I have been quoting paragraphs from a great new sermon book called Preaching That Matters by Dr. Lori J. Carrell. I wrote a review but have not yet received my promised printed copy. As soon as I do, I will give you the details regarding how to get your own copy.
Though most preachers are aware of the importance of those first few minutes, something propels many to waste that initial opportunity. First words should captivate, but instead, the following common mistakes are often made with opening words, decreasing listener energy:
- reading a lengthy scripture passage (an even greater mistake if the verses have already been read during an earlier part of the service)
- “warming up” with content unrelated to the sermon communication response goal (a joke, self-disclosure, story from the youth retreat, and the like, “before I get into the sermon” )
- announcing congregational happenings (focusing our attention on potlucks and parish council meeting minutes)
- using first words that create a mood or convey an idea that is disconnected from the element of the service immediately proceeding the sermon (so listeners must lurch even to find the spot where you will begin)
- reviewing previous sermon or series material at length (re-preaching the last few Sunday’s sermons)
- telling a familiar, trite, poorly delivered, or condescending story or joke (even if it is connected to the subject and response)
- explaining extensively what will be preached (preaching a mini-sermon version of the sermon you are about to preach)
These kinds of introductory choices can lead to listener disconnection, dread, and distraction. If you shape your sermon starts in these ways, you will squander your marvelous opportunity to captivate the listeners with whom you will be engaged in sermon communication.
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Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about?
Or, if you’re someone who plans well ahead, have you asked yourself what you will preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon?
David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Saturday or Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions.
We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
