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November 18, 2025 34 mins

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Ever looked out at your congregation mid-sermon and seen glazed eyes, heads nodding, or worse... someone scrolling their phone? If you're preaching with any regularity, you've been there. The questions isn't whether people will lose interest. The question is: what are you going to do about it?

Here is the distinction that changes everything: Teaching assumes people are interested. Preaching assumes they are not, and it is your responsibility to make them interested. 

You can't control someone's affections or make them care about the music or the sermon or any other part of the Sunday experience. That's the work of the Lord. But you absolutely can make them care about what you're saying. And if they're not tracking with you, you're not providing much for the Spirit to use in the moment.

This episode unpacks specific mechanics you can lean on that keep people engaged. 

Sermons aren't measured in minutes. They're measured in minutes beyond people's interest. Even a 15 minute sermon can lose people and so you can leverage introductions, illustrations, and vocal dynamics to keep people locked in.

Mention Resources
The Preaching Lab
Preaching Evaluation Form

Related Episodes
Preaching Through Introductions
Preaching Through Illustrations
Preaching Through Vocal Dynamics & Body Language

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Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.

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