Every week, while I am in front of the Church, I look out and see three groups of people. 

One group is engaged. I love those people. They have their Bibles in print, or they follow along with their digital version. Sometimes they have notebooks. Often, they lean forward and listen.

Another group is distracted and frequently disinterested. The topic may not apply to them. They may stare out the window or at their phone. I use every tactic in my arsenal to get their attention because I know they are listening, but I am not connecting.

The final group is already asleep, or I watch them slowly nodding off. Most of the time, I recognize that it is not my fault. Late nights, long weeks, and physical exhaustion take over, and no matter what I say, I will lose them. 

Every week, I work and write the best sermon I am able. I take my sermon preparation very seriously. I pray, read, write, edit, and pray again. I utilize all the tools at my disposal to make the topic relevant and present it in an engaging style. I practice on Saturday night and Sunday morning, doing everything in my power to convey a message that connects.

Then I stand up and people sleep. Every. Single. Week.

I have come to realize that there is very little I can do about it. I am unable to force people to listen. While I strive to present the best sermon possible, I cannot make people hear what I am saying. Part of growing as a believer is not just having the best preachers and teachers, but also having a desire to learn from them. I cannot give anyone that desire.

This Sunday I will preach. Whether you find it helpful to your spiritual journey is up to you. You can engage or you can sleep, the choice is yours.