How to Determine the Effectiveness of Pastor’s Sermons
As a pastor in a small town far from the bustling South, I've developed a keen interest in what makes a sermon truly effective. Unlike the reverberating mMm sounds heard in many Southern churches when a message hits home, or the ecstatic shouting common in Pentecostal settings, my goal is to encourage my congregants to reflect deeply on God's word. This reflection should prompt spiritual growth and a change in their personal behavior and attitude.
Conveyed Through Reactions
One of the most obvious signs of an effective sermon is when it resonates with the congregation in a tangible way. In many Southern churches, a mMm sound is often heard when the pastor delivers a point that resonates deeply. This sound is commonly attributed to the Holy Spirit's work within the listeners, but it can happen anywhere—just more frequently in the South. However, for a sermon to be truly effective, it should elicit a deeper reflection rather than just a sound.
In Pentecostal churches, the atmosphere is often charged with the Holy Spirit, leading to shouts and arm wave moments as participants get full of the Spirit. While this is a powerful testimony of spiritual experience, an effective sermon should also provoke thought and introspection. When congregants are moved to action or changed in their thinking, then the sermon has succeeded.
Reflective Thinking
As a northern pastor, my ultimate goal is to inspire my congregation to think. I regularly send drafts of my sermons to trusted members of the church, seeking their feedback to ensure that the message hits the right spot. When I receive a response such as “It makes me think” or “It got me thinking,” it confirms that I'm on the right track. A truly transformative sermon is one that challenges its listeners to reflect on their faith journey and consider new perspectives.
As my childhood pastor wisely observed, the ideal state is for believers to see God in everything they do. When a sermon pushes someone to perceive the divine in the mundane, it signifies that the message has touched a deeper chord within them, leading to lasting spiritual growth. This is the ultimate test of a sermon's effectiveness—a change in behavior and attitude is evidence that the message has truly impacted the person's life.
Encouraging Reflection
Effective sermons should leave the listener with food for thought. If you can get to the point where a congregant sees God in every aspect of their life, then you know you are doing something right. This deeper reflection and change in behavior—acting or thinking in a wiser, more just, and peaceful manner, and being more capable of practicing lovingkindness—demonstrate that the sermon has been effective.
To ensure that your sermons are making a lasting impact, consider the following steps:
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for input from trusted members of your congregation. This feedback will help you refine and improve your sermons. Encourage Discussion: Create opportunities for your congregation to reflect and discuss sermons afterward. This can be through group meetings, small groups, or online forums. Involve Multiple Perspectives: Include a variety of viewpoints in your sermons. Different perspectives can provide a well-rounded understanding and encourage genuine reflection. Focus on Application: Ensure that your sermons are not just theoretical but also practical. Help your congregation understand how to apply the message to their daily lives. Personal Connection: Connect your teachings with real-life examples and personal stories to make the message more relatable and memorable.An effective sermon is one that touches the heart and mind, inspiring deep reflection and transformative change. By focusing on these principles, you can ensure that your sermons are not just memorable but also spiritually enriching for your congregation.