When we were first starting Cobblestone Community Church, I would host an occasional “speakers’ breakfast” in an effort to train homegrown speaking talent for our teaching ministry. In developing the material for those informal workshops, I drew up a checklist of 20 questions that I asked each speaker to use to evaluate his or her planned message.
It remains a mental checklist (though more intuitive for me than mechanical) that I try to apply to my own speaking. Here are the 20 questions:
1. Do I grab the listener’s attention as soon as I start speaking?
2. Does the talk start where people are (with their culture, needs, problems, issues, questions)?
3. Does it come on too strong, too fast?
Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
4. Am I teaching the listener something he didn’t already know?
5. Am I communicating what God says, not my opinions?
6. Have I included an introduction of myself and words of welcome to the listener?
7. Have I included a restatement somewhere in the talk of either Cobblestone's mission (“loving people into life-changing encounters with God”) or distinctives (community-oriented, student-friendly, seeker-aware, outward-focused)?
8. Have I offered an elementary (but not condescending) explanation of the text that will help even a Bible newbie find it without feeling stupid (as well as avoidance of “church lingo” as much as possible)?
9. Have I revealed anything of myself in the talk without revealing anything inappropriate? (So much the better if it’s vulnerable, self-effacing and/or winsome.)
10. Do I interact with my listeners in the talk (e.g., mentioning people’s names, asking for responses, etc.)?
11. Have I included humor?
12. Am I being realistic instead of shallow? Will my listener believe I understand what he’s really going through?
13. Have I touched (not manipulated) my listener’s emotions?
14. Is my talk focused enough (instead of rambling)?
15. Have I played a part in meeting a felt need?
16. Is the “solution” I propose realistic? Life-related? Biblical?
17. Does the structure of my talk logically lead to the conclusion/application?
18. Have I left out anything important, crucial?
19. Have I given clear application for both a seeker and a Christian that answers the question, “OK, what am I supposed to do with this information now/today/this week?”
20. Have I made reference to how my listener can find further help (e.g., prayer counselors)?
In recent years, a few things on this list have changed—for example, instead of either mission statement or distinctives, we try to include in every message a mention of our mission statement or discipleship strategy, which is summarized by the words "seek, share, serve." But overall, the questions still serve pretty well.
So, what questions would you add, subtract or revise?
Bob Hostetler is an award-winning writer, editor, pastor and speaker from southwestern Ohio. His 30 books, which include The Bone Box and American Idols: The Worship of the American Dream, have sold millions of copies. Visit Bob at desperatepastor.blogspot.com.
For the original article, visit churchleaders.com.
Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.
Dr. Mark Rutland's
National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)
The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!
FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.