Since 1995, I’ve been studying North American churches, lostness, and outreach. Much has changed in those 20+ years. What hasn’t changed, though, is what people expect from the pulpit:
- God’s Word. Folks aren’t interested in wasting their time with something less than a word from the Lord. They want to know what the Bible teaches.
- Application. The Word is always relevant, but people want to know how it affects their life during the rest of the week. They want Word-based guidance.
- Authenticity. Nobody wants to listen to a messenger whose life contradicts the message. Most folks see through superficiality and hypocrisy.
- Passion. A messenger without passion makes the listener wonder if the message matters much. A lackluster proclaimer creates an indifferent audience.
- Conviction. That’s much more than passion; it’s a deeply-held certainty that “I really believe what I believe, and nothing can weaken that belief.” Spineless teaching does not capture anybody.
- Ability. This one’s a tough one to include, because it hits the heart of some speakers. Nevertheless, people expect the preacher to be able to preach – to have a direction, to stay on track, to draw in and challenge listeners.
- Knowledge. Preaching the Word necessitates study. Listeners expect their preachers to do their homework, though they may not want to hear all the technicalities, original languages, and historical facts.
- Care. That expectation doesn’t mean that the speaker always knows everybody personally, but it does mean that the speaker exudes a spirit of genuine care and concern.
- Connection. Some of the best speakers I know have a knack for speaking to hundreds and thousands while making all the listeners feel like they’re sitting in the speaker’s living room.
- Godliness. The pulpit is no place to cross the line in jokes, illustrations, and comments. In fact, there is no such justifiable place for followers of Christ.
What would you add to this list? Let us hear from you.
Really great list, Dr. Lawless! Similar to #8 & #9, I would add “Eye Contact.” People want you to look at them, not beyond them. Good eye contact acknowledges that we are a real person who is genuinely trying to communicate to real people — not to walls, ceilings or our notes on the pulpit. We preachers have room for improvement in many areas, but this one is certainly near the top of the list.
Great addition, Allan. Thanks!
I think you’ve addressed the issue before; but honesty in illustration and quotations. I’ve heard preachers put themselves into stories that are not their own and use quotes of great speakers/writers as though they just had the thought themselves.
A thought that that I was given years ago, before starting to preach, was to “put some goodies on all the shelves” (and I don’t recall the source). The person who never before attended church and the seasoned elder each needs to get something to chew on in the message–and all need to hear the Gospel.
Good thoughts, Bill. Thanks.
Thanks for the list, mine is a concern that you be my personal international partner to Africa where you can come and preach to people here when organised for most folks have need for such men like you.
Thank you. I’m happy to pray for you and your ministry, but I’ll need to pray for others to be your partners.