In an age when authority is under considerable suspicion, a preacher can only be compelling when their ethical commitments are closely aligned with a delivery that communicates that they are trustworthy and committed to the health of the whole community. Integrity and transparency are formed through the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and conveying that authenticity is learned as a preacher finds their unique voice.

Compelling preaching begins in the prayer closet and the planning calendar. No one preaches compelling sermons on a regular basis without planning for success and preparing themselves spiritually to proclaim the Word of God. Practices of holistic preparation are tangible and can be formed with intentionality.

The preacher’s ability to captivate hearers with stories that are applicable to the hearer’s life and the preacher’s objectives for the sermon is foundational for compelling preaching. The biblical narrative, Christian testimony, and illustrative narratives are powerful and effective tools for the compelling preacher.

Karl Barth famously encouraged preachers to preach by interpreting the newspaper from their Bible. Compelling preaching speaks to relevant issues which affect the lives of hearers. In the biblical tradition, being grounded in the current social context inspired prophetic speech that challenges hearers to faithfulness in uncomfortable ways.

The Good News of Jesus’ incarnation, death, and resurrection is a compelling narrative that is essential for preaching to be faithful. While preaching may “tickle the ears,” theological faithfulness compels hearers to a conversion of life.

American culture has shifted. Preaching which does not extend beyond the traditional pulpit will not compel many, because it will be heard by few. Preaching will effectively compel conversion of life when it extends beyond the pulpit through the means of technology and innovative use of multiple platforms (communal, digital, print, and virtual)