“Preparing to Preach – Questions that are Often Unaddressed” by Matthew McCraw, EdD

**Each Friday PreachingTruth looks at some aspect of preaching, inviting pastors and scholars to submit articles. Today’s “Preaching Post Fridays” feature is authored by Dr. Matt McCraw, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Bartow, Florida.

Matt earned degrees from Boyce College (BS, 2004) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MACE, 2005; EdD, 2015). I was also privileged to serve alongside Matt for several years at Henderson’s First Baptist Church in Henderson, KY. You can follow Matt on Facebook and Twitter. **

The chief task of expository preaching is, well, exposition. Perhaps that goes without saying. However, the exegetical work of study and preaching must not only be exposed by the preacher, it must also be received by the congregant. Indeed, as Paul points out in his letter to the church in Rome, “. . . how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14, ESV). Both the preacher and the hearer are part of the composition of the preaching formula.

So, then, how can we as preachers do our part to ensure that the message is heard, comprehended, and retained? In order to answer that question, I offer four questions for you to consider when preparing to preach. These are questions that are most likely best answered after the exegetical work is done. After the preacher interprets the meaning of the text, he must then determine how he will communicate the meaning to the congregation. Consider, then, the following questions:

1. MECHANICS: How can I alter my preaching mechanics to better communicate the message?

In baseball, the goal is to win the game by earning more runs than the opposing team. Pretty simple concept, right? However, there are a lot of mechanics that prove immensely beneficial to accomplish that simple goal. The batter’s stance matters. The runner’s form affects his running. The pitcher’s release is pertinent to the precise placement of the ball. Mechanics matter in baseball. So also in preaching.

The mechanics of preaching can be categorized in at least two main categories: voice and stance. In regards to voice, consider your volume, speed, annunciation, use of pauses, and breathing. Stance includes your posture, whether or not you are “hovering” over your notes, if you are stationary or mobile, and what you’re doing with your hands during the delivery of your sermon. Take notice of these factors and you will be a more effective preacher.

Perhaps the most effective method to improve your mechanics is to watch yourself preach on video and listen to yourself on audio. If you’ve never

done this before, let me give you a warning: it can be a humbling process. Evaluate yourself and ask yourself if you can improve your delivery by focusing on improvement in any area. Take one category at a time and strive to improve a little at a time.

Some recommended resources on improving your mechanics are Power in the Pulpit: How to Prepare and Deliver Expository Sermons (by Jerry Vines and Jim Shaddix) and Preaching with Bold Assurance: A Solid and Enduring Approach to Engaging Exposition (by Hershael W. York and Bert Decker). Mechanics matter, so review them often in your preaching.

Be repetitive for emphasis, but not because of lack of creativity.

2. MODE: What mode should encompass the delivery of the sermon?

The mode of preaching refers to the way or manner preaching normally takes place in your church (or any other place you are preaching). Just as understanding context is crucial in the exegetical work of preaching, so also, an awareness of context is vital in determining the mode of your preaching.

Ask yourself what the context is of the church where you are preaching. How does preaching normally take place in your church? Are they country folks, city folks, or an eclectic group? Are they accustomed to twenty-five minute sermons or fifty minute sermons? What kind of pulpit seems normal to them? Are they comfortable with a yelling preacher or a quiet academic preacher? Should any of these factors be altered? If so, what’s the best way to do so?

To be clear, these factors should not necessarily dictate how you deliver your sermon, but it is important that you are aware of the answers to these questions. If for no other reason, to be in-tune with your congregation and their reaction to your preaching. So, take the step of considering the mode of your preaching.

3. MODALITIES: What different learning modalities are present in the congregation?

Learning modalities are not a topic that comes up in everyday conversation. However, the preacher must be aware of the various learning modalities of the church. Simply put, learning modalities refer to the different ways particular people learn. We all receive and process information differently because, among other factors, we have distinct learning modalities. Although each of us is uniquely created and individual, researchers have identified four major types of learning modalities: visual learners learn primarily through sight, auditory learners learn primarily through listening, kinesthetic learners learn primarily through movement, and tactile learners learn primarily through touch. Much more could be written here about learning modalities, but that’s not the purpose of this post. The point is to bring to your attention that not everyone learns the same way.

To add more factors for consideration, it seems nearly every day there is another personality test to identify the different types of people out there. There’s the Enneagram test, the Myers-Briggs test, the test that tells you which animal you are, and more! Suffice to say people are different from one another. So, before you step into the pulpit have you considered how people learn differently?

Further factors that affect different modalities in your congregation may be easier to identify. Determine, for instance, the average age of your congregation. Consider the demographical background of your people. Think about how many children and youth are present. What is the male to female ratio? Don’t neglect these questions.

Whether it’s by arrogance or ignorance, don’t make the mistake of overlooking the modality factor. Not everyone learns the same way you do, and not everyone in your congregation learns the same way as each other. Your preaching will be more effective if you preach to more than one type of learner.

4. MECHANISMS: What mechanisms can I use to enhance the presentation of the sermon?

Finally, consider what mechanisms can enhance your sermon. Again, this is not the most important aspect of preaching, but if your congregants are

not receiving the careful exposition you have prepared then it is all for naught.

With that in mind, what visuals can help your congregation grasp the truth that you are offering? Do you need to use more presentation slides, pictures, or video clips? Will an object help communicate the truth of the biblical text in some way that will be memorable to your people? Can you use an illustration, story, joke, or poem that is relevant to the passage that will support the truth you are trying to share? Perhaps these mechanisms will aid you in your communication. At times, perhaps fewer mechanisms will help you be a more effective preacher. Consider your use of mechanisms in your preaching.

Conclusion:

I worked at a restaurant when I was a Bible college student. I learned what I came to know as the five Ps of the restaurant industry. When it comes to serving food you must consider the price, portion, palate (taste), preparation, and presentation. I remember the lasting impression of realizing the fact that the presentation of food mattered. Most people would prefer not to have a pile of food served on a scrap of cardboard. Rather, something that’s carefully plated and garnished enhances the dining experience.

Likewise, presentation matters in preaching. The expository work discovers the delicacies of God’s Word, while the practical work of preparation and delivery purposefully places the delicacies on a platter to be delivered to your congregants. Considering your mechanics, the mode of preaching at your church, the modalities of your congregants, and any mechanisms that you may use will make you a better preacher and may very well aid you in more effectively delivering the truth of God’s Word. Be intentional in your preaching and do so for the glory of God alone.