How long should a sermon be? I’ve been thinking a lot about that question lately. I think it’s pretty hard to answer, honestly. In one way, it’s sort of like asking how long a movie or a book should be. We understand that movies and books need to be as long as they need to be. We intuitively grasp that some topics or ideas take longer to flesh out than others and we’re happy with that.
At the same time, there aren’t a lot of 10 hour movies made. A mini-series might be that long but never a movie. People just couldn’t endure that much information coming at them at once and I think that’s the real limit that communicators face. How much can someone absorb at one sitting. Also, how long can you hold someone’s attention?
I once heard Bill Hybels say something like, “I’ve heard 15 minutes sermons that were way too long and two hour sermons that were way too short.” His point was that if the message is compelling and it holds people’s attention then length is sort of relative. I agree with that.
Your podcast is generally the longest one I listen to – after Mark Driscoll, that is. But you’re a darned good preacher, so if it’s working go for it!
I know there are those who say a sermon should have a single point, but I don’t see why it can’t have several points, each of which may well apply to different people in the congregation.
It all depends on the preacher, the people and the demographics. I don’t think there’s any set answer really.
Your podcast is generally the longest one I listen to – after Mark Driscoll, that is. But you’re a darned good preacher, so if it’s working go for it!
I know there are those who say a sermon should have a single point, but I don’t see why it can’t have several points, each of which may well apply to different people in the congregation.
It all depends on the preacher, the people and the demographics. I don’t think there’s any set answer really.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Roger. Coming from a gifted teacher like yourself, that’s a great compliment.
I have no issue with your sermon length, in fact I usually find myself wanting more. It’s content and practicality that is important, and of course God’s use of you to get the word to us. I believe that sermons become too long only when the messenger is providing what he wants to impart, not what He wants to impart. Your message seems to always be in target, and I alway go away feeling that God has spoken to my heart. Your dedication to prayer and preparation through what has been laid on your heart is the difference. Floie and I thank God that we found a church where we can serve as well as get our cup filled.
I have no issue with your sermon length, in fact I usually find myself wanting more. It’s content and practicality that is important, and of course God’s use of you to get the word to us. I believe that sermons become too long only when the messenger is providing what he wants to impart, not what He wants to impart. Your message seems to always be in target, and I alway go away feeling that God has spoken to my heart. Your dedication to prayer and preparation through what has been laid on your heart is the difference. Floie and I thank God that we found a church where we can serve as well as get our cup filled.