How can I preach expositional sermons to uneducated hearers?
- Teach your people why you preach expositionally. Consider preaching a sermon in which you explain the necessity and benefits of expositional preaching as well as how to listen to an expositional sermon.
- When you use theological terms, explain what they mean.
- Develop clear sermon outlines. This gives your people a place to mentally hang their hats.
- Give away good theological books and articles. This will both educate your congregation and stir up their appetite for theologically richer teaching.
- Encourage your congregation to regularly read through Scripture. Provide reading plans and devotional guides like D.A. Carson’s For the Love of God.
- Have occasional public question and answer sessions so that people can ask questions about the sermon and other matters. This could be done at a lunch after church or during an evening or mid-week service.
- As you prepare each sermon, think about specific church members. What would they have a hard time understanding or applying?
- Speak with your people about the sermons. Ask them questions that will show you how much they understand.
(This material has been adapted from Phil Newton’s article, “How do I preach expositional sermons to uneducated hearers?“)
