Energy for captivating sermons

In a short, nuts-and-bolts article from Preaching Today, Craig Brian Larson considers energy that makes preaching captivating. And how can we tell if we have it?

Hearing a sermon on tape is the acid test. On tape preachers lose the benefit of their winsome facial expressions, physical movement and gestures, the excitement of a crowd, and the presence of God in the meeting. Taped sermons strip preachers down to their voice and words. I have heard many sermons in person that I thought were world class, only to listen later on tape and be unmoved. So if you can captivate hearers on tape, then in person you can preach.

What grabs hearers even on tape is energy. I have observed three types of energy in sermons. If preachers have at least one type, their messages can capture hearers so they might fully hear the Word.

The article goes on to give practical advice for adding energy to your sermons.