Years ago, when I first began preaching, I developed a list of 20 questions to evaluate a sermon—before preaching it. It remains a mental checklist (though more intuitive for me than mechanical) that I try to apply to my own speaking. Here are the 20 questions:
• Do I grab the listener’s attention as soon as I start speaking?
• Does the talk start where people are (with their culture, needs, problems, issues, questions)?
• Does it come on too strong, too fast?
• Am I teaching the listener something he didn’t already know?
• Am I communicating what God says, not my opinions?
• Have I included an introduction of myself and words of welcome to the listener?
• Have I included a restatement somewhere in the talk of either Cobblestone’s mission (“loving people into life-changing encounters with God”) or distinctives (community-oriented, student-friendly, seeker-aware, outward-focused)?
• Have I offered an elementary (but not condescending) explanation of the text that will help even a Bible newbie find it without feeling stupid (as well as avoidance of “church lingo” as much as possible)?
• Have I revealed anything of myself in the talk without revealing anything inappropriate? (So much the better if it’s vulnerable, self-effacing and/or winsome.)
• Do I interact with my listeners in the talk (e.g., mentioning people’s names, asking for responses, etc.)?
• Have I included humor?
• Am I being realistic instead of shallow? Will my listener believe I understand what he’s really going through?
• Have I touched (not manipulated) my listener’s emotions?
• Is my talk focused enough (instead of rambling)?
• Have I played a part in meeting a felt need?
• Is the “solution” I propose realistic? Life-related? Biblical?
• Does the structure of my talk logically lead to the conclusion/application?
• Have I left out anything important, crucial?
• Have I given clear application for both a seeker and a Christian that answers the question, “OK, what am I supposed to do with this information now/today/this week?”
• Have I made reference to how my listener can find further help (e.g., prayer counselors)?