Understandable

Written by cycleguy on August 6th, 2013

In my last post, Daniel commented about a common problem many of us have.   Did you see the words he used: “rambles, speaks nonsense, or tries to badger me?”  Been there done that.  I’m also sure if I was able to listen to old sermons I would find myself doing just what turns him off.

How many times have you sat in a meeting in which the speaker droned on and on and you found yourself trying to keep your eyes open and head from nodding?

How many times have you sat on a Sunday morning and listened to a preacher go on and on, sometimes repeating a point multiple times (often an attempt to make his sermon reach a certain time limit…like forever).

How many times have you listened to a sermon or speech and you knew the speaker had a hobby horse to ride, but wasn’t making any sense at all?

How many times have you walked away from a sermon or a speech and felt beaten up or down because he/she used a club to beat you with instead of grace to heal you with?

You then know what it is Daniel was speaking about. In this second post on Communication, I’d like to deal with this.  Bob Sheppard, the “voice” of the Yankees for years once told Pat Williams the key was “Be clear, be concise, be correct.”  (p.77)  Peggy Noonan, former speechwriter for President Reagan had one line she observed: “Speak clearly, simply, and sparingly, and it should stick.” (p.77)

GOOD ADVICE FOR US PREACHERS!!  (No comment from the peanut gallery)

I used to think I had to have long sermons and seemingly dispense all my information at once.  Jo was bold enough to tell me I repeated myself too much.  The best thing I ever did was listen to her (kind) advice.  I learned to say what I gotta say and then sit down.  I also try hard to avoid big words (the few I know), jargon, and “Christianese.”  For an excellent post on that go here.

Another burning issue is the approach we take when we talk.  Some pastors like to badger their people.  It’s like it gives them power.  It goes from “the Bible says” to “I say” so subtly it is hardly noticed.  People don’t come to be beaten to death.  I like what Charles Stanley once said, “Shepherds don’t beat sheep; they feed sheep.”  I have tried hard to remember that.  People want to leave with hope.  Harry Truman is quoted as saying, “I have never seen pessimists make anything work, or contribute anything of lasting value.  It takes idealists to make the world work.”  (p.81)  I’d rather be shot down for being too optimistic, than dreaded for being a pessimist.

Now it is your turn.  As a listener, what is your response to speakers of both examples?    Which of these is more important to you as a listener?

 

 

36 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    Ahh, but you are missing one key ingredient in an effective speaker. Clear, concise, and correct can also be flat and boring. Good speakers also have to have an agreeable personality that is reflected in their words and their manner. They also have to come across as genuine and caring and passionate and reasoned. The best speakers, e.g. Andy Stanley, have figured this out. If they could only bottle some of this …

  2. Rick Dawson says:

    Bill – thanks for the link love 🙂

    Regardless of whether we sit in the pews or stand behind the pulpits, our task is to carry the message of the gospel as clearly as we can, and not the disease of Christianese.

    If we want to invite someone to a book study, whether that is Acts or something by Francis Chan, why not just ask them if they would like to do that instead of calling it your “small/life/accountability/whatever group”?

    It may take a few more words sometimes, but we’re only feeding the impatience of the world when we use nonsensical shortcut phrases – in fact, as Dusty Rayburn pointed out, if folks are going to speak in tongues, there is supposed to be an interpreter around, else they need to be quiet. 🙂

  3. Rodney Olsen says:

    Brilliant post.

    I went to a church for some years where the take away message seemed to be, “You’re not good enough. Do more for God.”

    I’m thankful that most of the messages that I’ve heard in more recent years have been full of grace.

    It is the grace filled messages that not only draw me closer to God but make me feel it’s safe to trust my continued growth to a loving Father.

    • cycleguy says:

      Thanks Rodney. I am reading a book right now, Gospel by J.D. Greear, that hits that type of thinking right in the face. Grace is the way to go.

  4. I try to listen with grace knowing I have been like both at points in my life and needed plenty of grace from others.

  5. the Old Adam says:

    Thanks, Bill.

    First off, a speech and sermon are two completely different animals. A speech conveys information or ideas.

    A sermon is where God’s Word is proclaimed.

    A good sermon ought accuse and expose everyone in the room. Including the preacher. Much the same way that Jesus exposed all the hearers in his Sermon on the Mount. And then, after no one is left standing but Jesus, the gospel for the forgiveness of sins through Christ Jesus is handed over to the sinners…with no strings attached (that’s why it is good news).

    That, I believe, is the proper shape of a good law/gospel sermon.

    • cycleguy says:

      I agree on the difference between the two. I also agree on the purpose of a sermon is to present Christ. Thanks for the comment Steve.

  6. jeff says:

    I avoid speeches and sermons. They offer no chance to correct the errors of the speaker or question their “facts” or inquire into what they really mean. Much too boring for me. I prefer conversation, interviews, Town Hall meeting formats, and even a spirited blog now and then. I don’t mind being badgered if I get to respond. Not generally a wise choice for the badgeror.

    • cycleguy says:

      You do have a point Jeff. Although the typical sermon does not allow for discussion, I do leave it open for anyone to ask anything about the message if they want to afterwards. I know that is not what you are talking about but I don’t mind a good discussion. I do offer that in my small group and Wednesday night study. I definitely try not to badger.

  7. Susan says:

    I just finished re-reading Wisdom Hunter, and found myself drawn to the way the churches in that story were built. Not pastor-centric, not deacon centric, but Christ-centered. On the whole, I think that preachers need to say less and listen more. Ask open-ended questions to promote more participation. And let people seek the answers without the pastor bearing down with an instruction book.

  8. floyd says:

    I grew up in the “fire and brimstone” era. Of course it chased me from the church into the wilderness, but I never questioned their efforts, only their faith.

    When people rely on their own intellect and will to do the will of God… God’s not there…

  9. Kari Scare says:

    I tune out speakers who have a “hobby horse” or who are “beating me up.” Sometimes, I just go into myself and ignore what they are saying, flipping through my Bible for truth to erase the junk I’m getting from the speaker. As a listener, I want depth and I want authenticity.

    • cycleguy says:

      It is most definitely a better use of your time and your spirit to tune them out. Neither offers depth or sincerity. Glad you are seeking those. Thanks Kari.

  10. Craig says:

    The communicators (professors or pastors) I appreciate are the ones who are personal. Some professors talk just to hear themselves or they go overboard with being too stuffy. And I’ve had my share of pastors who smack you around with the Bible but don’t share anything real. Give me some meat with a dose of love, grace, and reality. Thanks Bill!

  11. Betty Draper says:

    I do the same thing Kari does if the speaker is telling more stories about himself or not feeding me, same at a small group gathering too. But if the message is encouraging my heart I will be taking notes to remind myself later of the truths shared. Good to hear that as a pastor you are still growing in your communications to others as we all are. Good post.

    • cycleguy says:

      So if you and Kari are in my audience and you start looking through your Bible I am in trouble? Yikes! I kid I kid. 🙂 Thanks Betty.

  12. When a preacher turns the pulpit into a bully pulpit, he loses me. Tell me what the word of God days. What you say should come from that, not the other way around.

  13. David Rupert says:

    Whenever I write or speak, I just want people to remember a few words. That’s it. If they can walk away with five words in their pocket, I’ve done.

  14. tcavey says:

    As a listener (and someone who loves research) I want to know where the information is coming from (Bible, devotional, etc).
    I want to be able to go look up the information presented and test it’s validity. While I 100% trust the Bible, I don’t always trust someones interpretation of the Bible.

    Also, while I like uplifting messages, I don’t want someone to avoid talking about an elephant in the room. I think leaders must be willing to tackle tough topics, even if it’s not popular. I want the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!

    • Rick Dawson says:

      …and *all* God’s people said “AMEN!”

    • cycleguy says:

      information presented in a good manner is worth listening and taking heed to. I do think elephants need to be addressed, but even that can be done with the right attitude.

      • tcavey says:

        So true, Bill. Everything needs to be said through the filter of God’s love.
        Love needs to always be the motivating factor, not lecture or proving a point, etc.
        Thanks for bringing that up!

  15. Ed says:

    I like a short-direct-to-the-point preaching rather than a sermon. I just don’t like it when it goes somewhere else. But sometimes I understand why and when the Pastor tends to take it to the extreme: it’s their own way to get personal with the congregation.

    • cycleguy says:

      Rabbit trails are sometimes a problem with some speakers. They can be what you state, but more often are an agenda to be covered. Preaching should always have a point to go to.