I recently finished reading, Richard H. Cox’s book, Rewiring Your Preaching: How the Brain Processes Sermons (IVP). Here are three takeaways from the book that may help you as you prepare sermons this week:
One. Repeating key theological and practical concepts is helpful in making disciples. On page 35 Cox writes,
“Specific brain changes result from repetitive learning….The brain responds to repetition.”
That helped me because I often shy away from any kind of repetition. I tell myself repeatedly, “They already heard this before” or “They already know this.” I didn’t realize how valuable repetition is for transformation into Christlikeness.
Two. Anyone who addresses the congregants, such as pastors or song leaders, needs to help them take their attention off the temporal and place its squarely on the eternal. Cox states that parishioners…
Of course, it takes some effort to convince some of our listeners that the Word of God is a “must hear” kind of communication. Actually, that is God’s job of creating ears that can hear. Our job is to make sure our sermon contains His Word, not our opinions. Our own faith and intensity can help our listeners realize how desperately we need to hear from God.
Before Sunday, keep these three things in mind so God receives glory in the church and in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:21).
Randal
I’m not a pastor, but for a Bible teacher, these three takeaways are great reminders for me too! Thanks Randal!
Thank you for reading this stuff, Angela. I know you preach the Word well! Keep up the good work of faith. Hope you and your family are flourishing. Michele sends her love.