Comments on: How to critique a sermon

By: Steve Hall

Steve Hall — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:44:00 +0000

Although repeating one of your points, I really believe hearing a sermon for our own soul first must be the primary focus of our listening. Not only will it soften the blunt of our criticism, but I believe it directs our criticism in a Christ-centered focus since our heart’s feeding will be the criterion for our critique. If I am looking for my own heart’s love for God to increase through the preaching of His Word then the content of my comments will flow out of deep longing for Him–not simply the techniques of delivery. How we listen to sermons from our fellow classmates seems to spill over in how we listen (and critique) other preachers out of the classroom.Thus, listening for our own heart first will also instill graciousness in the hearer as he listens to other sermons outside the classroom.I think another point that is needed is to not be negative against a sermon simply because the preacher preached the text differently than we would have. I really appreciate your list!

By: David Murray

David Murray — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:18:43 +0000

Thanks Danny.Nathan: Thanks for the supplement. Good to hear your scars are healing!Harold: I like you illustration. V. helpful.

By: Harold Van Dyk

Harold Van Dyk — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:59:14 +0000

For me as nothing but a listener (or reader). I use a method for listening/reading that helps me get the most out of a Sermon and also helps to me make sure I am hearing the truth. Imagine a triangle and at each point there is a circle, one labeled God, one labeled Man and one Christ. The circles represent the attributes and/or condition of each and the lines of the triangle are the relationships. Every sermon should tell me something about every circle and every line and in keeping with the doctrines of the Church. It may sound rather simplistic (the triangle), but by using that method I protect myself from that which is not true and I am able to get at least something good for my soul out of every sermon because I am constantly asking myself (during the sermon) what does this say about God, Fallen Man, Christ, the relationships between each? The side benefit is this: when listening that way, with a specific method, it helps one be less critical of the sermon because they are more focused on the message. Maybe we need a sermon on how to listen.

By: Nathan Eshelman

Nathan Eshelman — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:00:09 +0000

As someone who HAS sat through this class- and 4 years of it; I would say that these times of critique can “make” the preacher. This class is so important to the development of the young preacher and will prove to be beneficial when you are responsible for feeding the sheep in a congregation. For myself, I would always ask myself these questions: 1. Where is Jesus in the passage. If all Scripture speaks of him; where is he? 2. I also frequently meditate on the timeless advice of the Westminster Divines: A159: They that are called to labour in the ministry of the Word, are to preach sound doctrine, diligently, in season and out of season; plainly, not in the enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; faithfully, making known the whole counsel of God; wisely, applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers; zealously, with fervent love to God and the souls of his people; sincerely, aiming at his glory, and their conversion, edification, and salvation.Have a good season of practice preaching, and keep helping to develop those who will turn the world upside down (Acts 17:6)!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 06:56:38 +0000

Great help on critiquing sermons.