Questions to Assess a Sermon

These questions come from an evaluation form used in Gordon-Conwell preaching classes (circa 2004). They provided a helpful grid for assessing student sermons, but they also act as a helpful checklist for sermon preparation. Take a look! If you are ever working on a sermon, these questions may serve you well.

Introduction

• Does it get attention?
• Does it touch some need directly or indirectly?
• Does it orient you to the subject?
• Or does it orient you to the first point?

Structure

• Is the development clear?
• Is the overall structure clear?
• Are the transitions clear?
• Do the transitions review?
• Is there a logical link between the points?
• Do the points relate back to the main idea?
• Can you state the central idea?

Conclusion

• Does the sermon build to a climax?
• Is there an adequate summary of ideas?
• Are there effective closing appeals or suggestions?

Content
Subject

• Is the subject significant?
• Is the sermon built on solid exegesis?
• Does the speaker show where he or she is in the text?
• Is the analysis of the subject thorough and logical?
• Does the speaker convince you he or she is right?
• Does the content show originality?

Supporting Material

• Is the supporting material logically related to the point?
• Is it interesting? Varied? Specific? Sufficient?

Style and Delivery
Word Choice

• Does the speaker use grammar correctly?
• Is the vocabulary concrete? Vivid? Varied?
• Are words used correctly?
• Does the word choice increase the sermon’s effectiveness?

Intellectual Directness

• Does the speaker want to be heard?
• Is the tone conversational?
• Is he or she friendly?
• Does the sermon sound memorized?
• Are the words pronounced correctly?

Oral Presentation

• Is the voice easy to listen to?
• Is there vocal variety? (Pitch, Pace, Punch, Pause, Progress)

Physical Presence

• Is his or her entire body involved in the delivery?
• Is there an effective use of gestures?
• Are they spontaneous?
• Are there distracting mannerisms?
• Are there good facial expressions?

General Effectiveness

• Is the sermon adapted to your interests?
• Is it related to your knowledge?
• Does the speaker look you in the eye?
• Do you fee that he or she is aware of audience response?