10 Things I Love About A Good Sermon

I thought my fellow ministers might enjoy seeing what my current Master's Commission students believe, regarding "what makes a good sermon":

1. Creativity of presentation, rather than dependence on the lecture format.
2. Includes illustrations, word-pictures and funny stories.
3. Makes use of visual aids.
4. Illuminates the Scripture, providing a passage’s historical and cultural context.
5. Relevance and applicability to the audience.
6. Content builds to a compelling main point.
7. Encourages the audience to action.
8. Provides examples and understanding of how to apply the truths presented.
9. Transparency and authenticity of the speaker.
10. Humble inclusiveness of the speaker (“we” messages rather than “you” messages).