5 Things to Do While Your Pastor Is Preaching (#5 Might Surprise You)

I have been preaching for over two decades, and I will let you in on a little secret: the pulpit has a pretty good view. From the stage, I can often tell who is following along and who is not. Like you, I also get to hear people preach, so I asked myself: “How do I listen well to preaching?”

Preaching isn't a performance for you to rate; it's God speaking through His Word to His people. This means you are not an audience; you are a participant.

Here are five simple ways to be an active listener and get the most out of the message your pastor is preaching:

1. Bring a Bible

Whether you open a Bible or turn on a screen, have something you can see for yourself. Many churches put the verses on the screen, but it is better for you to have your finger on the text! This keeps your pastor accountable and encourages him to see people reading along during the message.

2. Take some notes

You do not have to write everything down, but write down a phrase you want to think about more. Write down questions, write down thoughts, or verses that stood out to you. Then pick one thing to put into practice this week.

3. Close your apps/silence those notifications

Your phone is designed to grab your attention, and it is very good at its job! One notification from your favorite social media app can send you scrolling for longer than you want to. When you get to your seat, take a moment and silence your phone and close your apps. If you are reading your Bible from your phone, close all other apps.

4. Make eye contact with the pastor

This may surprise you, but pastors notice faces. When you look engaged, it tells the pastor you're following along, and it honestly encourages the one preaching more than you know!

5. Sit close to the front

Did I lose you on that one? When members take the back rows, guests get pushed to the front. But guests feel more comfortable sitting in the back than the front. Practice good hospitality and move closer to the stage.

Bonus:
Share the sermon with someone! Over lunch, on your way home, or at a small group, talk about what you learned; ask someone what they learned. This is a great discipleship opportunity as parents to talk with your kids and teenagers about the message. Talking it through deepens what you heard.

The sermon isn't over when your pastor sits down; it starts working its way into your week. Come ready to listen, and watch what God does!