Recently I watched ESPN preview the Cowboys-Giants football game. Troy Aikman had broken his collar bone the week before, so ESPN interviewed players and coaches on his backup Jason Garrett and gave a history of big games by backup quarterbacks. Another segment let us eavesdrop on Giants coach Jim Fassel on the sidelines the week before. They showed comparative statistics and profiled legendary coach Tom Landry. Then the analysts offered their predictions.
Though I am a Bears fan, the pregame told me what to watch for and caused me to care about the outcome. I actually wanted to watch.
Many sermon elements, such as scripture readings, illustrations, and quotations, can benefit from such context. Your “pregame” can be one sentence, one paragraph, or five-minutes worth, and it can come at any point during the sermon. Its purpose: to prepare hearers to receive maximum benefit and cause them to care.
Every sermon benefits from a good “pregame.”
Note this effective pregame in a sermon by Robert Bakke, director of the National Prayer Advance of the Evangelical Free Church of America: “Turn with me to John 3, one of the most familiar chapters in the Bible. A man named Nicodemus comes to meet Jesus at night, and he receives some extraordinary words. If you are familiar with this passage, be careful because familiarity breeds contempt.
“Nicodemus was at the top of the pyramid of Israelite society. He has been sifted and tested and voted on and scrutinized. He has a resume as long as your arm. He is powerful, knowledgeable—an extraordinary man in a culture devoted to God.
“In his day if you asked an Israelite, ‘Is Nicodemus going to heaven?’ he’d likely respond, ‘If Nicodemus isn’t going to heaven, nobody’s going to heaven.’ He is a Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin. He is scrupulous in his obedience to Law, blameless in the sight of men.
“He comes to Jesus to do him what he thinks is a favor. As a member of the Sanhedrin, he is about to place his imprimatur on the ministry of Christ—the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. Now, let’s read.”
After that “player profile,” I couldn’t wait to hear John 3 again. Here are some other elements you can use in an engaging pregame:
Defuse objections and bias. “When you hear the word holiness, what comes to mind? Scowling people in dowdy clothes? No fun? A God who is always mad at you? I have good news for you. Holiness is a desirable thing.”
Highlight what to watch for. “Note, as we read, what Paul says is the real cause of contention in the church.”
Stir curiosity. “When you hear the following quotation, you’re going to think I found it in Christianity Today. In fact, it was published in Rolling Stone.”
Provide categories for understanding. “Many are confused by this verse. They don’t realize the Gospel writer uses the word world in two different senses.”
Create expectancy and hope. “This morning you may be weighed down with anxiety. This verse can turn your fears into faith.”
Ask a question suggested by the text. “Have you ever wondered why John the Baptist ate locusts?”
Frame the interpretive issues. “John 1 addresses one of today’s most hotly debated religious topics: Is Jesus God or just a good man?”
Pregame shows can go awry. Too long is worse than too short. Hype will boomerang. Never more than once in a sermon do I want to say, “This is important (crucial, pivotal, etc.).” And I must never promise more than I deliver.
But to listeners, a good pregame highlights the importance of what they are about to hear.
Craig Brian Larson is editor of Preaching Today and pastor of Lake Shore Assembly of God P. O. Box 1456, Chicago IL 60690
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