A Good Response to a Bad Sermon
We’re all thinking it, we know it happens, so let’s stop avoiding the topic and just deal with it… What do you do when your pastor/preacher preaches a bad sermon?
Clarification… a “bad” sermon is subjective, but what I don’t mean is a bad sermon, biblically. There’s really no excuse for an in accurate sermon, or even a theologically vague or confusing sermon. I’m referring to un-engaging or uninteresting sermons - and it happens to the best of ‘em.
So, what do you do if your pastor/preacher preaches a “bad” sermon? Here are a few dos and don’ts…
Don’t…
Don’t stop coming to church. This might sound extreme, but in our consumer church culture, this is frequently seen as a serious option. Odds are the sermons will not be as notably subpar every week. It’s an awful lot of pressure to hit “home runs” every week.
Don’t tell your pastor, or anyone else for that matter, that he seemed “off his game” today. Odds are he’s aware and I can guarantee you, he’s not content with a bad sermon either, and feels worse about it than you do.
Don’t ever loose your confidence in the power of a clear Gospel message to save the sinner or to sanctify you!
Don’t start comparing your preacher to all the other preachers who (you think) never miss a beat and always have perfect illustrations and closings, oh and whose sermons are shorter. :) Especially, if he is your pastor, don’t get greedy or become covetous, but be grateful for the faithful teaching of your qualified pastor who loves you enough to preach truth and model it with his life. That was a don’t and a do. Now for a few dos.
Do…
Do identify and meditate on at least one truth, that you heard taught that you either needed reminding of or hadn’t thought about exactly like that before. Dig into the topic or the text a bit more on your own, and don’t hesitate to ask him for help - he’d love the opportunity to say more on the topic, because odds are he had to cut some of his notes to make sure you got to lunch on time!
Do identify one practical way you can put the points or the truths of the sermon into practice in your own life. If the sermon lacked help with practical application/implication, you will simply have to redouble your efforts as an active listener and be a proactive listener!
Do reach out to your pastor/preacher, and communicate your appreciation for being fed a meal that, while blander than others, gave you something to chew on, and provided you with some spiritual nourishment - probably more than you realize.
Do pray for your pastor/preacher, and do what you can to ensure that he has sufficient time and energy to give priority to sermon preparation each week.
And who better than the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, to bring this topic into focus! He writes…
I shall never forget one day, when my dear old grandfather was alive, I was to preach a sermon. There was a great crowd of people, and I did not arrive, for the train was delayed; and therefore the venerable man commenced to preach in my stead. He was far on in his sermon when I made my appearance at the door. Looking to me, he said: “You have all come to hear my dear grandson, and therefore I will stop that you may hear him. He may preach the gospel better than I can, but he cannot preach a better gospel. Can you, Charles?” My answer from the aisle was: “I cannot preach the gospel better; but if I could, it would not be a better gospel.”
That said, here’s to preaching a Gospel that needs no improvement better and better - all for His glory and the good of all people!
“The Problem of the Age,” in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons (Vol. 32; London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1886), 32: 96.