10 Ways to Grow in Preaching and Teaching
I recently taught a Sunday School lesson on “The ABCs of Preaching and Teaching.” My big idea was that preachers and teachers should be accurate, bold, and clear for the goal of the Gospel and the glory of God. By way of application, here are 10 ways to grow in preaching and teaching.
1. Record and review your tapes.
Just like how professional athletes watch video playbacks of their performance, preachers and teachers can watch and review their sermons and lessons. See how you talk and move, and make notes on what you did well and what needs improvement.
2. Get feedback from your congregation and your students.
Ask what they learned, ask what they noticed, and ask what was confusing or was not clear.
3. Get feedback from fellow pastors and co-teachers.
Ask what they would have done differently, ask what they enjoyed, ask how you can improve, and ask what you should keep doing.
4. Watch and listen to more sermons and lessons.
Technology today allows us to get outside of our own church walls and listen to some great preachers and teachers. Learn from some of the best, but don’t try to copy them. Let them influence you in a natural way and let their passion drive you to your own excellence.
5. Read more books.
Saturate your mind with good theology. Learn how reading and writing can improve your own communication. Grow your vocabulary and see what others are saying.
6. Spend more time in your devotions.
If you are struggling in your preparation and performance, perhaps you need to spend more time with God. For a preacher and Sunday School teacher, the sermons and lessons should be an outflowing of your relationship with the Lord. You cannot fake it and you will fail to connect with your audience.
7. Look for illustrations.
Find illustrations for your sermons and lessons. Listen closely to stories, carefully watch movies, study songs and music, and think critically about the news. Use the Bible to see everything with a Christian worldview.
8. Take more opportunities to preach and teach.
Look outside of your normal preaching and teaching schedule and take different opportunities that come your way. Vary your audience by preaching to children, youth, and adults. Speak at retreats and for special occasions. Share your testimony, give devotions, and speak in small groups.
9. Analyze other sermons and lessons.
Think about how the presenter is guiding you along to follow him or her. How is PowerPoint being used? How are Bible passages referenced? Study the structure of a presentation, note body language and vocal cues, and take notes that help you see the big picture.
10. Stop analyzing other sermons and lessons.
Be humble in truly listening when others preach to you, and allow others to teach you without having an attitude of pride or superiority. Give yourself to sitting properly under the Word of God to let it have its effect on you.