Perception is reality. I learned this well early in my ministry when, in a sermon, a senior adult lady in my church misunderstood a statement and believed that I said you couldn’t be a democrat and be a Christian. Politics aside, my greatest disappointment from this encounter was the realization that she had not heard anything else I said. She had not been impacted by the Word of God because I chose an illustration that she misunderstood. The fault was mine. I had been unclear.
In The Trellis and The Vine, the authors write:
Sermons are needed, yes, but they are not all that’s needed. Clear, strong, powerful public preaching is the bedrock and foundation upon which all other ministry in the congregation is built. The sermon is a rallying call. It is where the whole congregation can together feed on God’s word and be challenged, comforted, and edified…[But] we should focus not only on what we are teaching, but also on what the people are learning and applying.
Preaching is essential and is one of the great passions of my life. I am convinced that it is of supreme and utmost importance within the church. However, pastor, are you certain that the people of your church are hearing what you say? Perception is reality, and if in your sermons, regardless of what you say, your people are not hearing “thus says the Lord,” then they are not growing.
You will know if they are hearing if they are doing. Pastor, proclaim the word boldly and without reserve, but make certain that you do so in a way that your people “hear” what you say and put it into practice. James 1:22 warns us
But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Pastors, raise up doers. It is your responsibility to preach so that God’s word can be understood. Those who truly hear the word will put the word into practice. Make certain your people hear what you say and be absolutely certain that what you say is what God says!
