Preaching Tip: Encourage Your Audience

John Beverly

commented on Jul 23, 2011

The author wants us to encourage our congregation by telling us what not to do and leaves no advice on how to do it correctly. I felt the article contradicts itself and wasn't very encouraging.

Michael Morton

commented on Jul 23, 2011

I thought this was a very good article. To often we preach on a particular sin and beat up on people leaving them feeling guilty. I think a much better approach is telling people what a joy it is to live in Jesus Christ.

John Martin

commented on Jul 23, 2011

The topic is certainly an important one ffor at least two important reasons. The writer of Hebrews encourages us all, and I suppose this includes preachers, to spur one another on and encourage one another in Heb 10:24-25. But my own perspective is that of a school teacher who has found in practice that encouraging learners is the key to effective learning. I comment because I am troubled by so much preaching that fails to recognize that the outcome of of good learning is essential. In fact, it is only by testing the learning that you can evaluate your preaching. No learning - no effective preaching. If you encourage your listeners you promote your teaching.

Martin Baariu Muriuki

commented on Jul 25, 2011

The author has some point. During this period of so many distructing forces and satan seeming to reign supreme through media, politics, even some congreggations, economies and almost everywhere, hope is the most soothing word that everyone wants to hear. However just like in Jesus times, opression and perverse behavior was still rife! He did not mince his words about people repenting or perishing! For all I know, Christ was hitting the immoral society with no qualms.Therefore without glossing over the sins,LET US TELL THEM THE TRUTH...REPENT OR PERISH.

Mike Brenneman

commented on Mar 31, 2020

So true, Peter. It took me too many years, I'm ashamed to say, to learn that encouraging is far more powerful than scolding, reproving, and focusing on all the faults that a congregation has. There is a time for every style of correction, 2 Tim 3:16. But years of experience have taught me, what the scriptures teach: Treat people with honor and gentleness. Appeal to them when you are teaching the God's word and you will be more effective. Dr. Elizabeth Hurlock conducted a profound study and discovered that praise gets better results than criticism. Again, I'm acknowledging there is an appropriate time for every type of teaching and correction, but in the long run, encouragement is the best. I would like to hear more on this subject from Peter.