Two Rules for Sermon Delivery

Delivery is important, but we sometimes make it too important. If you prepare clear, biblical messages, and work hard, then your delivery will improve. It just takes time.

I rarely hear sermons that are poorly delivered. Even when I do, I still get a lot out of them if they’re biblical.

Out of all the rules for sermon delivery, two matter most.

Be Yourself

“Be yourself — your best self — and let the Holy Spirit put the imprint on your life and message,” write Warren and David Wiersbe.

This is why it’s hard to create many rules for delivery. Everyone’s unique. Don’t mimic someone else. Just be you.

Don’t Be Distracting

All of us have verbal tics and mannerisms that get in the way of preaching. If you ask for feedback, and people are honest, you’ll discover what yours are.

This rule also applies to other areas of preaching, like deciding what to wear or how to phrase an idea. If it distracts from the message, get rid of it.

If you are yourself, and you work on eliminating distractions, you’re 80% there. The rest will come with experience.

Excerpted from Ordinary Preacher: A Short Book on Preaching Well, Even If You’re Average. Find out more from Amazon, or download the book for free.