 |  Becoming more things to more people?
Fall 2000
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PreachingToday.com
October 1, 2000
Preaching has a long tradition of one-way communication. You may want to consider experimenting, though, with another alternative well suited to our culture: dialogue.
When Jesus taught, he rarely depended on monologue. The New Testament records that he asked 153 questions. "Whose likeness is on this coin?" "Which one was this man's neighbor?" Jesus, the Master Teacher, engaged in dialogue.
There are various ways to introduce more two-way communication into your sermons. Each preaching situation has its own rules, but one or two of these ideas may work in your church.
Q & A: audience to preacher
Speakers often use this method following a message, but we can also allow people to ask questions within a sermon. Wording like this prompts feedback: "Have I made that clear?" or "Can I clarify anything?" This puts the responsibility for clarity on the preacher so listeners don't feel stupid for asking.
Q & A: preacher to audience
We can ask the congregation either closed or open questions. To focus the audience's attention, ask a closed question: "What is the Great Commission?" Open questions are even more potent, as when Jesus asked, "Who do men say that I am?" To teach like Jesus, we might ask a series of questions: "What are people most afraid of? What are you most afraid of? What place does prayer have in your struggle against fear?"
Rhetorical questions
These are simple to use and can be as effective as "real" dialogue. They engage the audience in mental dialogue with the preacher.
Interviews
Before, after, or even in the middle of a message, bring forward a person with firsthand experience in the subject of the message to reinforce the point. Take questions from the audience or the preacher.
Testimony
Listeners participate vicariously ...
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