The way it works here at Immanuel is we choose two elders to evaluate sermons every quarter. Some elders choose 2 or 3 sermons and go into detail in their evaluation and other elders speak more broadly about the sermons. This template is just an aid to help the elders (and now you) carefully and critically evaluate sermons. I think every church should have this practice in place. This is not designed to coax the preacher into preaching to the opinions and whims of certain people, but as God chooses clay vessels to bring the gospel, it ought always to be proclaimed with boldness, clarity, and in truth. A sermon evaluation helps ensure that is being done. Perform evaluations now, so that when the time arises for serious deficiencies to be addressed, there is already a dialogue taking place.
Here is the template:
Immanuel
Covenant Reformed Church, Abbotsford ,
BC , Canada
Sermon Evaluations Template for ICRC Consistory use.
(Version adopted October 25, 2011)
Ministers of the Word and the person in the pew must
approach the sermon filled with awe, humility, and expectancy that the Holy
Spirit will do a great work through the sermon. This involves prayer and
spiritual preparation on the part of preacher and worshiper alike. The mannerism of the minister, elders and the
liturgy will all have an influence on this.
Guidelines for Sermon Evaluations by Elders:
·
Evaluation to be as objective as possible
(not subjective)
·
Feedback to Minister of the Word to be clear
& respectful
·
Reflect on the positive characteristics first
·
Suggestions for improvement second (if
warranted)
Key Focus Areas while Evaluating
(individual sermons or series/LD’s):
ü The
sermon needs to be Christ centred “Christocentric”
ü The
sermon needs to be faithful to the truth of the Bible
ü The
sermon needs to be communicated effectively
Questions:
1)
Are
the sermons Christ centered?
2)
Are
the promises and demands of the covenant clearly preached?
3)
Are
the texts for the sermon well chosen and balanced from both the Old and New
Testament?
4)
Is
the text brought into context with the rest of scripture?
5)
Does
the sermon follow and focus on the message of the text?
6)
Are
the sermons easy to understand and follow?
7)
If
and when examples are used to clarify a point are they appropriate? Helpful?
8)
Do
the Catechism sermons adequately revel that the doctrines taught are scriptural?
9)
Do
the Catechism sermons evoke a love and comfort found in the doctrines of
scripture?
10) Are false doctrines
adequately exposed and warned against?
11) Is the kingdom of Heaven
12) Does
the minister display passion and enthusiasm for the message? How ? how to
improve?
13) Does
the minister faithfully apply the message and meaning of the text?
14) Are
contemporary issues brought out when the text allows?
15) Does
the minister show he is sensitive to what lives in the congregation?
16) Are
there any specific areas of instruction needed in the congregation at this
time?
17) Is the call to live
in thankfulness and obedience urgent enough?
18) Is there a warning of
danger of perishing apart from Christ, and a call to repentance brought forth
in the sermon?
19) Do the sermons
reflect the joy of faith by grace alone? How ?
20) Do the sermons leave
a challenge or application to work with during the
week?
21) Do the
choice of Psalms and Hymns unify the whole service?
22) Do the
prayers demonstrate pastoral sensitivity and a good balance of thanksgiving,
petition, lament, and praise.
23) Do the
sermons communicate God’s grace in a way that could reach out to unbelievers or
those unfamiliar with the Christian faith should they be present?
