2. Too much material.
Some preachers can cover an entire chapter of the Bible, read passages from 2 Kings, Deuteronomy and 3 John, quote Josephus, and recite the Nicene Creed all in one message.
Most of us, however, need to narrow our focus.
There may be 15 scriptures that shed light on your topic, but your audience will only remember two or three (unless there’s a noon kickoff, then they’ll barely remember they went to church). While first-century Rabbinical law is fascinating at your desk on Tuesday morning, no one cares on Sunday.
Research, study, chase rabbit trails while you are writing your message, but trim the fat for the final sermon.
3. Too little substance.
At the end of the message, have you said anything your audience didn’t already know?
Most of the people in the pews (or coordinated stack chairs) are aware that Jesus loves them, they should read the Bible and pray, and that sin is bad and God is good.
What new insight, personal application or convicting challenge are you bringing? The meat of sermon preparation is getting beyond the trite to the transformational. (See what I did there? I am an alliteration Ninja.)
4. Copy our favorite speaker.
During different phases of ministry, I have been seeker driven like Bill Hybels, purpose driven like Rick Warren and system driven like Andy Stanley. Sometimes after listening to John Ortberg, I still find myself quoting great theologians I’ve never read.
It’s important to learn from great speakers, just don’t be them.
You don’t need use a handheld mic like Steven Furtick, sit on a stool like Andy Stanley or be tragically hip like Geoff Surratt (just seeing if you’re paying attention) to be a successful speaker. Learn, but don’t lean. (Again with the alliteration, I’m on fire!)
