The Three Elements of Preaching

Outside of the Holy Spirit, I think there are three elements that make our preaching effective: personality, content and structure.

Personality-driven pastors draw large crowds and constantly insist that they're not watering down the Gospel, citing Jesus' parables and Jim Rayburn, who said it's a sin to bore people with the Gospel.

Content-driven pastors see a larger number of Bibles in the audience and more faithful attendance, but they have a hard time reaching people who don't outline their tools with Sharpie markers on the garage wall.

Pastors who lack both content and personality can leave congregations wanting more by structuring their messages to be brief. =)

In all scenarios, praise God that the Gospel is being preached. =)

Comments

[matt]

"they have a hard time reaching people who don't outline their tools with Sharpie markers on the garage wall."

priceless! :-)

[jason allen]

I agree. I loved that quote too.

[Scott]

Ben,

Good points. I've recently been working in some elements of Andy Stanley's book on preaching you referenced a while back.

Also, I picked up a "pacesetter" device from the toastmasters to help keep me on target for preaching time. I'm amazed at how much this little tool has helped me already.

Keep winning the lost in Reston my friend