Homiletics (9): Understanding the message and the congregation

Before something can be said, it need’s to be understood. From now on, the series will show how ministers can study and lay open the main message, grasp the deeper meaning, and then deliver it in such a way that it touches people’s hearts.

In the first article we emphasised the important role of the Holy Spirit in sermon preparation and delivery. In the articles that followed, we focussed on the spiritual disposition and self-understanding of the minister as one who is sent by the Apostle ministry to preach. After that attention was brought to the necessity of understanding the context of our preaching. From here on, we will focus on the construction of the sermon itself. 

From the above, it should become obvious that a lot of spiritual groundwork needs to be in place in order to prepare and deliver a sermon (see articles 1 to 4). It is not something that happens in isolation from our life of faith. We also need to think about the important fact of who is listening? Let us now begin to practically apply aspects that were mentioned in previous articles (see articles 5 to 8). 

Understanding the message

One of the biggest problems in sermons is that too many ideas are communicated that do not form a meaningful whole. At the end of a sermon, members frequently ask, “What was the service about?” A successful and meaningful sermon is one in which the main message runs through the entire sermon. It is the “golden thread” that holds the sermon together. Sermons must not be complicated. They need to be simple and communicate deep truths.

Ministers receive the Divine Service Guide in preparation for divine services, so that no sermon or theme needs to be invented from scratch. It is the ministers’ responsibility to communicate the content of the Divine Service Guide, especially the main message. Ministers must not deviate from this and, as those commissioned by the Apostle ministry, preach what the Church intended—and do so in a manner appropriate to the situation at hand. 

The main message is identified by looking at the heading, as well as the “Message” contained within the Divine Service Guide article. It is also understood by reading the “Introduction” and “Summary”, not just once, but several times. A very important question to ask is: What is the intention (the “Message”) of this Divine Service Guide article?

Reading the article more than once will help you grasp the deeper meaning and content. Quite often, when these come to the surface, this makes for wonderful moments of discovery.

Adding theological depth

Unpack important words or phrases of the main message. What does the Catechism or Bible teach about it? Did the Chief Apostle recently share thoughts on it? We often preach to congregations that are not, nor do they want to be, specialists when it comes to theology, so that researching important topics will enhance doctrinal teaching and understanding. 

Understanding the congregation

In previous articles, attention was brought to how people and various influencers shape our members’ world of meaning. It is also important to understand the profile of the congregation, in order to get a good idea of their social, economic, and cultural context (see articles 5, 6, 7, 8). 

Once the main message is understood, think of the profile of the congregation. Put yourself in their shoes. There are countless voices and cultural narratives that compete for our member’s attention. How is the message relevant to the congregation? How does its meaning connect with the world of meaning of our members? What language and illustrations can I use? Remember, it is not just what we say, but how we say it. We cannot think that one sermon fits all. 

As for the various factors that influence our members and shape their world of meaning, remember to ask these important questions:

1. What meanings have this produced in the minds of people?
2. What is the relationship of these meanings to the Gospel?
3. Which meanings can be affirmed?
4. Which meanings can be challenged, corrected, or complemented?

In addition, remember these important principles: 

• We need to reach our members where they are. 
• The gospel must influence and shape the world of meaning of our members. 

The main message must not be an abstract idea that floats in the air, but must penetrate the hearts and minds of our members so that it becomes a part of their lived reality. 

Photo: SUKHUM – stock.adobe.com

About the author

Markus Cromhout (born 1972) is a theologian at the New Apostolic Church Southern Africa. He is active in his congregation as an Evangelist. He studied at the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria and obtained his doctorate in New Testament Studies. In addition to scientific publications, he also writes popular science. He conducted seminars on the subject of “Homiletics” and provides weekly background videos.