Substance -v- Style

I often hear that our guys are boring. This is rarely a cry to remove the guy, because by a far lead “our people” FIRST want a guy who is true to the Word of God. I personally listen to dozens of sermons a week. I will find a thread and listen and watch two or three or sometimes four or five of the services. I do this for multiple reasons. BUT I have to agree, a good number of our guys are rather boring. Now, before you get too upset, before you shoot at me, know, first, that I am on the side of preachers. I have lived the time constraints, the ability level, the number of lessons per week, the number of times the same voice is the dominant voice, and the strictures the Word of God puts on the Man of God to be FIRST true to it. And second, that I too am often rather boring and am preaching to myself too in this piece. I’ve fallen asleep twice in my own sermons!

“Preach the word.” The Word. The Word trumps all we do and say. We must speak only those words that are true to The Word (Revelation 22:18-19). The Word is the source of faith (Romans 10:17). The Word is what builds people up in the Holy Faith (Acts 20:32). We are known, have been known, and should be known as men of the Word and as a People of the Word. Therefore Substance is king. And substance trumps style every time. Substance over the show! If the argument is between substance and style and someone chooses style they will soon be adrift without a Compass. 

Yet, that does not mean we neglect style. This need not be an either/or scenario. The mission of the preacher is simple: “Communicate Truth to people.” If we ever forget that we market in definable, absolute, non-subjective, truth, we miss our mission. If we ever forget we are preaching to people who are subject to sin, who are striving to do right, who sometimes are confused, who often have been hurt, and who want and need direction, then we miss our mission. But just as true if we ever forget that we are to communicate we miss our mark. I implore you as a preacher to take time crafting the skill of communicating (not to the detriment or neglect of The Word). Try to find the creative, engaging, enlightening, attention-keeping words, illustrations, appropriate humor, and style that keeps people wanting to hear more of the Truths from God’s Word you are bringing. “The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth: (Ecclesiastes 12:10 ESV). It seems wise that our words beautify the Good News and that we remember it is Good News we are bringing. Listen to yourself. Your skills may be in languages; it may be in design; it may be in expository ability; it may be in insight - regardless - communicate those in a way that engages the audience and has them leaning in to hear more. 

Substance over style, yes. But style, guys, give it some of your time and attention. How much time do you spend thinking of style each week? Allot some space to be creative and communicative and to make sure you connect. The reward will be worth it as more of God’s Truths get into the heads and hearts of those who hear you. Let’s not be guilty of boring people with the Word of God!