Beyond "I Agree": What Preaching Can Make Possible

Episode Overview

What makes preaching good—and how might coaching help us recognize it? In this solo episode, Brian Miller, president of Coach Approach Ministries, reflects on his experience both preaching and listening to sermons. He identifies five frustrations with preaching and explores how a coach approach can bring greater focus, invite listeners into the conversation, and give people room to respond. His goal is to help people deepen their relationship with Jesus through preaching that encourages them to think, explore, and reach conclusions they can carry into the week.

Key Ideas & Takeaways

• Give listeners one clear thread to follow. A sermon needs a central idea, with points and illustrations that support it. Brian compares this focus to a coaching conversation: people should be able to follow the thinking without wondering why the topic suddenly changed.

• Stay grounded in the passage. Brian makes the case for spending more time exploring one section of Scripture and its author's message. He acknowledges using other biblical stories as illustrations, while questioning whether moving through numerous references helps listeners understand the primary text.

• Notice when preaching becomes an argument. A preacher can sound as though they are fighting an unseen opponent, leaving listeners feeling personally attacked. Brian encourages creating an environment where people feel safe enough to consider challenging ideas and examine their thinking.

• Include people in the exploration. Questions, observations, and acknowledging what listeners might be thinking can make a sermon feel conversational. Taking a coach approach does not require an open discussion; listeners can participate mentally as the preacher explores the passage with them.

• Give people room to respond. Pressuring someone into an immediate commitment may ask too much of a person encountering an idea for the first time. Reflecting on Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler, Brian emphasizes loving people, speaking clearly, and allowing them time to process their response.

• Look beyond agreement with the preacher. A sermon can prompt different responses in different people: something to stop, something to start, or a change in perspective. Brian's aim is to help listeners recognize what Jesus may be saying to them and take ownership of their next steps.

Memorable Quotes & Ideas

• "I want them to feel like they're in the conversation, like they're exploring it with me." 

• "You have to let people come to their own conclusions." 

• "I feel confident that we're going to have more fruit with less pressure." 

• "My goal for preaching is that you might have a richer relationship with Jesus."