Decline, decline, decline. Most polling agencies are reporting that church attendance is on the decline in the United States. The average attendee goes to church less frequently, at an average of 1.9 times per month. This is about 22 times a year, including Christmas and Easter. What I find interesting about these statistics is that more than ever, churches are channeling more resources into production, and fewer and fewer people are attending church.
I wonder if the quality of preaching has also declined with the numbers. In my context, our church is gaining younger members on a regular basis. Our music ministry is good, but by no means a professional production. Our facilities are subpar with little curb appeal. One thing that stands out as we interview our new folks is our emphasis on biblical preaching. This surprises me and encourages me. I am a bit surprised because I can fall prey to the thought that people want to be entertained or do not want a straight shooter. Who knows? Perhaps there is a resurgence of biblical preaching in this generation. Regardless, we are called to preach the word!
Who Does the Evaluating?
Stuart Briscoe once said, "Some of the greatest sermons ever preached, by the prophets, for example, have received a thumbs down from the congregation. A pastor needs to pay close attention to who he receives feedback from concerning his sermons. You can always find someone who will tell you what you want to hear. Also, you can find someone who will tell you what you don't want to hear. Maybe the most accurate question is: How do they listen?
We tend to evaluate those who have "a following." When a person gains an audience, others often mimic, evaluate, or criticize them. It is important to ask why we think a sermon is good or not. A sermon in one context can seem to be very powerful and life-altering, but when preached in another setting, it falls on deaf ears. We must recognize that a sermon can have all the critical elements and not be received well by people.
My Top Five
I believe there are some markers we can use to evaluate an effective sermon. I am sure that there could be more added to the list, but for the sake of brevity, I am going to share with you my " Top Five". This can serve as a checklist to help a pastor stay on track when evaluating their own work.
Gospel Centered
A major priority for a preacher should be to glorify God using the Word of God. God is the answer to all of our problems, concerns, and doubts. Truth is found in the scriptures. II Timothy 4:2 says, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction." Am I accurately presenting the word of God in its proper context, and am I providing proper instruction?
Biblically Based
The Bible is the primary source of a sermon. Sermons need to be delivered in context using a historical, literal, and grammatical interpretation. It is important to do all the work behind the scenes to be able to rightly divide the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15 says, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." It takes work to prepare a sermon. It takes work to prepare a sermon. It takes more work to accurately prepare a sermon.
Life Related
It is critical to be able to take a passage of scripture, exegete, expound, and apply it effectively. Making the scriptures come to life for the listener is critical. The goal of every sermon is to answer the question, "Why is the text important to know and apply to my life?" Preaching the sermon to myself throughout the week has proven to be an effective way to make the text come alive, personally.
Passionately Presented
I believe that the difference between teaching and preaching is the attitude or posture of the speaker. Preaching is not a conversation. It is not merely the exchange of information. It is the process of passionately proclaiming the Word of God to impact the lives of the listener from beginning to end. This proclamation should serve as a call to action, inspiring people to become more like Jesus. A sermon should never end with, "and there ya have it... I have explained the text." Life-related Bible exposition should move people to a decision. This is where personal illustrations, stories, and examples all play a part of the presentation.
Personally Convicting
II Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness." A good message should be convicting. When a person understands who God is and the standards that we are to live by, the Holy Spirit will convict. I have found that the degree to which the Word impacts me affects how it impacts the audience. Preaching to myself has been a great guard against what Paul describes in I Corinthians 1:17: "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel, not with cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made of no effect."
I do not claim to be an expert on the topic of preaching. I have dedicated myself to growing, learning, and adjusting my approach through the years. May those who read this join with me to deliver effective sermons.
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