7 Ways to Get the Most Out of the Weekly Sermon
By Pastor Richard Sipes
As a preacher I spend many hours each week preparing for the sermon. I must read the scripture, pray over it, exegete the passage, understand the meaning and main point of the text, outline the sermon points, explain and illustrate, consider the needs of the congregation, write an introduction and conclusion, and prepare myself spiritually.
The preaching of God’s Word is central to the life of the church. It makes sense that pastors should give it a high priority. What if you as church a member did your own form of sermon preparation?
I believe that your role as a listener of the Word is also vitally important. Now, I don’t expect you to go through the same rigorous process that I do each week. But what if each member prepared for Sunday’s sermon? Revival might just take hold in your life and our church. You might even find your pastor will preach better!
Here are seven ways members can actively prepare for the weekly sermon:
- Pray for the sermon. For a few minutes each week, please pray for the upcoming sermon. You could pray during the week, Saturday night, or Sunday morning.
- Pray for your pastor. Pray that I will understand God’s message in His Word. Pray that I will not become sidetracked by lesser things. Pray that God’s Spirit will fill me in both the preparation and delivery of the sermon.
- Pray for yourself. Pray that God will speak to you through the message. Pray that you will not be distracted. Pray for a clear mind and an open heart to receive the message.
- Read the biblical text. Because I preach through books of the Bible you almost always know scripture passage for the sermon next week. Read it thoroughly. Read it prayerfully.
- Take notes. Take notes during the sermon. You will have a greater focus and greater retention. Review the notes at least once during the next week.
- Seek an application to your life. Ask God for discernment to help you understand how the sermon should change your life. Bible study is not just for information, but for transformation.
- Share with the pastor “one thing.” If possible, share with me one significant takeaway from the sermon. I often hear “good job, pastor,” or “nice message, pastor,” but I love to know if God really made a difference in your life through the preached word. You can share what God has taught you in person, by email, in a note, or in social media. This would encourage me greatly.
As Spurgeon would tell us, to listen to a sermon is a high and holy act of worship. This Sunday listen with all your might, with a prepared heart, and for the glory of God.
Give it a try and see what God will accomplish in you and in our church this week.
(Adapted from an article by Thom Ranier)
