Toward the end of last year, I heard one of my favorite preachers give what I would call a “C-” message. It surprised me, because over the years I’ve heard him deliver nothing but what I would classify as “A’s” and “A+’s.”
I wondered if he sensed that this time his message was below-average. Does he have someone who kindly tells him when a given sermon isn’t up to par?
I’m not even sure Jesus would have said, “Once again you represented me well by what you said.” I have a feeling our Lord would have told him, “You backed off from how I would have put things. And, I think that was because you didn’t want to talk about mankind’s problem of sin.”
Anyway, the experience reminded me that every minister needs someone who regularly and truthfully evaluates his or her preaching. This isn’t an easy job to do, and it’s not always appreciated, either. But someone who does this, in a sensitive and timely and intelligent and gracious fashion, is a great gift from the Lord.
If such an individual offered to fill that role on your behalf, would you turn him or her down? Think it through before quickly saying “No!” The Lord may be offering you a gift you sorely need!
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You can learn how to develop highly relevant Sunday sermons that grab the attention of your congregation and help your listeners respond effectively to the deep truths of God’s Word. 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 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.
