Preaching is explicitly ordained of God to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to help the subsequent disciples mature in their faith. Though other methods can be employed, God has made it absolutely clear that preaching and the pulpit ministry should be preeminent! Since it is so important, every pastor should seek to better get the message across so as to be more effective.
(1 Corinthians 1:18) “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (KJV)
(1 Corinthians 1:21) “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” (KJV)
(Romans 10:17) “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (KJV)
Golden Rule For The Pulpit Ministry…
Pastors can make a better connection by not preaching AT their congregation, but by preaching TO them! Ultimately, every man of God has to have unction of God’s Holy Spirit on him to be effective. However, pastors can be a sharper tool in the Master’s hand by paying attention to four simple things while they are preaching God’s Word.
#1 – Smile
Some preachers could smile a little more while behind the pulpit. Even though preaching is a serious issue, pastors can make better connections when they do not have a scowl on the face a majority of the time. By no means am I advocating the replacing of sober preaching with a comedy routine, but I am proposing that you can better connect with a soul more by a warm smile appropriate to the occasion.
#2 – Eye Contact
Every pastor is different in personality, however, there is no substitute for looking someone in the eye from behind the pulpit while sharing a message from Heaven. Whether you are reproving, rebuking or exhorting, eye contact is a very good way to make a better connection with the congregation. One word of caution though… do not look at the same person all of the time! lol
#3 – Sincerity
The issue of sincerity is lacking a great deal in many pulpits today. Hirelings and professionals, may be perceived as entertainers and salesmen, but sincerity, by definition, is far superior to anything they can muster. Nothing rivals preaching on Hell with a tear in your eye! One should not be a phony for people know when you are preaching from your heart!
#4 – Familiarity
When preaching God’s Word we have to remember what a preacher of yesteryear stated, “God said to feed my lambs, not my giraffes!” How true! Keep the cookies on the bottom shelf when sharing a message from God. Use words that are FAMILIAR to your people. Yes, you can teach them new ones, but do not use your superior skills with the kings English to devalue anyone.
Please Share Another Way(s) A Pastor Can Be More Effective When Preaching God’s Word!
Maybe by being transparent and telling them that you struggle too and that you are no better than they at battling temptation and sin. Great article pastor. I am a bi-, no really, a tri-vocational pastor trying to make it every week. May God richly bless you my beloved brother. Pastor Jack