What makes some sermons feel better than others?

I have asked myself this question for 30 years. I have both delivered and listened to sermons, and I always wonder why some are perceived as remarkable, and others are not.

Is it the Bible interpretation? I am sure that Bible exposition has something to do with it. Any time I can learn something new about Jesus, I am blessed. Sermons that give me new insights are always better than those that don’t.

Is it the speaker? I am sure the speaker has something to do with it. A low-energy person can lull people to sleep. While a person who desperately needs affirmation and continually shouts, “Can I get an amen?” is distracting. Some people have the perfect voice and demeanor to make the sermon more engaging naturally.

People have suggested a long list of things to make a sermon feel great. These possibilities range from the worship setting to the size of the audience and the time of the program. 

The one thing I have found that consistently makes a sermon great is the connection to my life. When I am interested in a topic, the sermon is more engaging. When my life is going through a situation, and the sermon addresses it, I am instructed. When it is something I need to hear, then I give it my full attention. 

One major part of great sermons is the heart of the listener.

That is why one week, a person can say, “That was the best sermon ever,” while another is bored to tears. And the next week can be the exact opposite. 

As a preacher, I write the best sermons that I am able. I study the scriptures, pray, and try to use all my God-given abilities. If the sermon will be remarkable is up to the listener’s response to the Spirit through me. You will have to show up and listen to see if it connects; the preacher has no control over that and cannot tell you when it will happen. You just have to be here on Sunday to see for yourself.