Page 134 - Homiletics I Student Textbook

focused on difficult tasks like playing an instrument or learning to site read music. Seeing or hearing
something that supports what they are learning magnifies their concentration and thus, increases
attention span. People are much more likely to stay with you when they are hearing and seeing images
that support the information you are sharing verbally. That’s why audio-visual aids are so important to
teachers, lecturers, and preachers.

THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT!!! The bottom line is this: You have to deliver your message to the people
within the limited time of their ability to concentrate on what you are saying. The verbosity of your
sermon is not a reflection of your ability to preach. A skilled preacher can deliver his message from God
within the limits of his congregation’s attention spans.

rd
Years ago, I heard a preacher preach the 23 Psalms in 23 minutes. It was one of the best sermons I
have ever heard in my life. This great preacher totally understood this important principle!

Other Ideas to make your Sermons more interesting or fresh.

1. Have a short drama or skit or play as an introduction or to reinforce a point. Create a drama team at
the church that is interested in supporting the ministry. They can do 3-5 minute dramas during the
service and bring a lot into a sermon.

2. Have a discussion group of 3-5 people on the stage with you. During the sermon, pose a situation
(application to the lesson) to them to offer suggestions or applications. This group could also be called a
panel. They could be primed ahead of time with information, or just give input extraneously.

3. Show a video clip show during the sermon. Select one that is 3-5 minutes in length that enhances or
broadens the topic at hand. There are thousands of excellent videos on YouTube on various biblical
topics.

4. Have a short debate on stage with a topic. Have one person take one side and one the other. Have
them present their pros for each position.

5. Use an object as reinforcement of a topic or idea. For example, if you are talking about the
tabernacle, have a model of the tabernacle so people can visualize it. Then perhaps project the model
on your screen to enhance the features.

6. Roll Play a part. Come out with a costume of a Biblical character and talk about his accomplishments
and how God used him to accomplish His will.

7. Add a music interlude in the sermon that will support the topic.

8. Using your video projector, show maps, pictures, geography, photographs, etc. of Biblical sites or that
support your topic.

133