Evaluating Preaching

Those who preach and desire effectiveness through the ministry of preaching need a way to measure how well they are communicating. Below are ten tests for evaluating one's preaching. The Need for Sermon Evaluation Authentic preaching is responsible to its place in the total Christian community. It belongs not only to the preacher, but also to the congregation. It reflects the memory and expectation of the people of God in times past and in times present. It is rooted in the Word and standing in the world. True preaching steps onto the bridge between the mundane and the majestic, between mud and stars, and, recognizing the awesome mystery of the preached Word, dares to speak for God. The quality of mystery referred to by Jesus regarding new birth also applies to preaching: "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). Because the vital center of preaching,…