptly stated by John Owen, a sermon is crafted not by focusing solely on the sermon itself, but by directing both eyes toward the people and dedicating the entire heart to God.
Make Your Opener Impactful
The opening of your sermon holds the power to shape its flow and influence the response of your audience. While the explanation is crucial, people are not inclined to hear repetitive content. To effectively deliver the timeless teachings of the Bible, minimize the use of church jargon and present digestible interpretations.
In today’s modern age, church attendees have shorter attention spans than previous generations. To prevent disengagement, it is important to begin with strength and sincerity, ensuring that every word you preach carries genuine meaning. This helps to capture and maintain their focus, preventing distractions such as social media or handheld games.
How to Improve Preaching By Starting Strong
There are various strategies to achieve this. One approach is to start with an attention-grabbing statement, such as “The Devil constantly tempts us,” or vividly describe biblical scenes like the stations of the cross or the tragic story of Lot, which evoke strong human emotions.
Engaging your audience through thought-provoking questions is another powerful method. For instance, ask, “If God is so mighty, why do innocent children suffer from cancer?” Such questions encourage reflection, making individuals contemplate their faith and search within their hearts for answers. Even the strongest faith faces challenges, like a sword sharpened on a whetstone.
Humor can also be an effective tool in opening a sermon. Begin with a lighthearted joke and then connect its essence to the underlying message of your sermon. Humor creates a comfortable atmosphere for the audience, as laughter has a soothing effect on the soul.
Remember the Importance of Storytelling
Lastly, captivating storytelling is always appreciated. Share an intriguing narrative that carries profound meaning, and perhaps even includes an unexpected twist. Audiences enjoy hearing about scenarios that differ from their everyday lives, and witnessing how God works through diverse situations.
A well-planned opener sets the tone and theme for your entire sermon. As Philip Brooks once said, “Preaching is the communication of the Gospel through the personality of the preacher.” Therefore, it is crucial to let your energy shine through from the very first sentence, allowing your passion to be evident.
Focus on Preparation When Improving Your Preaching
Preachers must remain dedicated to their calling, approaching each sermon with careful preparation. As stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.” Some speakers invest significant time and effort, spending hours, days, and even weeks in planning for the perfect sermon.
They diligently prepare notes, graphics, and other supporting materials to enhance their delivery. Research plays a vital role, and there are two approaches to consider. One approach involves selecting specific biblical quotes and constructing the message around them.
Alternatively, you can choose a theme and seek the most relevant biblical passages to reinforce your message through thorough research.
Just Because You’re Finished, Doesn’t Mean You’re Finished
Revising your sermons multiple times before the day of delivery is crucial. Some pastors dedicate a significant amount of effort to crafting a single sermon in a month. This doesn’t mean that their other sessions are lacking or rushed; rather, it indicates that they prioritize a “main event” where they invest themselves in delivering a powerful message.
Other sermons may be edited versions of previous sessions or serve as rehearsals for this significant occasion. When rehearsing your sermons, it’s important to pace yourself. While more talkative speakers may be tempted to extend their message, it’s essential to adhere to the time constraints of a church service.
Aim for a consistent duration, such as 25-30 minutes, and condense your information to fit within your allotted time. If necessary, summarize points, retain impactful hooks, and remove excessive details that could potentially confuse your message. Flowcharts can be effective tools to stay on track during your sermon.
Utilize anchor words that redirect you to the main message, preventing digressions. Strategically insert the most relevant biblical quotes at points where they will leave a profound impression.
Keep in Mind That it Takes Time
Mastering the art of quoting relevant Bible verses in sermons is a valuable skill that requires continuous effort. Through diligent research and sermon preparations, preachers can develop the ability to mentally access a wealth of quotes associated with a single keyword.
Seek feedback from those around you to gauge the effectiveness of your message. Engage with your audience and ask for their honest opinions and constructive critiques regarding your sermon. You can discuss your sermon with your partner, children, or even friendly individuals from your local neighborhood, such as the grocer.
Their feedback provides a sample of the response you may receive from the congregation. By accumulating high-quality feedback, you can refine and improve the techniques that work best for you.
Speak Naturally to Improve Your Preaching
Every preacher should strive to discover their authentic inner voice, and although it may take time, consistent practice will lead you there. Begin by studying and emulating the style of your favorite preachers. Take note of the most successful names in the field and identify the qualities that resonate with you. Select and combine these appealing attributes to lay the groundwork for your unique voice.
The late Billy Graham, renowned as one of the greatest preachers of all time, possessed a distinctive and unaffected style. He exuded a calm and fatherly presence, yet when he stood at the pulpit, his words carried unmatched passion and authority. It was this individuality that touched the hearts of generations, inspiring them to believe in the power of Christ.
Remember Why They Came!
Always keep in mind that churchgoers come to your sermons seeking spiritual inspiration. While they could have prayed privately at home, they have chosen to gather in the house of God to experience the energy in your voice. Speak to them with the same familiarity and warmth you would use with your closest friends and loved ones. The perfect delivery can only be achieved by staying true to yourself.
Some speakers may become preoccupied with biblical jargon, quotes, and technical details, but preaching should never be a rigid process. It is not about showcasing how much knowledge you have about the Bible. Preaching is about opening your heart and mind to the blessed Holy Spirit and allowing it to work wonders through you. You are here to make a positive impact on the lives of those who are ready to listen.
Delve Directly Into the Truth
Tap into the vast reservoirs of knowledge in your life. Share stories from your neighbors, explore the lyrics of favorite songs, or discuss interesting articles you’ve read. Everything you’ve experienced can be connected back to the timeless wisdom of the Bible. As Ecclesiastes 1:9 states, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”
By addressing real-life issues, you create empathy among your listeners. They can relate to similar experiences and understand the context better. Infuse your words with the power of faith through biblical context, amplifying the messages you deliver.
Craft engaging sermons that bridge the gap between real-life situations and biblical teachings, where the spirit converges with the earthly as embodied by Christ. Finally, incorporate a compelling call to action at the end of each sermon. Effective communication requires active participation.
Propositional sermons leave a lasting impact, empowering congregations to live out what they’ve learned and share God’s word beyond the church.
Utilize Technology Whenever Possible
Utilizing technology can enhance the impact of your sermons. Incorporate video snippets related to your topic, providing visual presentations that engage your audience. Add meaningful music and soundtracks to create an immersive experience, pushing boundaries by considering non-religious music for a fresh perspective. Recognize that any medium can be interpreted through the works of God.
When discussing the sacred act of baptism, showcase vibrant images of world rivers and stills from classic biblical movies. Share the powerful significance of Christ’s own baptism in the River Jordan with John the Baptist, emphasizing the essential role of water as a source of all life. Augment your messages with vivid illustrations that add color, vibrancy, and shapes to your subject, capturing the attention of your listeners.
However, it’s crucial to remember that these tools should supplement, not overshadow, your sermons. Your message should remain the central focus, so use technology sparingly. Ultimately, your reliance should be on the power of your words and the spiritual connection you forge with your congregation.
Be Genuine to the Cause
Jesus was an exceptional speaker due to his unwavering commitment to the plan of salvation. Respected preachers should likewise believe wholeheartedly in their words, from small blessings to solemn oaths. Deception undermines trust in true religion, compromising the integrity and support of the speaker.
Faith is crucial in preaching, imbuing the message with substance. Preachers must have pure intentions, devoid of personal gain, guided by kindness and tolerance. The story of Simon Magus highlights the futility of attempting to buy God’s power. Preachers should stay humble and sincere, unburdened by extraneous forces, to achieve the highest quality of preaching.
Optimize Your Own Health
A healthy preacher serves as an effective representation of Christ. It is crucial to prioritize rest, proper nutrition, and regular exercise. By nurturing a healthy body, mind, and spirit, you can effectively convey the word of God and become a shining example to your church.
Proverbs 3:5-8 advises us to avoid evil and honor our inner needs to maintain physical and spiritual well-being. By taking care of ourselves, we allow God to work through us. Pastor burnout is a genuine challenge that affects many speakers. The demands of sermon preparation and presentation can take a toll on both body and mind.
When necessary, take short vacations, seek solace in nature, or recharge with family. By rejuvenating yourself, you will deliver sermons with greater enthusiasm and conviction. Your congregation will appreciate your efforts in staying fit for your mission.
Effective preaching requires time and effort, but incorporating these steps can strengthen the connection with your congregation. A compelling sermon will captivate listeners and draw them closer to the heart of your message. Continue to preach, and find comfort in the boundless power of God.
