Bruce Duncan
Sometime ago, I spoke to Bruce Duncan. A priest and a very good friend. We spoke about sermons. What is a good sermon? Why are sermons different?
A very good sermon is different. Sermons are unique. And, sermons are unique because they are totally unlike all other forms of address. Sermons must speak to everyone listening. And, the word listening is important. Listening is the only option there is.
Sermons employ no visual aids. No flip charts, no over-heads, and certainly no coloured slides. All the priest has are his words. And, words must be chosen and used with great care. Words must motivate, paint pictures, show feelings, and, most importantly, words must inspire. So, who is the priest addressing?
A church congregation is a very mixed bag. Many different levels of thinking and understanding, different ages, and, lots of different opinions. A priest must speak to them all. And, all those who listen must understand. This is not easy. Preaching a good serman requires great understanding and skill. The skill to stay simple in a very high way, and the understanding of language.
Language is very important. Everyone understands simple language. Most people not only enjoy it, they appreciate it, too. Simple language leaves very little space for misunderstanding. But, without good delivery, a sermon is no serman at all.
Delivery is voice. The priest must be well practiced and trained. Voice training is essential. Sermons are delivered in churches, and churches are normally big. The priest must be heard at the back in a very clear way. And, congregations hear all. Especially bad preperation.
Good preperation's a must. A good congregation deserves it. And, a good sermon is usually no more than 10 minutes. Length is important. 15 minutes at the outside.
The key to a very good sermon is a powerful message delivered in a very simple, very powerful way. Not too short and not too long.
Good congregations follow good priests.
