How much learning would take place in our schools if students were never tested? What if they were also not asked to turn in any homework, write reports, do additional reading or complete projects? Imagine the results if all that was required of pupils was to listen quietly as the teacher lectured.
My assumption is that a relatively small amount of learning would actually take place.
More and more I am coming to the conclusion that preaching by itself is not all that effective a way of discipling Christians. Said differently, to see significant changes in the behavior of God’s people requires more on their part than merely listening to sermons. Especially this is true if the messages they hear contain no practical information on how to en-flesh what is being taught.
For significant life changes to characterize God’s people, I hold a conviction that some kind of gentle accountability is going to be required. Because it’s not practical for the pastor to do this kind of follow-up with everyone in the congregation, a system needs to be devised involving more church members in the process.
In God’s providence I believe these kind of changes are starting to mark the American church scene, even as they already have in places where, in spite of persecution, the church in various places around the world is flourishing.
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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.
