I'm not real sure which was more nerve wracking, giving my first sermon in preaching class in seminary, or reading the critiques turned in by my classmates. Some of my classmates intuitively understood that they needed to balance positive encouragement with a small dose of constructive criticism. But the majority did not. Like an overzealous police officer with a whistle in his mouth, they eagerly listened and looked for the slightest slip-up.
After those seminary experiences, some of us longed for the day when no one would tell us how to preach. But in twenty-five years of ministry, I've found that inviting critique has made me a better communicator.
A friend once told me, "I've created a committee in my church that gives me feedback on my preaching." Then he added, "Evidently there are a lot of people who aren't aware that they're not on the committee."
When seeking feedback on sermons, preachers must be discriminating about who to ask. Very few people understand how personal the craft of preaching is, so preachers should not open themselves to criticism from just anyone. Here are five qualities I look for:
- Someone trustworthy and honest
- Someone whose opinion I value
- Someone who understands public speaking
- Someone who can affirm as well and challenge
- Someone who can accept disagreement
In a smaller church, such people may be a retired minister, a person in sales or marketing, or a school teacher. In larger churches, a preacher may find other staff members to be a helpful source of critique. I suggest assembling a sermon assessment group with prayer (as well as fear and trembling). And inform the group that this is just a trial period. That way if the group proves to be unhelpful or too combative, there is already an exit strategy.
I have four people read my manuscript to offer critique and counsel before I preach it. After my first service on Saturday night, I invite three people to leave me a voice mail with their observations. Their messages are anywhere from one to five minutes—depending on the quality of my sermon and the personality of the one leaving the message. Most voice mails are about 80 percent affirmation and 20 advice. I appreciate that ratio. If it were reversed, I'd never listen to my voice mail.
I'll often use their advice to adjust my sermon before Sunday's services. After a "critic" hears you use their suggestion, he or she immediately feels valued. I also look for opportunities to tell others how my team has helped my preaching. If someone comments about an illustration, I might say, "You can thank Rusty for that one, because Saturday night he left that quote on my voice mail and it led perfectly into my conclusion!"
These simple affirmations accomplish three things. First, they motivate your team to be on the lookout for helpful tips and stories. Second, they encourage the people who have helped you. And third, they communicate that you are still seeking to improve as a preacher and that you haven't "arrived."
One of my favorite Michael Jordan stories came from the game when he scored 69 points. The Chicago Bulls' lead was so big that in the final minute Coach Phil Jackson put in Stacey King—a seldom used rookie substitute. King scored two meaningless free throws. Some years later he was asked by a reporter, "What's been the highlight of your career?" King glibly replied, "It would have to be the night Michael Jordan and I combined to score 71 points!"
Whether your critics' contribution to your sermon is worth two points or many more, having their input will only help the outcome. Surrounding yourself with people who can speak truth and wisdom into your preaching will enhance your ministry and allow you to more effectively communicate God's message.
Dave Stone is the senior minister of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal.Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal.
