10 Reasons Sermons Fail (pt 2)

When it comes to the ministry "failure is not an option." We cannot afford to fail in this sacred task.  If you do not live to preach the glory of Christ find something else to do (Col. 1:28-29).  This is part two of a lesson delivered by Professor Alex Montoya at the Master's Seminary to sixty D. Min students.

6) Sermons fail when the preacher gets without giving.

In some ways an expository sermon is a dialogue as we invite the crowd to listen intently.  Rhetorical questions are often quite helpful.  You might say, "Now you're not listening to me now, are you listening?"  Ethos is the audience's perception of the preacher.  If the flock loves and respects the preacher and if the speaker cares about his flock good things happen.  If you show interested in your people and get to know them it will greatly help the impact of your pulpit ministry.

7) Sermons fail when the preacher does not understand the congregation's limited ability to listen.

You may need to start where they are and help them grow and mature.  Teach your flock how to listen to expository preaching (note this, this, and this).

10 Reasons Sermons Fail (pt. 1)

Photo Credit: clearviewshreveport.org

Pastor Alex Montoya delivered a lecture this week to the D. Min students at the Master's Seminary on the 10 Reasons Why Sermons Fail.

1) Sermon fail when we deliver an academic lecture (for the eye) instead of a sermon (for the ear).

Writing makes you an exact man, reading makes you a learned man, just don't read your sermon manuscript verbatim.  You are not simply reading an essay.  We prepare a sermon to be heard not read.  As preachers we are called to herald the truth.

Sermons need to be clear, direct, accurate, and passionate.  Our sermons are never linear and will often use restatement to drive home your thesis.

2) Sermons fail when we do not tell the congregation anything new (which can bore the audience), or fresh; (we need restate well known truths in a fresh way).

Surfacy preaching does not engage a mixed congregation of mature Christians, new believers, and unsaved attendees.  Preaching should be deep enough so as to say something new in your messages; (just don't find something in the text that is not there),

3) Sermons fail when we insult the dignity of the audience.