4. They’re not learning about God.
It’s amazing to me that people come to church seeking God only to not understand anything they’ve heard.
One couple that attends our church told me that they tried to go back to church when their kids were young, only to give up in frustration after a year.
The reason? They couldn’t understand anything the pastor taught. The woman said, “It was like he was speaking a foreign language.”
After five more years out of the local church, they decided to give it one more shot when they came to our church. I’m so grateful they were willing to try again.
The truth is, you and I can relate. Every one of us has listened to a sermon for 45 minutes only to walk out the door tremendously unclear about what was just said. And—preachers—come on, we’ve all given more than one of those messages.
The solution to this is simple: clarity.
Speak in everyday language, not in church speak or in a meandering way. It takes far more work to be clear than it does to be confusing.
Have a clear point to your message.
Be clear about what you want to have happen when people leave.
If you want to read more, I outlined how to write a message series for unchurched people here.
In addition, my friends at Preaching Rocket are offering a free online conference that can help anyone become a better communicator. You can register for free here.
