Towards a Gospel-Centred Church

I was reading David Brainerd’s Life and Diary while waiting for my turn in a medical appointment. The following paragraph caught my eye and my soul was both challenged and refreshed by it. The context was his conversion and this happened after a long period of  struggling with gospel-issues e.g.  trusting in spiritual duties for salvation, lack of faith etc in an otherwise appararently pious life so far.

At this time, the way of salvation opened to me with such infinite wisdom, suitableness, and excellency, that I wondered I shouldever think of any other way of salvation; that I wondered I should ever think of any other way of salvation; was amazed that I had not dropped my own contrivances, and complied with this lovely, blessed and excellent way before. If I could have been saved by my own duties, or any other way that I had formerly contrived, my whole soul would now have refused it. I wondered that all the world did not se and comply with this way of salvation, entirely by the righteousness of Christ. (emphasis mine)

May it bless your heart, as it had mine.

Galatians 6:14  But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 

“In these words the deepest chords of the Pauline kerygma are sounded. Paul speaks here of the cross as the one and sufficient ground on which to build; he also speaks of his own life as of something entirely governed by the cross. Thus, the element of judgment is present also in “has been crucified”. Both the world and the human confidence in it have become manifest not only in their inadequacy but also in their damnableness. The person who lives for the world will together with it be destroyed. By the cross the believer is saved from this destruction. This crucifying of the world and of the self in mutual interdependence means life and redemption for him who has learned to direct his life solely upon the cross of Christ.”  — Herman Ridderbos, Commentary on Galatians, p. 225.

I find that having mature believers evaluate my sermons is one of the best ways to improve my preaching. All pastors should strive to have regular sermon reviews, where they can glean helpful feedback on their preaching. In my experience, it has been humbling and edifying to listen to the critiques of others. Their feedback has drawn my attention to areas of weakness, as well as areas of encouraging improvement. Undoubtedly, iron sharpens iron.

How should sermons be evaluated? Mars Hill has a useful sample of a sermon evaluation form here. This is what the form looks like:

Faithfulness to Scripture and God. These questions are related to the preacher’s theological accuracy.

1. The preaching assertions (points) were clearly rooted in the text and squared with the whole teaching of scripture. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree)

2. The central theme was an illustration of Christ – the message was clearly all about Jesus. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree)

3. The speaker seemed in awe of God, not merely focused upon his sermon and the audience. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree)

4. The speaker avoided moralizing or psychologizing, and distinguished these from the gospel. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree)

5. The goal was to get people face-to-face with God, rather than merely instruct. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree)

6. Christ and His finished work were applied as the practical solution to any problem. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree)

Message Delivery and Communication. These questions are related to the preacher’s communication abilities and connection with the intended audience.

7. It was clear where the preacher was driving – and the progression of points was traceable. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree)

8. The points were presented in a fresh, wise, and striking way as opposed to boring & cliché. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree)

9. At the end of the preaching, the main point was both clear and persuasive. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree)

10. It was clear the speaker understood the hearers’ hopes, fears, problems, concerns, etc. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree)

11. The central metaphor or “hook” was gripping. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree)

12. Jesus was made visible, not just taught about. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree)

13. There was a balance of warmth, love and humility on the one hand and force, power and authority on the other. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree)

14. The notes followed the message and enhanced comprehension. (1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Not Sure 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree or N/A)