10 Rules for Preaching and the Pope Francis Rule

While in seminary, I once heard a Presbyterian pastor preach the equivalent of three sermons in 55 minutes.

I have been a pastor for almost a decade. I spend between 10-12 hours each week thinking, researching, and writing before I deliver the first words in my Sunday sermon. The process of writing my sermon goes through a lengthy journey each week. I begin contemplating the text on Monday morning, and by Wednesday, I have a draft ready with an outline. On early Sunday morning, I edit and re-edit my manuscript. There is no perfect sermon, but a sermon that is constantly engaged has a much better chance of communicating with clarity than the self-assured preacher who sees the sermonic task with nothing more than academic lenses.

I have compiled a list of ten questions I ask myself each week at some point or another. These questions are not treated with equal weight but, depending on the season, may vary in significance.

10 Questions for Consideration

Question #1: Is this language clear? When you write a manuscript ( as I do), you can consider the language you use carefully. I make a habit of reading my sermon out loud which leads me to realize that certain phrases do not convey the idea clearly. A well-written sermon does not necessarily mean a well-delivered sermon. Reading my sermons aloud causes me to re-write and look for other ways to explain a concept or application more clearly.