If you own a cell phone, you know the benefit of third-party applications that allow you to “share your location” with family and friends. Whether your group is visiting a theme park, camping in the mountains, or shopping at one of those large factory outlets, sharing one’s location is a way to ensure that no one in the family gets lost. In a similar way, when worshipers gather to hear the preaching of the Word, the thoughtful preacher will regularly “share his location” while preaching so that everyone in the church family knows where he is.
Location sharing is what occurs when preachers say something like: “Look at verse 1” or, “See this in the following verse.” If you are a preacher, consider at least four reasons to regularly “share your location” with your listeners while preaching:
- It reclaims wandering listeners. We must remember that our listeners are not always listening! They are just as prone to wander while hearing our words as we are in preaching them. Regularly “setting the address” by stating the particular book, chapter, or verse increases the probability of reclaiming those with wandering thoughts and improves the odds they’ll stay with us.
- It teaches people how to study the Bible. When preachers frequently use phrases such as, “Now look at verse 2,” “See this recurring theme in chapter 3,” or “Take note of the context in the verses preceding the passage,” they are teaching their listeners how to read and study the Scriptures. By directing their attention to the location of specific verses, words, and phrases, they are demonstrating that careful study of the Word yields correct understandings of the text.
- It engages more of the senses. Knowledge is gained largely through the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch). The more senses involved, the better the learning. Preachers who not only “preach” messages (sound), but also lead listeners to open their Bibles (touch) and find the location of specific verses (sight) will increase the likelihood their hearers learn and retain the message.
- It locates authority in the Word. Every time a preacher “shares his location” while preaching, he teaches his hearers that the authority of the sermon is rooted in the biblical text. In essence, he is saying, “Look at the Scriptures and you will see that this is not my opinion, but the very Word of God.” And, because listeners grow accustomed to finding the location of texts themselves, they learn to judge the accuracy of the preacher’s statements against the authoritative Word of God.
Preachers: What other reasons would you give for regularly “sharing your location” when preaching?
Be sure to visit Dr. Linn’s website at Preaching Truth.
