Three Ways To Make Your Sermons More Engaging — Both Online and In Person
Many sermons start out with announcements, welcomes, historical background on the text and scripture readings. This is fine if you have an attention monopoly and a captive audience. But your online viewers will quickly abandon your message if you don’t immediately give them a reason to keep watching.
Start every message with a hook.
A hook is: 1) a compelling story; 2) an attention-grabbing visual, or 3) an intriguing metaphor. The very first thing out of your mouth should be the hook.
For example, if you’re preaching on James Chapter 3, start your message by lighting a match. Tell the story of a destructive fire that was started by a single match. Then transition to James 3:6 – The tongue is a fire.
2. Show — Don’t Tell
The more visuals you can put into your message, the better. Still images, video clips, and objects (like flaming matches) are especially important online because you’re competing in a visual, storytelling medium. (Visuals also help Audience #1 stay engaged).
3. Build your entire message upon a single hook
A wise pastor keeps going back to the same hook. Keep lighting matches throughout your message. Build your points around fire metaphors:
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How to deal with a “relationship arsonist”
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Quenching the white-hot flames of an untrue or unkind word
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How to rebuild after you’ve been burned
