When is the last time a
good friend of yours said, “Let’s listen to a sermon!” It’s probably been a
long time, unless it was raised as an alternative to visiting the dentist or proctologist.
Even then, at least these doctors do something practical for you. What of the
soul doctors of the pulpit? They too offer something practical and of lasting,
perhaps even, ever-lasting value. But what exactly is that? What are you listening
for in a sermon? Maybe you aren’t really listening at all? The sermon is
increasingly a strange beast in our culture of constant on demand content and
content that constantly demands our attention.
Our expectation of the
sermon, and thus, what we are listening for, are shaped by our experience of
vocal communication in the wider culture, but also our own particular
understanding of Christianity and often – even if we don’t know it – a
particular denomination of tradition’s understanding of the role of preaching. People
get annoyed or bored or upset with preachers when their understanding of the
sermon’s role is in conflict with the preacher’s or tradition’s understanding
of the sermon. There are dozens of ways of classifying sermon types and
approaches. Let’s look at five:
1. The Sermon as
Twitter Account
The sermon is purely the
preacher’s opinion. They can use the pulpit to communicate whatever they feel
like talking about. It may be informed by the texts assigned for the day, but
ultimately it is a vehicle for the preacher to communicate private opinions and experiences on
sundry subjects.
2. The Sermon as
Life Message
3. The Sermon as
History Lesson
The sermon is about
scholarship. The sermon brings forth the vast riches of academic insight about
particular texts and conveys them to the people. The message engages with
commentaries, historical accounts, details, and more. The preacher’s job is to
educate and sophisticate the congregation.
4. The Sermon as
Monologue
The sermon should be the ecclesiastical
version of classic late night monologues. It should be funny, heart-warming,
and perhaps have some helpful information or encouragement. The preacher’s job
is to connect with the congregation, with emotional catharsis of some kind
being a sign of success.
5. The Sermon as
Social Expose
The sermon’s purpose is to
comment on current social controversies. It should be bold and
sometimes revolutionary. The Christian Tradition, especially its social justice
movements and ideologies, are often the theological anchors of these sermons.
The preacher’s job is to challenge and critique.
Each approach contains at least
a modicum of truth or a potential purpose to the sermon, but perhaps some for
more than others. Philosophical approaches to sermons aside, what sermons
listeners often complain about are not content, but delivery and structure. “He’s
so boring.” “She has no organization to what she says.” “It goes on and on and
on.” “He talks about to many things.” “I can’t hear what she is saying.” Etc. What
about you? What are you listening for in a sermon?"
(Click here if you need an alternative to the dentist or proctologist or here for sermon listening tips)
