In any ministry the ability to clearly and powerfully communicate the truths found in God’s word is essential.  While important it is not always easy to do.  Here are five ways you can be a better preacher and teacher:

Don’t assume your audience knows more than they do

We are guilty of this so often.  Ever said something like, “You remember back in _______.” or “You know the story…?”  That is assuming.  While it may seem like a small thing, it can really hinder your ability to communicate clearly.  Even worse, it can embarrass those who do not “remember” or “know the “story.”

Don’t try to seem smart

Remember the goal is transformation as a result of God working, not impressing with your vast knowledge.  The beauty of the gospel is that is it so complex we can spend our entire lives studying it and never get a handle on it.  Yet it is so simple a child could grasp it.  When you try to seem smart, you just muddy the water.  In the end, they may be impressed with you and care little about the one who called you.

Do diligent study and know what you’re talking about

Be faithful to study what you are teaching.  I personally am not a fan of sermons in a box for preaching.  I do not think there is anything inherently wrong with them.  I just think the temptation with using sermons you purchased is to use them as is and not be faithful to study for yourself. If you are called to preach and/or teach and are using someone else’s messages and lessons without any of your own study…how exactly are you being faithful to your calling?  Prepare well.

To be fair we use curriculum for our small groups, and I am in no way saying you shouldn’t.  The point is this, whether you are starting from scratch with your own message, or using curriculum, you should be intimately knowledgeable about your text.  The greatest messages and lessons come after we have studied and God has done a work in us through it.

Be intentional with your Illustrations

Illustrations are for many listening what connects the dots.  I spend a significant amount of time on the illustrations for any lesson or sermon.  Illustrations paint a picture of a greater principle.  They allow those listening to see the principle played out in real life.  I would also encourage you to use “real life” illustrations whenever it is possible.  An illustration from your life is much more relatable than something you found on the great “world-wide web.”  Personal illustrations will help those listening not only connect with what you are teaching, but also connect with you.

Be specific and clear about your application

Know what you are calling those listening to do and be clear about communicating it.  I am convinced many times people do not respond how we had hoped because we only “hoped’ and never actually told them how to respond.  There should always be a call to action, and it should always be clear.

BONUS:

Preach and teach with urgency.  The gospel is an urgent message.  Plead urgently.

I am sure there are many other things that could be added to this list, but I hope these few things will challenge and help you as you preach and teach God’s word.

What things would you add to this?  Which on do you think is most common?  Which do you struggle with most?  I would love to hear from you.  Leave a comment and share.

Photo credit: More Good Foundation / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)