Some practical guidelines to remember when you preach:
1. Preach to the Whole Congregation, Not to an Individual
Don’t target or focus on one person in the audience. Make the message applicable and relevant to the entire congregation to avoid bias and misinterpretation.
2. Avoid Excessive Use of “I”
Avoid making the sermon about yourself. Focus more on God’s Word and how it applies to the congregation, rather than personal stories or achievements.
3. Reinforce the Church’s Vision and Values
Every sermon should reinforce the church’s vision and cultural values. Avoid introducing concepts that contradict the mission of the ministry.
4. Keep the New Testament Perspective
Ground your sermons in the perspective of the New Testament. Focus on the life and teachings of Jesus, the apostles, and the message of grace, love, and redemption.
5. Make it Relevant to Daily Life
A good sermon must apply to people’s everyday lives. Make sure your message relates to the challenges, struggles, and experiences they face beyond Sunday.
6. Focus on What We Are For, Not Just What We Are Against
Emphasize the positive aspects of the gospel and Christian life. Focus more on God’s love, grace, and purpose than on what you oppose.
7. Make Sermons Noteworthy
Structure your sermon in a way that makes it easy to take notes. Use clear points, memorable phrases, and practical applications that people can write down and refer to later.
8. Honor the Clock
Be respectful of people’s time. A long sermon does not necessarily mean a good sermon. Learn to deliver powerful messages within a set time limit.
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