Teaching/Preaching Advice, Part 4: Never Assume

The Fourth Thing: Don’t Assume Your Audience Knows What You’re Talking About

Too often teachers will refer to a Bible story or passage, not explain it, then pass by to the next thing- leaving their audience bewildered as they continue.

If you build a foundation for the rest of your message on something that no one understands or knows about (either a Bible strory or cultural reference), they won’t be able to understand the rest of your message it’s built on.

Don’t be affraid of referencing obscure Bible stories or cultural references, just explain them- alot (more to come on that later).

Remember, especially with younger people, that today’s generation probably doesn’t know much about the Bible stories that you learned in Sunday school because- they didn’t go to Sunday School.

So remember to preach to the nonChristians, or the Biblically uneducated, in your crowd and not just to the seasoned saints. When a simple message is spoken, where Biblical points and theology, are thoroughly explained everyone is strengthened and edified- especially if the message is Gospel focused on and central (more to come on that later).

I always assume that my audience is made up of nonChristians and speak to the entire audience as if they are such. This way I can make sure that everyone understands and can weave the central message of salvation into everything, and hope for a response to the Gospel.

As I gear the message towards the lost, I also make sure to make many references that Christians will catch, but not at the expense of losing the most valuable member of your crowd: the unsaved.