Public speaking ranks high on most lists of people’s fears. Add to that the daunting responsibility for pastors called as spokesmen for God, and the fear factor shoots off the charts. When the Almighty appointed them as his mouthpieces Isaiah cried, Jeremiah claimed childish ability, and Jonah ran. Teens encouraged to consider the pastoral ministry often cite preaching as the reason they’re not interested.

Yet your pastor steps into the pulpit every Sunday overjoyed and unafraid. How?

Listening to a talking head is becoming an outdated mode of communication in today’s visual world. Dynamic graphics attract our interest. News anchors don’t speak longer than a minute before the screen flashes to new footage. Surround sound and high definition define the new living room experience.

Yet congregation members sit still and listen to a sermon for 20 minutes every Sunday without supplemental entertainment or commercial breaks. Why?

The importance of the sermon

Lutheran pastors believe that when “Christ is preached” (Philippians 1:18), they are building for their listeners a strong and eternal foundation of faith. Lutherans believe that the gospel is the means of grace through which God strengthens faith and nourishes his people. Therefore, in their worship planning, Lutherans refer regularly to a pericope, or list of Scripture lessons historically arranged for the purpose of proclaiming the words and works of Jesus Christ. Lutheran preaching is liturgical preaching because it finds its primary direction in the Christian church year.

Thematic sermon series based on a book of the Bible or a doctrine, or topical sermons based on a special ministry or event, have their moment, like special meals add variety into a healthy diet. However, the goal of a well-balanced diet for physical health reflects the goal of a well-balanced spiritual diet feasting on God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. On a normal Sunday, the Lutheran sermon is based on one of the three Scripture lessons appointed in the pericope for that Sunday of the church year.