Questions to Ask Before You Preach

To be more specific

1. In one sentence, what’s this sermon about?
2. What theological category would this fit under?
3. What do I want my listeners to know?
4. What do I want my listeners to do?
5. What do I want my listeners to become?
6. How does this message fit with the larger vision?

To be more relevant

1. So what?
2. Oh really?

To be more passionate

1. Do I believe this message will make a difference?
2. Has this sermon made a difference in my life this week?
3. Have I earnestly prayed for God to speak through me?
4. Have I used the materials of others inappropriately?
5. Have I tried to make myself look better than I am?
6. Will my listeners know I care about them?

—Ed Rowell

1997 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or contact us