1. Ask some trusted but truthful people to give you feedback. Preferably people who don't call you "boss."
2. Videotape yourself preaching and watch it every Monday.
3. Get rid of the "preacher voice." Syllables are not suggestions.
4. Read James Humes' book "Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln."
5. Quit listening to your favorite preacher, trying to borrow his convictions. Yes, I'm talking to you, Mark Driscoll lover.
6. If you say that you're preaching an expository sermon during your message, you're not preaching an expository sermon. It's like the word "breezy." You can't say "breezy."
7. Ask your wife. Unless you have a tendency to yell at her when she's truthful with you. Then you probably shouldn't be preaching in the first place.
8. If you were an animal preaching -- hang with me here -- what kind of animal would you be? Now... do people typically shoot that kind of animal?
9. Use at least 25% of your sermon planning time to focus on structure, not just content.
10. Go to a conference for communicators in ministry. Like, say, STORY.
BONUS percentage points: Ask another local pastor to give you feedback. I did. It was humiliating to be studied, but ultimately beneficial.
Brilliant. I need to do every one of these things.
Posted by: pete wilson | July 14, 2009 at 10:18 AM
awesome post ben. and #8 - i almost fell out of my chair laughing after reading that one!!
Posted by: Milan Ford | July 14, 2009 at 10:21 AM
This was really helpful and creative. Thanks! I like the animal one - don't want to be shot.
Posted by: TJ Reid | July 14, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Well said. I especially love #8. Brilliant.
Posted by: Brad Ruggles | July 14, 2009 at 10:25 AM
good - scary but good!
Posted by: Donavon Hill | July 14, 2009 at 10:26 AM
My husband always asks me how he did after preaching. I start out with the good so that if there is negative, he can receive it easier. And then I follow it up with good.
I like to call it my "compliment sandwich" :)
Posted by: Cindy Beall | July 14, 2009 at 01:34 PM
These are great and very hard to do. Much appreciated.
Posted by: Ron Edmondson | July 14, 2009 at 01:56 PM
that's a good word Cindy.
Posted by: Ben Arment | July 14, 2009 at 03:07 PM
This can almost include worship pastors/leaders too, with a couple adjustments:
#3. Get rid of the Tomlin-esque "worship leader whisper."
#4. Haven't read the book. But a confident stance and attitude could help (especially when leading men).
#5. Quit listening to your favorite worship leader, trying to borrow his convictions. Yes, I'm talking to you, David Crowder lover.
#6. Not sure how to adjust this one but you still can't say "breezy."
#10. Not sure if STORY is the best place to equip worship leaders but there are many conferences that can. SIGN UP!
Posted by: Rick Trotter | July 14, 2009 at 04:55 PM
#8 is hilarious! still wondering what animal i might be...does electrocution or chopping the animals head off count the same as shooting? cuz i think i might be a cow or a chicken. :)
Posted by: mike foster | July 14, 2009 at 07:35 PM
mike you are definitely not the chicken.=)
Posted by: Ben Arment | July 15, 2009 at 12:13 PM