How to Preach 8 Times More Efficiently and Use All Five Senses
Author and church consultant Lyle Schaller states:
People can hear in 15 seconds what it takes us 2 minutes to say. So if we want to effectively communicate to our audience, our preaching and teaching needs to always use multiple channels of communication.
Now 15 seconds is 8 times faster than 2 minutes, and Lyle is only discussing audible communication. Imagine how much more effective your sermon could be by appealing to all five senses. Consider the following:
Sight
Many churches already use a wide variety of visual communications including video, object lessons, and body language.
Sound
Sound is not limited merely to which words are spoken but also the tone and timing in which they are delivered. Learn the art of strategic pauses. Remember that silence can be a powerful thing. Music, as well, has an incredible ability to communicate with impact.
Taste
Yes, there are opportunities to use taste in your sermons. An example is Psalm 119:103 (NLT), “How sweet are your words to my taste; they are sweeter than honey.” This verse can be emphasized by offering the congregation a reminder of just how sweet honey tastes. (Note: Be cautious of allergies.)
Smell
Smell is considered by some to be the most powerful sense, and like taste, it can deliver a long lasting impact when purposefully incorporated into your message. If this interests you, be sure to check out our previous post, Smells Like Atmospherics. (Note: Be cautious of allergies.)
Touch
The sense of touch will also encourage your audience to think much more deeply about a subject. Children’s ministers, think about getting some rabbit furs the next time you plan on teaching about Esau (Genesis 27:11 NIV: “Esau is a hairy man.”). Senior pastors, think about illustrating the price Christ paid for our sins by passing out thorns to cause the congregation to seriously think about what a crown of thorns might feel like.
Of course, don’t get carried away and fill your sermon with things that interrupt or distract from the core principle of the message. Simply, if the opportunity arises to communicate more effectively, use it no matter what sense it appeals to.
Special thanks to Pastor Dave Ferguson of Community Christian Church (Naperville, IL) for sharing Lyle Schaller’s quote.
