By Cj Cutrone
Preaching isn't an ability that all ministers come by automatically. There's an art to it - a refinement that takes a sermon out of the world of easy public talking to that of moving men's hearts and souls. So what can be done to improve your preaching abilities?
Although it may sound clear, definitely take some public presenting courses. Get used to talking in front of one to masses of people just as well. If you're nervous, folks will sense that. That nervousness translates into being less efficacious in making your message clear.
Another thing that is critical in preaching is reaching every last ear in the room. Even with the advent of technical devices, you may not always have a mike around to help. In theater they assert 'speak to the back of the room'. This is a good tip for delivering sermons to. What good are words if a wanting soul doesn't hear them?
Speaking of words - enunciate. Words should not mush together like oatmeal. Each needs to be crisp and complete. Don't leave off endings. Pacing your words properly helps with this. There are times you can move slowly to stress a point, and times when you can talk speedily for similar purpose. However, overall you want a pace like a musical piece that's consistent with your subject material. Talking too slowly only manages to bore your parishioners, especially wigglesome small children. Tape yourself giving a sermon and really listen. You would like inspiration - so avoid too much repetition and don't overdo volume. Ever spotted that people give more attention to a murmur than a scream? There's a reason for that, and understanding man's instinct goes with your job.
That isn't to point out you can't impress excitement into your preaching - you should be worked up about religion. The key is balance. Spend a little time online (http://www.wordandspiritministries.org/) listening to other sermons. Most people find too much exuberance seems artificial (as if you are making an attempt to prove something to oneself) or just irritating. How does one find balance? By observation. The more sermons you deliver, the better you'll become at reading the spectators in front of you. Returning to the prior rule - if the bloke in the last row is nodding, you're at a good pitch. Speak as loud or soft as suggested by the message being delivered, and keep it truthful to your heart and to God's word.
Last, although not least, never do anything simply for an effect. A sermon is only as good as the person behind it - their deep, abiding understanding of the meaning of the message. Showmanship does not win souls, being real does.
About the Author:
CJ Cutrone is the owner of Word and Spirit Ministries (http://www.wordandspiritministries.org/marriage-counseling/) , a charity that offers relationship counseling information (http://www.wordandspiritministries.org/missions/) , online sermons and a nirvana for Peru kids.
Preaching isn't an ability that all ministers come by automatically. There's an art to it - a refinement that takes a sermon out of the world of easy public talking to that of moving men's hearts and souls. So what can be done to improve your preaching abilities?
Although it may sound clear, definitely take some public presenting courses. Get used to talking in front of one to masses of people just as well. If you're nervous, folks will sense that. That nervousness translates into being less efficacious in making your message clear.
Another thing that is critical in preaching is reaching every last ear in the room. Even with the advent of technical devices, you may not always have a mike around to help. In theater they assert 'speak to the back of the room'. This is a good tip for delivering sermons to. What good are words if a wanting soul doesn't hear them?
Speaking of words - enunciate. Words should not mush together like oatmeal. Each needs to be crisp and complete. Don't leave off endings. Pacing your words properly helps with this. There are times you can move slowly to stress a point, and times when you can talk speedily for similar purpose. However, overall you want a pace like a musical piece that's consistent with your subject material. Talking too slowly only manages to bore your parishioners, especially wigglesome small children. Tape yourself giving a sermon and really listen. You would like inspiration - so avoid too much repetition and don't overdo volume. Ever spotted that people give more attention to a murmur than a scream? There's a reason for that, and understanding man's instinct goes with your job.
That isn't to point out you can't impress excitement into your preaching - you should be worked up about religion. The key is balance. Spend a little time online (http://www.wordandspiritministries.org/) listening to other sermons. Most people find too much exuberance seems artificial (as if you are making an attempt to prove something to oneself) or just irritating. How does one find balance? By observation. The more sermons you deliver, the better you'll become at reading the spectators in front of you. Returning to the prior rule - if the bloke in the last row is nodding, you're at a good pitch. Speak as loud or soft as suggested by the message being delivered, and keep it truthful to your heart and to God's word.
Last, although not least, never do anything simply for an effect. A sermon is only as good as the person behind it - their deep, abiding understanding of the meaning of the message. Showmanship does not win souls, being real does.
About the Author:
CJ Cutrone is the owner of Word and Spirit Ministries (http://www.wordandspiritministries.org/marriage-counseling/) , a charity that offers relationship counseling information (http://www.wordandspiritministries.org/missions/) , online sermons and a nirvana for Peru kids.