Scot McKnight’s latest blog entry invites discussion: What is the Purpose of a Sermon? McKnight, a New Testament scholar as well as a prolific author and blogger, asks the question as he follows those who are live blogging about a preaching conference at Mars Hill with Rob Bell, Pete Rollins, and Shane Hipps.
So What?
Share your answer to the question: What is the purpose of a sermon?
For me a part of the answer must be in the so what. If I hear what sounded like a great sermon, but find it has no answer when I apply my so what questions I must quickly reassess my view of the sermon. On some level a sermon must be more than merely well presented information. A good sermon always challenges the hearer to respond.
Think of the last sermon you heard. When you ask the so what questions where do they take you?
- Do you find yourself struggling with the topic and seeking to engage it further?
- Are you compelled to act in response to what you heard?
- Has God’s Word become more real in some way?
A sermon should never end when the preacher or congregation says amen.