We have all experienced that sinking feeling in the pulpit. You have spent hours in faithful exegesis, wrestled with the text, and prayed over the message. Yet, as you look out at the people you notice the glazed eyes, the shifting in seats, or the covert checking of watches. It is rarely a lack of biblical truth that causes a room to disconnect; more often, it is subtle delivery quirks or structural issues that create a barrier between the pulpit and the pew. These unintentional sermon habits can act like static on a radio, distorting the clear signal of the Gospel. The good news is that most of these habits are learned behaviors that can be unlearned. By identifying them, we can remove the distractions and clear the path for the Holy Spirit to move.
10 Sermon Habits That Quietly Lose the Congregation
Communication Barriers That Break Connection
The primary goal of preaching is communication, not just recitation. However, certain tendencies can turn a dialogue into a monologue that leaves listeners behind.
1. The “Insider Language” Trap Seminary trains us to value precision, which is vital for theology but often fatal for engagement. Using terms like “sanctification,” “eschatological,” or “exegesis” without explanation alienates new believers and seekers. It signals that this message is only for the “professionals.”
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The Fix: Act as a translator. If you must use a theological term, define it immediately in plain language. Think of how you would explain the concept to a neighbor over coffee.
RELATED: Preaching Engaging Sermons
2. The Manuscript Anchor Reading your notes word-for-word is the quickest way to kill the energy in the room. Eye contact is the currency of trust; when your eyes are buried in a paper, you spend that currency rapidly. It feels less like a proclamation and more like a lecture.
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The Fix: Move from a full manuscript to an outline or keyword-based notes. This forces you to internalize the message and engage the room visually.
3. The Monotone Drone Passion is contagious, but so is boredom. If your voice maintains the same pitch and volume whether you are reading a genealogy or describing the resurrection, the congregation will tune out. A lack of vocal variety suggests you aren’t moved by your own message.
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The Fix: Record yourself and listen back. Mark your notes with cues like “slow down,” “whisper,” or “emphasize” to remind yourself to vary your delivery.
Structural Sermon Habits That Confuse the Listener
A sermon needs a clear roadmap. If the congregation doesn’t know where you are going, they will stop following you. Here are a few structural sermon habits that often lead to confusion.
4. The “Plane Crash” Landing We have all heard the preacher who says, “In conclusion,” and then speaks for another fifteen minutes. Or worse, the sermon that circles the runway three or four times, teasing an ending but never actually landing. This exhausts the listener and dilutes the main point.
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The Fix: Prepare your last sentence before you preach. When you reach your destination, land the plane and stop taxiing.
