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.
