Most expository preachers who have received proper mentoring and exceptional seminary education know the plight of the overcooked steak. How so? When a large percentage of Spirit-filled believers (see 1 Peter 2:2; Psalm 119:97) go away talking more about the duration of your message rather then it's content the spiritual meal was likely (inadvertently) over baked. Recently, I have had to own up to a few messages during a series on the Kingdom of God that fit this description. Sometimes less truly is more.
Exactly how long should the sermon be? Many factors need to be considered when answering this question. Such as the communication/oratory ability of the preacher (in general, novice preachers and/or less gifted communicators should deliver shorter messages), the pulpit history of the congregation you are addressing (what was the average sermon length of your preaching predecessor?), and the specific context in which you are preaching (is it an outdoor wedding in 100 degree weather; are you a guest preacher; are you the Sr. Pastor; etc). One of the best articles on this subject was written by a missionary to Africa; (you can read his post by clicking on the link above).
Three Factors for why Sunday's sermon may have been slightly (or greatly) overcooked:
1) Excitement and personal passion. This past week a group of church members attended a Milwaukee Brewer game. As I watched the 3 hour 15 minute sporting contest unfold I could easily discern different levels of interest, excitement, and/or boredom in the crowd. Some interest waned by the second inning, others by the seventh, and some not at all. The die-hard Brewer fans were easy to distinguish from some of the children who were simply there for the food and entertainment (two of my daughters fit this bill). Whenever a preacher enters the pulpit he should be a man on fire. By the time the expositor closes in prayer the goal is for the Holy Spirit to ignite that same holy fire for the truth in the hearts and minds of one's hearers. An over-baked message can inadvertently lessen the potential for this kind of spiritual impact.
For preachers, it is wise to "deliver every sermon as if it were your last" so long as you keep in mind the principles listed in paragraph two and three. I am learning that a overcooked sermon may not be boring it may have simply exceeded the reasonable saturation point of your flock. A few of my recent sermons should have been turned into a two part message series. To goal of all Christian ministry is to "present every believer in your spiritual care MATURE in Christ" (Col. 1:28-29). Raising the spiritual bar in your ministry contest is a good thing (Heb. 5:11-14; Eph. 4:11-16) so long as it done with proper care and proportion.
2) Personal growing pains. When I started preaching and teaching on a regular basis 13 years ago I would bring 17-19 half sheets of paper into the pulpit with me. For good and bad, I said very little that wasn't in my sermon manuscript. As I have grown and developed over the years I now try and bring fewer than 6 half sheets of paper into the pulpit.
As one finds their preaching voice (which only comes with consistent preparation and experience) one generally discovers that it's easier to preach more extemporaneously. A few weeks ago our founding pastor visited LCBC wherein he preached for 67 minutes without any notes!
Having said that, one of the most important parts of sermon preparation and delivery is knowing what to include and what to leave out. The more closely one sticks to their notes (which have been edited multiple times during the 15+ hours of preparation during the week) the more controlled the duration of the sermon often is. I am currently trying to improve my ability to edit on the fly, in the actual preaching moment, when away from my notes. Fewer notes can actually mean longer (not shorter) sermons. Hence the tension. Every preacher has to do what works best for them as the seek to declare "the whole counsel of God."
3) Too many cooks in the kitchen. If you are the regular preaching pastor you no doubt receive lots of expository listening feedback (directly and indirectly). A humble minister will prayerfully put every encouragement and/or constructive criticism through the grid of Scripture. A humble preacher swallows the meat and spits out the bones and gristle.
Recently, I have found myself trying to apply too many different perspectives and preaching pointers at once. If I spent a hundred dollars on a golf lesson an experienced golf instructor would find 10+ things that need to be strengthened/tweaked/changed in my golf swing (which is currently non-existent). An experienced teaching pro however would only zero in on one or two things at a time realizing that if one tries to improve five parts of their game at once they will inevitably digress. When young preachers ask for my feedback on their expository preaching ministry it is helpful to keep this wisdom principle in mind.
Between my doctoral studies in expositional preaching at the Master's Seminary and the helpful feedback I receive from my wife, my elders, and various church members I have to prioritize which areas to focus in on...lest I try and apply everything at once, and began to regularly serve up overcooked steak sermons. The best part of being the main preaching pastor is that there's always next week to try and more effectively "feed the flock" of Christ.
Paul told his young pastoral protege Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15, "Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your spiritual progress." The moment you think you've arrived is the moment you stop growing. Keep working hard to hone your craft for the glory of Christ and for the edification of the saints (1 Peter 4:10-11; 1 Cor. 12-14).
In the event your preacher does go a bit too long this Sunday, bring along a spiritual carry out box. Unlike many famished believers you will even have a little something extra to feast on during the week to come.
