Pastors have a unique, God-given responsibility: faithfully proclaim God’s Word. But with that, it’s helping people see its relevance in their lives. So they’ll listen! Week after week, your members arrive with real-life needs, concerns and goals, all searching for answers that feel meaningful and practical. They hopefully want to see how God’s timeless Truth speaks to their circumstances, offering clarity and direction.
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Theological accuracy is, of course, foundational. But sermons must effectively connect the gospel to people’s lives.
This means showing people how God’s principles apply to them personally. An intentional communication approach can transform a sermon from general biblical teaching into a message that truly resonates. The formula “Say their name, speak their pain, solutions to proclaim” is a simple way to bring God’s truth close to individuals. Through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Timing
However, if you speak the biblical solution too soon, you risk people not understanding that it’s for their needs. So, before you preach the biblical solution, pray and then do these two key steps in the sermon:
First, say their “name” (personalize the message) Relevancy is all about identifying the people-group in the room you’re speaking to. Like acknowledging “the parent,” “the career-driven individual,” or “the person who feels distant from God,” to create a bridge from the pulpit to the pew. This makes each listener feel uniquely seen and invited into the message.
Note: You’ll need to understand who will be likely present.
For instance, imagine starting with, “To the single mom wondering how to manage it all,” or “To those full of doubt…” Such an opening not only engages the listener’s attention but also provides a sense of belonging. They recognize themselves in the message, knowing you’re not speaking to an undefined crowd.
It’s a powerful way to set the stage to make listeners out of spectators.
Then in their engagement, speak their “pain” (identify a felt need). After naming them, address the need, concern, or goal that “they” probably will be experiencing. We all bring felt needs to church; like relational issues, career decisions, facing fears, or wrestling with purpose. By identifying them, you demonstrate empathy, showing that God sees their pain, and so do you. You become their pain expert.
The Bible has many examples of God acknowledging people’s needs before offering solutions. Jesus often recognized people’s struggles, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, before delivering help.
Connecting to hearts
This connects to their hearts, helping them feel less alone. Suggesting the “frustration of a difficult marriage” or “the ache of loneliness” allows them to understand your message isn’t detached but rooted in an understanding of what they might be going through. This adds trust and connection between you and them. Especially if it’s something you’ve experienced or someone close to you has.
Remember and practice: Say their name, speak their pain, THEN solutions to proclaim. In that order if you want to engage a group of people with God’s truth.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Mark MacDonald is a communication pastor, speaker, consultant, bestselling author and church branding strategist for BeKnownforSomething.com, empowering thousands of pastors and churches to become known for something relevant (a communication thread) throughout their ministries, on their church websites and social media. His church branding book, “Be Known for Something,” is available at BeKnownBook.com.
