Preaching for Transformation
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Deepa Sylvn
Table of Contents
The Desire for a Good Sermon
Everyone who walks into a church for a Sunday Service wants to leave with the joy of having heard a good sermon through powerful preaching. Oftentimes, post-service conversations tend to revolve around how good the sermon was or disappointingly otherwise.
Every Pastor would certainly feel happy and motivated when he hears positive feedback about the sermon that was preached. Sometimes, the joy and reinforcement that the positive feedback gives to the Pastor may in itself become his motivation to prepare and deliver good sermons week on week. Yes, it is indeed, wonderful to receive positive feedback from your congregation about the Sunday sermon. However, there is far more to what the preaching ought to achieve than merely positive feedback, isn’t it?
The Goal of Preaching
It is absolutely crucial for Pastors to ask themselves the question, “What is the goal of my preaching?”
To “preach” is to “proclaim, declare, announce.” All of these imply that there is indeed a very specific message that one has received or holds, which he then goes on to proclaim, declare, and announce to others who need to hear.
The Importance of Personal Experience
Now, think for a moment! What are those things that anyone would take the effort to proclaim and announce?
Isn’t it those things that they have experienced for themselves and have been benefitted by?
No one takes any effort to proclaim things that have not had an impact upon themselves. To preach, then, is to proclaim those things that as a Pastor, you yourself have learned from God, and more specifically, have been impacted by. These are life lessons and even, lessons for life!
Preaching for Transformation
So, when you preach, the goal is not merely positive feedback. The goal of preaching is always and always, transformation! Every sermon preached, every message declared, is intended to share what you have learned and have been transformed by.
Preaching for transformation ought to be your deepest desire! To proclaim to your sheep the truth that your Shepherd has impressed upon your heart and which has transformed you a little more into the likeness of Christ, ought to always be the one goal of your preaching. Even the ‘feel good’ and ‘positive feedback’ are never the goal as to why you preach. They can only merely function as additional and momentary encouragement, if anything, that you have indeed preached a transformational sermon.
Evidence of Transformation
Paul says,
“I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds
Therefore, as you stand up to preach each time, may you wait, hope, and pray, that your congregation would not only share positive feedback in the after-service conversations but more importantly bear evidence of transformation in their lives!
FAQs
Why is transformation important in preaching?
Transformation is important because it signifies a deeper impact on the congregation. The goal is not just to deliver a message but to inspire change and growth in the listeners, helping them to live more Christ-like lives.
How can pastors ensure their sermons lead to transformation?
Pastors can ensure their sermons lead to transformation by preaching from personal experience, relying on biblical truths, and focusing on the practical application of the message. Prayer and seeking God’s guidance are also crucial.
Is positive feedback from the congregation not important?
Positive feedback is encouraging but should not be the primary goal. It can serve as a sign that the message was well-received, but the true measure of a sermon’s success is the transformation it brings in the lives of the listeners.
What if a sermon doesn't seem to have an immediate impact?
Immediate impact is not always visible. Transformation can be a gradual process. Patience and continued effort in preaching with the goal of transformation will eventually bear fruit.
How can the congregation contribute to the transformation process?
The congregation can contribute by actively engaging with the sermon, applying the lessons to their lives, and providing constructive feedback to the pastor. Participating in small groups or discussions can also help reinforce the message.
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