Things To Do During A Dull Sermon
Preaching
Shaking Wolves Out Of Cherry Trees
And 149 Other Sermon Ideas
Purpose Statement: What is the proper way to respond to sermons?
Our sermons are never dull, are they? I remember seeing a book with the title "101 Things To Do During A Dull Sermon" or something to that effect. The suggestions, if I remember correctly, included ideas such as rolling marbles across the floor, sending a note of requests up to the organist, and slapping someone really to test the "turn the other cheek" theory. We have all been guilty (if it is a sin) of being bored during a sermon or two. The following are considerations for boring as well as exciting sermons, and everything in between.
a. How would you do it? Ask yourself the following questions. If I were preaching the same subject or ideas, how would I organize my thoughts? What illustrations could I use? How could I say it in a more interesting way?
b. Try to challenge the ideas. I like to hear or read what the other side is saying -- those whose beliefs are diametrically opposed to my position. I enjoy arguing mentally, trying to build a case against what I am hearing or reading. Are there any holes in my logic? Where are the holes in the other argument?
c. Let the ideas challenge you. Do we need to change? Certainly, there must be room for us to improve or grow. What are those ways? You may not like the ideas. But we should all try to examine our life and beliefs regularly by the challenges from, among other things, sermons. Are we in denial? Is something being said that is necessary for us to hear and we are avoiding the issue?
d. Remember the sermon is not everything. Church is not the sermon, nor the preacher. Worship is hymns, personal prayers, scripture, and fellowship with other Christians as your church family. The sermon is a small part, and the preacher will move someday.
Our sermons are never dull, are they? I remember seeing a book with the title "101 Things To Do During A Dull Sermon" or something to that effect. The suggestions, if I remember correctly, included ideas such as rolling marbles across the floor, sending a note of requests up to the organist, and slapping someone really to test the "turn the other cheek" theory. We have all been guilty (if it is a sin) of being bored during a sermon or two. The following are considerations for boring as well as exciting sermons, and everything in between.
a. How would you do it? Ask yourself the following questions. If I were preaching the same subject or ideas, how would I organize my thoughts? What illustrations could I use? How could I say it in a more interesting way?
b. Try to challenge the ideas. I like to hear or read what the other side is saying -- those whose beliefs are diametrically opposed to my position. I enjoy arguing mentally, trying to build a case against what I am hearing or reading. Are there any holes in my logic? Where are the holes in the other argument?
c. Let the ideas challenge you. Do we need to change? Certainly, there must be room for us to improve or grow. What are those ways? You may not like the ideas. But we should all try to examine our life and beliefs regularly by the challenges from, among other things, sermons. Are we in denial? Is something being said that is necessary for us to hear and we are avoiding the issue?
d. Remember the sermon is not everything. Church is not the sermon, nor the preacher. Worship is hymns, personal prayers, scripture, and fellowship with other Christians as your church family. The sermon is a small part, and the preacher will move someday.
