Why should preachers also need to listen to preaching?

Preachers are God-appointed people who spread His word and give spiritual enlightenment. Many people are renewed and touched by the Holy Spirit through their mouths. So, since they are teaching God’s words, should they also need to listen to others’ preaching?

When we think of preachers, we often picture them at the pulpit, passionately delivering a sermon to an attentive congregation. But how often do we imagine them sitting in the pews, listening to someone else preach? Surprisingly, it is more often needed. 

Preachers, like anyone else, can benefit significantly from listening to others convey the Word. Doing so enriches their understanding of religious texts, helps sharpen their skills, and fosters a sense of community. 

Why should preachers also need to listen to preaching?

Although God calls them, they are still humans who have needs and get exhausted. Just like the disciples of Jesus Christ, they could teach what was taught to them. They must learn and then preach the word to become more effective in their calling. 

Let us dive into more reasons why preachers should also listen to sermons.

A continuous journey of spiritual growth

Christianity is rooted in the idea of lifelong learning and spiritual growth. Even the apostles continued to grow in understanding Christ's teachings throughout the New Testament.

Thus, preachers are no exception. Listening to other preachers helps gain different perspectives, new insights, and even new interpretations of Biblical text. 

In return, it enriches their preaching, bringing their congregation a more well-rounded, deeply considered message.

Importance of community

In Christianity, the community holds an irreplaceable role. Listening to other preachers fosters a sense of community among church leaders. This camaraderie can serve as a mutual support system, enabling them to lean on each other during spiritual drought, administrative stress, or personal struggles. 

Besides, the weight of guiding a congregation can sometimes be overwhelming. The community of preachers serves as a backbone, providing a much-needed support network.

Humility and the danger of spiritual pride

The pulpit can be an exhilarating place. Unfortunately, the positive feedback, the admiration of a congregation, and the feeling of being used by God can lead to a sense of pride. 

However, listening to other preachers serves as a humbling experience. It's a reminder that no one preacher has a monopoly on God's wisdom. 

Humility is a Christian virtue that even preachers need to cultivate actively.

Fresh inspiration and avoiding burnout

Burnout is a real challenge in any profession, but it can be particularly damaging in a spiritual context. Listening to other preachers can reignite passion and provide fresh ideas that can be integrated into one's teachings. 

However, it does not mean preachers should copy one another; instead, they should draw inspiration to keep their message engaging and relevant.

Fine-tuning the craft

Finally, preaching is an art as much as it is a vocation. And like any artist, a preacher can continuously improve. Listening to others is a great way to pick up new techniques—rhetorical styles, engaging the audience, or even effectively incorporating multimedia into a sermon. 

More so, learning is a never-ending process, and every preacher has something valuable to teach and something valuable to learn.

How preachers could listen to others’ sermon

Some preachers or pastors are struggling with how they could open their ears to listen to their co-preachers. 

So here are some helpful ways to help them listen to others’ preaching.

Step 1: Approach with an open mind

Refrain from assuming you have all the answers or the only valid text interpretation. Be open to different viewpoints and styles. It will help you appreciate the depth and variety within your faith community.

Step 2: Take notes

Have a notebook or a note-taking app handy. Jot down phrases, analogies, or examples that resonate with you. It is not just for future reference; writing helps reinforce your memory and understanding.

Step 3: Analyze the structure

Pay attention to how the sermon is organized. Is it expository or topical? What kind of narrative arc does it follow? Understanding the skeleton of an address can provide insights into effective communication.

Step 4: Reflect on the delivery

Note the speaker's tone, pace, and body language. These non-verbal cues can be just as impactful as the words spoken. Consider what you can adapt or improve in your preaching style.

Step 5: Implement and iterate

After listening, consider how to incorporate what you've learned into your sermons. It could be a new way to engage the audience or a fresh angle on a familiar text. But remember, the goal isn't to imitate but to grow and enrich your unique voice.

Qualities of an effective preacher

Being an influential preacher is more than mastery over religious texts or eloquent speech. It's a multifaceted role that demands a variety of skills and attributes. 

Here are some qualities that make a preacher effectively convey their message and engage their congregation.

1. Authenticity

People can usually sense when someone is genuine or putting on a facade. Authenticity helps the preacher connect with the congregation, making their messages more impactful and relatable.

2. Deep Knowledge of Scripture

A solid grasp of religious texts is fundamental. It means more than just being able to quote verses but understanding their historical context, interpretations, and how they apply to modern-day issues.

3. Empathy

An influential preacher should be able to put themselves in the shoes of their congregation, understanding their struggles, doubts, and joys. Empathy makes sermons more relevant and engaging.

4. Public Speaking Skills

It's not enough to have something worthwhile; you must also say it well. It includes clarity, proper pacing, voice modulation, and engaging body language.

5. Adaptability

Each congregation is different, and societal attitudes shift over time. Adaptability allows preachers to adjust their message and approach to suit their current audience.

6. Willingness to Listen

Listening is as essential as speaking. A good preacher pays attention to their congregation's needs, concerns, and questions, informing future sermons and interactions.

7. Sense of Humor

Though the message is often serious, occasional humor can make a sermon more enjoyable and relatable, lightening the atmosphere and making the congregation more receptive.

8. Conviction

Firm conviction in one's beliefs establishes credibility and energizes and motivates the congregation. It can turn a lackluster sermon into a riveting call to action.

9. Cultural Sensitivity

Awareness of and respect for the cultural and social diversity within a congregation is vital. It helps avoid alienating members and makes sermons more inclusive.

10. Self-Awareness

Knowing one's strengths and weaknesses allows a preacher to improve, seek feedback, and adjust their approach continuously.

Great preachers are great listeners

In the journey to becoming an influential preacher, the art of listening is an invaluable skill that often goes overlooked. Being a great listener equips preachers with a well-rounded understanding of their congregation's needs, concerns, and doubts.

It allows them to tailor sermons that genuinely resonate. It fosters empathy, enriches personal growth, and cultivates a willingness to adapt and evolve. 

Moreover, when a preacher listens—whether to their congregation, other spiritual leaders, or even critics—they send a powerful message that faith is a collective journey of learning and growth, not a monologue from the pulpit. 

This act of active listening not only enhances the preacher's own spiritual and professional development but also builds a more engaged, understanding, and harmonious community.