Some time ago I was asked to speak to a group of Christian workers on this theme.
My top ten were:
10. Imitating others
9. Overuse of illustrations
8. Unwarranted spiritualising of the text
7. Lack of preparation
6. Lack of application
5. Decontextualisation (interpreting a text out of its biblical context)
4. Prayerlessness
3. Preaching to others without first preaching to yourself
2. Being boring
1. Not preaching Christ
Would you agree with my league table? Any other suggestions?
I especially appreciate #9. I remember John MacArthur remarking once, regarding illustrations, that the longer he is in the ministry, the fewer illustrations he tends to use in his sermons. And the illustrations he does use tend to come mostly from Scripture itself. And, of course, if you remember the illustration but not the point its making, it’s a bad illustration.
On another subject: did you know that last Wednesday, May 5, 2010, was the 100th anniversary of the death of Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910)? I’m a fan of his “Expositions of Holy Scripture.”
[...] Encouraging Expository Excellence This entry was posted in Preaching. Bookmark the permalink. ← Don’t Waste [...]
Excellent list!
For young guys like myself, the very first one (imitating others) hit home.
Don’t try to be Alistair Begg, John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, John Piper, etc…BE YOURSELF!
I just posted this “top 10″ on my personal blog with a “Hat Tip” (HT) back to you.
Keep up the insightful posts. Thoroughly enjoy them!
[...] HT : Encouraging Expository Excellence [...]
Hi Gary, good to be in touch again via the blogosphere. Thanks for the link on your website – I’ve added yours to mine – but could you update the url please. God bless you in all your efforts for the Gospel
[...] Brand hat eine Liste von 10 typischen Fehlern veröffentlicht, die ich gern übersetzt [...]