If you've ever attended a church, you've certainly heard a sermon. Whether it was delivered from a pulpit or in a classroom, it's the kind of thing you've come to expect at a formal church gathering. Understanding what a sermon is, though, means understanding a bit about what it is meant to do. Below are a few of the ways in which a sermon must operate to be successful, with variations for different times, places, and even crowds.
An Examination of Scripture
At its heart, the average sermon is an examination of something that is already written. Good sermons always have a biblical message at heart, one that must be conveyed to the congregation. In most cases, the sermon starts its life as an explanation and examination of a particular story or passage. The person who writes the sermon does not need to come up with the examination on his or her own, of course - products like The Sermon Notebook provide plenty of pre-written sermons - but must deliver that message. This stems from a time when the average church-goer may not have been literate and instead required the help of a preacher to examine the scriptures.
A Spiritual Lesson
In addition to being an examination of scripture, the sermon is also a spiritual message. It digs deep behind the words to provide something that will spiritually nourish a congregation. There have been millions of words written about the Bible in tools like The Sermon Notebook and elsewhere, many of them with an aim to help others. When a new sermon is put together, it is generally done to address an ill that the writer sees in front of him. Taking the general information and converting it into something that the congregation can use is one of the most important jobs a good sermon writer can undertake. A sermon that does not give a solid spiritual lesson is nothing more than a lecture delivered to a bored audience.
An Catalyst for Growth
Sermons should never just be lectures. They represent a way to transmit learning that helps others to grow. While the Bible certainly can be read by almost anyone, the lessons imparted in it often require discussion and assistance to understand. It is very unlikely that someone will experience true spiritual growth while working entirely on his or her own. As such, sermons exists to provide the fuel that will keep the spiritual fires burning. Good sermons are those that help others grow in their faith. Great sermons are those that push people beyond their preconceived boundaries to truly explore what they have read and what they believe.
Congregational Challenges
Finally, a sermon should also be a real challenge. It isn't just a matter of talking about scripture or putting together a good story. A sermon is something that gives others a goal and challenges them to meet that point. That's why so many great sermons are centered around stories to which the listener can relate. If the figures in the Bible could demonstrate the faith and tenacity necessary to succeed, so too can the people listening to the sermon. A challenging sermon may not always be received well by everyone who listens to it, but it will certainly help to provide a good challenge for those who really need one.
Sermons are many different things to many people. They are lectures, examinations, and exhortations. They are explanations as well as motivational tools. They are ways of looking at the scripture that can help the average person and provide them with new ways to look at the complex material. What is important, though, is that sermons are ultimately based on biblical precepts. With a solid foundation in place, sermons can become exactly what they need to be. Though writing a sermon may be complex, the end result is one that will help many.
|