As a frequent giver and, I guess, 'getter' of sermons I have witnessed (and committed) numerous atrocities. Alright, not quite atrocities. But, I've seen (and done) things that reduced the sermon's quality. So, I figured I'd serve as a mentor of sorts for aspiring sermonists. I've compiled a mini list, that I'm sure I'll keep updating, of some tips from a sermon getter's point of view. Keep in mind that most of these tips only apply to traditional one preacher sermons--not religious workshops or seminars.
Here goes:
1. If you don't follow any other tip, make sure you follow both part A and, especially, part B of this tip. A) Do not write out your sermon word for word and then read it to us. B) I shouldn't have to say this second part, but experience has taught me better. Do not hand out a copy of your sermon so thay we can read along as you read it to us.
2. Do not start with "This is going to be a short sermon." There is something about that statement that always dooms the sermon that follows it to be hideously long.
3. Crowd participation can be a great lift, but really, there's a reason that YOU'RE the one at the pulpit. Accordingly, the majority of your sermon should be a solo. There should be no breaking us up into groups.
If you throw out a question to the church, get one or two answers. DO NOT wait for every single member to give an answer to the question.
4. A further point on that solo concept. Do not ask your wife, hubby, kids or anyone in the congregation, for that matter, to support points you make. 'Isn't that true, Honey?' really doesn't add the credibility you think it does.
5. Crosscheck all scripture references before you give your sermon. Really, the difference between Luke 1:5 and Luke 5:1 is anywhere from 3 to 30 mins of mass scrambling for the text. For each minute we spend looking our hysteria rises as we wonder if you'll be willing to let it go if we don't find the scripture or if you'll force us to keep searching forever. And, ultimately we're scared that you will not subtract the time it takes to find the reference from your sermon time.
6. Do not make your sermon completely center around a metphor, image, or analogy from a secular movie or song. We do NOT want to have to admit in front of the holier church members that we've seen or heard it. And, really, do you?
7. On that note, do NOT play long excerpts of any video or song. No matter how inspirational, funny, meaningful, insightful, witty, or any descriptor, for that matter, you think the clip is. (Hint: if it's longer than 5 minutes, it's probably too long. Especially, if it's a song.)
9. Raising your voice at key points can be an amazing addition to the impact of your sermon. But, please do not say your entire sermon in CAPS LOCK. And, on the other hand, do not whisper your entire sermon.
10. Do not read one of those religious internet forwards as your sermon. Not the one on the Devil's plan to distract Christians by taking their time. Not the one on how willing we are to send all types of forwards but the ones about Jesus. And, especially not the ones on babies being eaten in Korea. Okay, so, I haven't heard the Korean rumor used as a sermon. But, here's the point. If you've gotten the forward, chances are so have we. And, as members of your church, you're probably the one who forwarded the e-mail to us.
Thoughts?
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