Title: Study Guide #6 - Interpretation: The Listeners
Author: Daron Lindemann
Last saved by: Barb Bartz

Preach The Word 	Vol. 10 No. 3 January/February, 2007

Study Guide #5 - Study Your Listeners
Prepared by Pastor Daron Lindemann

“The process of arriving at something to say,” Craddock instructs, “is to be distinguished from the process of determining how to say it” (p. 84). List Craddock’s arguments in support of this dichotomy on pp. 84-86, leading him to conclude, “Unless the minister has two eurekas, it is not likely the listeners will have one” (p. 85).

The Listeners as Audience

In terms of ministry we preachers often remind ourselves to be shepherds who care for the flock assigned to us. That means we seek to relate individually to our listeners, understanding this one’s troubles, that one’s needs, this one’s dreams. Craddock seems to be suggesting quite the opposite on pp. 86-88. Do you agree with his assessment that preachers ought to “get enough distance to understand and accept the listeners in and of themselves, apart from their relationship to the minister” (p. 87)?

What are two dangers of the undiscerning use of humor in the pulpit (p. 88)? 

Craddock continues on pp. 88-90 with what he perceives are the expectations of those listening to a sermon. Identify each, then note specifically one or a few of them you accomplished in any of your recent sermons. If you are working in a group, do this on your own then pair up with a partner and share before discussing as a group. 

The Listeners as Congregation

Preachers/shepherds are relieved by the encouragement on pp. 90-91 to perceive the listeners not just as audience, but also as congregation. Preachers, it is said, ought to 1) know people, and 2) know our people. What is the difference? What is the benefit of doing both?

In answer to the question, “Who will hear this sermon?” what simple exercise can a preacher practice (p. 92)?

In answer to the question, “When will this sermon be heard?” Craddock remarks, “Astute politicians make modifications in their speeches according to the time of meeting; breakfast speeches, afternoon rally speeches, and evening speeches vary quite noticeably” (p. 93). Have you ever modified a sermon in such a way? If you would do so, what dynamics might you keep in mind that would result in such modification?

List as many examples as possible mentioned on pp. 93-95 of a preacher coming to know his congregation in both formal and informal settings.

Craddock skillfully expounds on the topic of “empathetic imagination” on pp. 95-98. Beginning on the top of p. 97 he offers a simple exercise that will help preachers improve in this area. Select one of his examples (e.g. “living alone” or “going into the military”) listed in the top paragraph and spend a few minutes scribbling your thoughts.

How does the summary in Craddock’s closing paragraph on p. 98 distinguish the sermon from personal Bible reading, group Bible study, or other forms of hearing, learning, and studying God’s Word?