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Is Your Message Too Creative?

Jesus was perhaps the most creative communicator who has ever lived. It’s rare that He didn’t use a story or an object to illustrate truth.

While most sermons could stand to be more creative, a few are teetering on the edge of becoming too creative.

In our consumer-driven society, it’s tempting for pastors to believe every sermon has to be funny, clever, or have a great video to be effective. I’ve unquestionably felt those pressures at different times in ministry.

Although creative communication can be effective and life-changing, if not used properly, it can become distracting or gimmicky.

Some examples could include:

Overuse of stage props

Long and ineffective videos

Humor for humor’s sake

Unnecessary (and long) stories

Avoid trying “too hard.” Trust the power of God’s Word. Let the text speak. If you can add life to it with appropriate creativity, go for it; but remember that God’s Word was alive before you added your creativity!

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Craig Groeschel is the founder and senior pastor of Life.Church, an innovative church meeting in multiple U.S. locations and globally online. Traveling the world as a champion of The Global Leadership Summit, Craig Groeschel advocates to grow leaders in every sector of society. He is the host of the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, the most listened to leadership podcast in the world. A New York Times best-selling author, his latest book is Dangerous Prayers.