Wednesday, July 06, 2011

A 7-Star Sermon

I absolutely love to preach. Preaching is my passion. I would preach each and every day if people would actually come and listen. I take preaching seriously with much time spent in prayer, study and preparation. This includes specifically thinking through seven goals for each message I preach. If I can hit the bulls-eye on each of these seven goals than I consider it a 7-star message.

Goal #1 - I strive to preach a message that is BIBLICAL! First and foremost, my goal is to make sure that I am actually preaching the Bible and preaching it correctly. I want people leaving church after hearing the message saying, "I heard the Bible preached today!"

Goal #2 - I strive to preach a message that is DOCTRINAL! My goal with each message is to go beyond just the surface of the Bible and also to include at least one area of a more theological depth. For example, two Sundays ago I included an explanation of "hypostatic union" and last Sunday I included the explanation of a "theophany." I want people leaving church after hearing the message saying, "I learned some theology today!"

Goal #3 - I strive to preach a message that is EDUCATIONAL! My goal with each message is to give a clear explanation of the meaning of the passage as well as the cultural and historical settings to that passage. I want people leaving church after hearing the message saying, "I learned something about the Bible today that I never knew!"

Goal #4 - I strive to preach a message that is PRACTICAL! My goal is to teach the Bible in a way that it can be applied to the every day life of those who hear the message. I want people leaving church after hearing the message saying, "I can use what I learned in my life this week!"

Goal #5 - I strive to preach a message that is GENERATIONAL! My goal is to teach the Bible in such a way that all generations - Senior Citizens, Middle Aged Adults, Young Adults, Teenagers, and Children in the audience can all grasp hold of the truths of Scripture. I want people leaving church after hearing the message saying, "Our whole family benefited from the message!"

Goal #6 - I strive to preach a message that is THEATRICAL! At the risk of being misunderstood for using the word "theatrical" about preaching, I simply mean this. My goal in preaching is not just in "what" I preach but also "how" I preach it. Along with spending a lot of time on the content of my sermon, I also spent significant time prayerfully and carefully working on the presentation of my sermon. I even practice it several times. I believe the Bible is the most exciting book in all of the world and I want to preach it in a way that is equally captivating. I want people leaving church after hearing the message saying, "I enjoyed listening to the message!"

Goal #7 - I strive to preach a message that is MOTIVATIONAL! The Bible tells us to be "doers" of the Word and not simply "hearers" of it. I want people to be motivated to take what they have heard and learned and apply it to their life. To me, the ultimate goal of preaching is "life-change!" I want people leaving church after hearing the message saying, "I am going to change because of what I heard and learned from the Bible!"

I'm sure that very few of my messages actually hit the bulls-eye in all 7 of these goals. But it is something that I strive for each and every Sunday.

12 comments:

Rick Glass said...

I know you love preaching, and I love hearing you preach. Miss hearing it though...(live).

Glen said...

As for me... I think you have been hitting your Bulls-eye every Sunday so far. But be assured, no one is counting :-) Jeanne & I continue to enjoy your daily thoughts, thanks!

Joshua Rupp & Family said...

Oh you're theatrical alright! ...and not just in the pulpit!!! BTW, I told my wife that hypostatic is what happens whenever I do the laundry. :-) LOL... seriously though, we have been very blessed each week by what God speaks through your messages.. Much love!

Joe Moore said...

I see these goals playing out in your messages, and it is obvious that you are a gifted preacher of the Word! Thanks for joining our church!

Anonymous said...

In honor of Alpenfest, you really should don a pair of lederhosen for this week's sermon. Hee hee hee. That would definitely qualify as "theatrical".

Craig Ford said...

Wow! Now I realize exactly why I LOVED your preaching so much! Sure do miss it.

Pastor Scott said...

Thanks, Rick. You have no idea what your friendship has and still means to me! Ever thought about moving north?

Pastor Scott said...

Thanks, Glen. Your encouragement is very appreciated! Thanks for accepting me!

Pastor Scott said...

Joshua - now that is a good definition of hypostatic union!! Sure love partnering with you here at E-Free. Thank your daughter once again for the piece of birthday cake!!! Love ya, bro!

Pastor Scott said...

Thanks for the kind words, Joe! I am looking forward to being with you Sunday night at the golf tournament. We are so blessed to be here in Gaylord and at E-Free

Pastor Scott said...

Anonymous - if I had a pair I might just be tempted! Once someone dared me to wear a Superman outfit to preach in and to their surprise (and the surprise and even dismay of the entire church) I DID!

Pastor Scott said...

Craig - it means a lot to me that you continue to follow my ministry and stay in contact. Please give my love to your family, my friend!