Before we begin…do you know your communication style? I created this short, free assessment to help: COMMUNICATION STYLE ASSESSMENT

You walk off stage, and someone says, “Great message, pastor!”

You smile, nod, and say thanks…
But in the back of your mind, you’re thinking:

“Really? Because it didn’t feel great.”

I am always grateful when people take the time to offer a kind word after I preach a message. Especially if they aren’t in my family. But sometimes, I wonder if they mean it or are just saying it. Like “we should get together sometime,” or “I’m great, how about you?”

If you’ve ever received a preaching compliment you weren’t sure you deserved, you’re not alone.

A Barna study reported that only 49% of U.S. pastors think their preaching is strong.

And let’s be honest—that number is probably generous. Most of us are not the best judges of our own sermons. So if half of us are unsure (or overly confident), what does that mean for the people listening?

If your preaching feels off, it probably is.
But not for the reason you think.

You’re Grading the Wrong Test

Most pastors evaluate their sermons based on:

• How clearly they explained the text
• Whether people stayed engaged
• How smooth their transitions were
• If anyone laughed (or cried) in the right spots
• Whether they heard compliments in the lobby

Those are fine, but they’re not the goal.

Strong preaching isn’t about impressing people.
It’s about moving people.

Moving them toward the truth.
Toward conviction.
Toward Jesus.

So if your sermon didn’t move anyone, it might be time to rethink what “strong preaching” actually means.

Try This: Preach for Clarity, Connection, and Change

Here are 5 signs your sermon might not be working—and how to fix them:

1. You’re unclear on the sermon’s purpose

If you didn’t aim at something, don’t be surprised you didn’t hit anything.

📌 Ask this before you build your message:

“What do I want people to do, believe, or reflect on?”

That’s your target. No target = no clarity.

2. You taught the text, but never built a bridge

You explained the Greek.
You unpacked the historical context.
You connected it to a cross-reference.

Great.
But did you connect it to Monday morning?

If the takeaway doesn’t make sense outside a church pew, your people will nod… and then forget.

3. You only offered one kind of application

Most pastors only go imperative: “Here’s what to do.”

But the strongest sermons also include:

• • Indicative Application: Here’s what to believe
  • Introspective Application: Here’s what to reflect on

Transformation happens when application begins—all three types of application.

4. You expected an emotional reaction as proof

Sometimes the most powerful sermons are followed by silence.

That doesn’t mean people weren’t moved.
It means they’re processing.
Wrestling. Convicted. Reflective.

Don’t confuse stillness with failure.
Look for fruit midweek—not just feedback in the lobby.

5. You never asked for feedback

To improve, you need more than just your gut and additional reps. You need evaluated experiences.

Ask trusted people:

• • “What was the message about?”
  • “What stuck with you?”
  • “Where did your mind wander?”
  • “Was the takeaway clear?”
  • “Did it inspire action?”

Refined sermons become repeatable sermons.

Don’t Grade Yourself. Grow Yourself.

Here’s your new evaluation framework:
Instead of asking “Was that good?” ask:

✅ Was there clarity of purpose?
✅ Was there a connection to everyday life?
✅ Was there a clear challenge to action?
✅ Did I create space for God to move?

If yes, keep going.
If not, don’t panic. Just work on planning these into your following message.

Quotes to Share

“Strong preaching isn’t about impressing people—it’s about moving them.”

“The best sermons are bridges, not lectures.”

“Don’t confuse lobby applause with life change.”

Want Help Carrying the Weight?

 Join a FREE Pressure Valve Session: I host a monthly Pressure Valve Session to help pastors like you tackle one of these seven pressures head-on.
 Attend a Leadership Lab: Attend a digital strategy lab and walk away with a practical plan to confidently lead under pressure. Or I’ll come to you and host a retreat or a 1-day workshop.
 Take the Pressure Inventory: This free, 5-minute assessment helps you identify where the pressure is heaviest for you.

Working To Grow With You,
Dr. Gavin Adams