The Sunday Sermon You’ll Never Forget

I became a Christian when I was 10 years old, which means I’ve been listening to sermons for over 30 years.

As a young boy fidgeting in the pew in Westminster, Maryland, I always enjoyed my pastor’s stories — even when I didn’t fully understand his subject. Thankfully, I’ve come a long way.

Sermon preparation and public speaking were key components in my ministry training, and for the past 17 years I have made my living preaching sermons. But in addition to producing sermons, I consume them, too. In my private study, I enjoy reading classic sermons from history’s greatest preachers. I even listen to sermon podcasts in my car.

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In other words — sermons are a huge part of my Christian life. They have been the platter on which a gourmet feast of God’s truth has been consistently delivered to my hungry soul. I am grateful I possess the utensils necessary to carve up sermons and consume them for maximum spiritual benefit.

I had good teachers who taught me how to listen to sermons. However, many Christians today have never been taught how to correctly and effectively listen to a sermon. As a result, many are leaving their church services spiritually hungry. Some are starving. And perhaps you’re one of them.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you perceive God’s truth and understand its relevance for your life.

What is the best way to listen to a sermon? What are some practical tips that can lead to “maximum impact” when listening to your minister’s message? Consider these six:

1.) Commit to being an active listener.
Outfielders on Major League Baseball teams need incredible focus. If they become distracted by the manicured grass, the crowd, or the bright stadium lights — they won’t be ready when a ball comes zinging their way. The same is true of sermons. If you want to be ready to receive God’s truth, tighten your focus. Put your phone away and give your minister your undivided attention. If you are easily distracted by people or noises, sit up front. If your mind is prone to wander, grab a pen and take notes.

2.) Pray for spiritual understanding.
Sermons are not lectures, self-help talks, or political speeches. They are public proclamations of God’s Word. The Bible says the Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible also gives illumination of the Bible. In other words, the Holy Spirit is present to help Christians receive, understand, and apply God’s truth.

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If you want increased insights, pray! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you perceive God’s truth and understand its relevance for your life.

3.) Identify your pastor’s preaching style.
Every pastor has a unique speaking style. Many pastors are linear; their messages are straightforward with main points marked by numbers or letters. Some pastors preach conversationally through the lens of their personal experiences. Other pastors have a narrative style; their sermons are delivered through stories. The sooner you can identify your pastor’s preaching style, the sooner you will be able to grasp the truths being proclaimed.

4.) Clarify the big idea. 
As you listen to your minister’s message, ask yourself: “What is the big idea of this sermon?” As a general rule, sermons have just one big idea behind them. It’s what drives the message forward and gives it unity. Is this message about eternal life? Being holy? Sharing Jesus with others? As you listen, seek to clarify the main idea or main point of the message. If you can wrap your mind around the big idea, all of the component parts and pieces will fall into place.

Church history is filled with powerful preachers whose sermons shook the world and strengthened the church.

5.) Determine what kind of message you’re listening to.
When we sort our mail at home, we know the difference between bills, junk mail, and birthday cards. Just as mail has to be properly sorted out on a desk or counter, sermons need to be sorted out in the mind. What kind of sermon is this? Is it a topical sermon? Is it expositional— verse-by-verse through a Bible text? Is the sermon historical, biographical, or focused on one particular doctrine? Once you determine what kind of message you are listening to, you can follow where it leads.

6.) Make the application personal.
Every single sermon has two purposes: It seeks to inform the mind and transform the heart. Your minister wants you to have a better understanding of God’s Word, and how that Word should be applied to your everyday life. For maximum impact, ask yourself these application questions as you listen:

• “What am I being asked to believe?”
• “What am I being asked to feel?”
• “What am I being asked to do?”

As you reflect on these questions, you will discover God stirring your heart with the answers, leading you toward increased spiritual growth and maturity.

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As Christians, we cannot escape sermons. The Bible is filled with sermons from beginning to end. Jesus was a preacher. His apostles were preachers. Church history is filled with powerful preachers whose sermons shook the world and strengthened the church.

This weekend, you will be given another opportunity to hear your minister’s message. A whole feast of truth and grace will be there waiting for you, but you will need sharp utensils and the skills to use them. Are you prepared to listen for maximum impact? Embrace these practical principles — and turn your fidgeting into feasting.

Ryan Day is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, where he has served for 17 years. He and his wife have six children.