How did preaching go last week? Did you try the story (hero – guide) framework as a way of reshaping your sermon?
Last time we shared how Donald Trump uses story and clarity to win over his hearers and we focused on the elements of story. This week we are going to focus on… focus.
It is my firm conviction that because we think the story we have to tell is compelling (because it’s God’s word!), we mistakenly assume it is also clear to our hearers.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “If it’s a mist in the pulpit, it’s a fog in the pews.” That phrase was popular before social media and smartphones. Squirrel!
Are you absolutely crystal clear on your message? Can you describe the main point of your sermon in a simple sentence?
Borrowing loosely from Andy Stanley’s book Making Vision Stick, your sermon should have one main point. When you have that main point, you should:
- Cast it clearly and
- Repeat it regularly.
Cast it clearly: Turn your main point into a short memorable sentence or phrase. This takes some work but is worth it.
Repeat it regularly: What would it look like to sprinkle your main idea throughout your sermon, stating it several times, ideally (at the very least) at the beginning and the end?
Focus. Or squirrel. Your choice.