Words Have Meanings

8 Trends that Were Forecasted

The Purpose of The Weekend Sermon Will Shift From an Attraction to An Anchor

In this fifth trend that was forecasted for 2023, sermons will no longer become an attractional display, but more of an anchor. We have observed exceptional preachers in every generation. With the accelerated growth of online content, the average preacher will quickly learn that sermons are not the draw they once used to be. Instead preaching will become more of an anchor!

When you listen to church messaging, it is as though nothing has changed. Communication sounds something like these phrases:

• Join us for our new series Sunday at 9 &11.
• Don’t miss last Sunday’s message. Available online and on-demand.
• I can’t wait to share a brand new message with you.

The problem with this approach is that people have access to literally thousands of sermons and teachings. It would be helpful to focus more on the real reasons that people gather: community, Kids and Teens ministry, connections, life-on-life connections that simply do not work online.

Reflection

Have you noticed how many churches are preaching virtually on the same topics at the same time? Have you noticed that much modern day preaching is still attempting to carve out a niche space that separates them from others? Have you noticed that every other church seems to talk about Kingdom Builders, Growth Track, Red Tents, Discover purpose, etc.?

Isn’t it time that solid exegetical sermons find their way back into our worship experiences?