Preachers and teachers should be accurate, bold, and clear for the goal of the Gospel and the glory of God. But it can be hard for church workers, especially volunteer leaders, to feel like they can grow in their skills. So here are 10 ways to grow in preaching and teaching so that all those serving in ministry can continue to equip others for the spread of the good news of Jesus Christ.
1. Get feedback from your congregation and your students
Ask what they learned, ask what they noticed, and ask what was confusing or was not clear.
2. Get feedback from fellow pastors and co-teachers
Ask what they would have done differently, ask what they enjoyed, ask how you can improve, and ask what you should keep doing.
3. Record and review your tapes (if available)
Just like how professional athletes watch video playbacks of their performance, preachers and teachers can watch and review their sermons and lessons. See how you talk and move, and make notes on what you did well and what needs improvement.
4. Watch and listen to more sermons and lessons
Technology today allows us to get outside of our own church walls and listen to some great preachers and teachers. Learn from some of the best, but don’t try to copy them. Let them influence you in a natural way and let their passion drive you to your own excellence.
5. Read more books
Saturate your mind with good theology. Learn how reading and writing can improve your own communication. Grow your vocabulary and see what others are saying.
6. Spend more time in your devotions
If you are struggling in your preparation and performance, perhaps you need to spend more time with God. For a preacher and Sunday School teacher, the sermons and lessons should be an outflowing of your relationship with the Lord. You cannot fake it and you will fail to connect with your audience.
7. Look for illustrations
Find illustrations for your sermons and lessons. Listen closely to stories, carefully watch movies, study songs and music, and think critically about the news. Use the Bible to see everything with a Christian worldview.
8. Take more opportunities to preach and teach
Look outside of your normal preaching and teaching schedule and take different opportunities that come your way. Vary your audience by preaching to children, youth, and adults. Speak at retreats and for special occasions. Share your testimony, give devotions, and speak in small groups.
9. Analyze other sermons and lessons
Think about how the presenter is guiding you along to follow him or her. How is PowerPoint or other media being used? How are Bible passages referenced? Study the structure of a presentation, note body language and vocal cues, and take notes that help you see the big picture.
10. Stop analyzing other sermons and lessons
Be humble in truly listening when others preach to you, and allow others to teach you without having an attitude of pride or superiority. Give yourself to sitting properly under the Word of God to let it have its effect on you.
Open the Scriptures, Burn Their Hearts
The way we communicate and use our words in preaching and teaching is not a trivial matter. In fact, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1).
Nevertheless, we should not be discouraged. “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14).
Let’s work on the way we preach and teach so that others may say: “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32).