The Brain and Preaching

I am just about finishing reading a book about preaching entitled Preaching the Whole Counsel of God: Design and Deliver Gospel-Centered Sermons by Julius J. Kim. As usual, my brief thoughts on the book will be featured at the end-of-the month Book Blurbs next Tuesday, June 26.

In Chapter 9 of this book – probably the most helpful chapter for myself – the author addresses how sermons are often received by the brain. The author is not a neurosurgeon, but his interest in trying to understand how the brain works and the most effective ways to preach a sermon in order to attempt to meet the thoughts of men and women was intriguing.

Below are 10 facts about how the brain works and what implications they have for preaching. I will paraphrase for the sake of time and space, but if you are interested in reading more about this, you should buy the book.

1. Your brain’s perception of your character can enhance or diminish your preaching effectiveness (pgs. 180-182). PREACHING IMPLICATION – Be the person you are preaching or be growing in the areas in which you address in your preaching.

2. The brain loads information, looks for similar information, and then reacts to that information (pgs. 182-183). PREACHING IMPLICATION – Make sure your main points are clear, meaningful and organized well.

3. A brain handles information one thing at a time (pgs. 183-185). PREACHING IMPLICATION – Avoid rambling and useless information.

4. A brain stores relevant information (pgs. 185-188). PREACHING IMPLICATION – Tell your audience why they need to listen.

5. Not every brain is wired the same way (pgs. 188-190). PREACHING IMPLICATION – Anticipate questions and objections from your audience. Be ready to provide answers.

6. A brain will remember strong emotions (pgs. 191-192). PREACHING IMPLICATION – Be sincere with your eye contact and emotional tones.

7. A brain will function better with multisensory input (pgs. 192-194). PREACHING IMPLICATION – Make sure your non-verbal communication matches what you are saying and when you are saying it.

8. Long-term memory is encouraged with repetition (pgs. 194-195). PREACHING IMPLICATION – Be patient with your audience in their own sanctification.

9. A brain needs rest (pgs. 195-196). PREACHING IMPLICATION – Plan for opportunities for “brain breaks” in your sermon (e.g., stories, illustrations).

10. The brain is easily distracted (pgs. 197-198). PREACHING IMPLICATION – Anticipate potential distractions (e.g., personal mannerisms, slang, noises, hunger, apathy, hostility).