As someone who preached on a weekly basis for over 18 years, I’ve experienced times of feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, or insecure about my preaching. I’ve also spent significant time encouraging other preachers, reassuring them that their feelings post-sermon are more common than they might think.

But why does this happen? From my experience, it often boils down to five core reasons.

1. You’re Tired: Understanding the Exhaustion of Preaching

Before you get down on yourself, realize that it really could be as simple as this. Preaching is an output: physically, mentally, and spiritually. Depending on your experience, recovery process, or the topic you covered, your body may release stress hormones like adrenaline in response to the natural stress of public speaking, without you even noticing, which can leave you feeling spent after the adrenaline rush subsides.

Also, the cognitive load of preaching is significant. You’re not just recalling your notes; you’re actively engaging with your audience, gauging their reactions, adjusting your delivery on the fly, and trying to ensure that your message is both coherent and impactful.

Actionable Advice: To combat this tiredness, consider implementing a post-sermon recovery routine. This could include physical rest, light exercise, or engaging in a hobby that rejuvenates you. Additionally, ensure you have a healthy spiritual decompression process, such as prayer or meditation, to help you reconnect and recharge.

  • Mindfulness and Relaxation: This could include deep breathing exercises, meditating on a an encouraging verse or promise from God’s Word, or even a short walk in nature to help clear your mind and relax your body.
  • Scheduled Downtime: Plan for a period of downtime immediately after your sermon. This could be a quiet hour or an afternoon where you engage in activities that are restful and rejuvenating, like reading, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones.
  • Healthy Sleep Habits: Ensure you’re getting adequate sleep, especially in the days leading up to and following your sermon. Good sleep can significantly impact your recovery from the mental and physical exertion of preaching.

Reflective Question: What post-sermon recovery practices can you incorporate to help manage the physical and mental exhaustion of preaching?

2. You’re Too Worried About What People Thought: Navigating the Feedback Loop

It’s natural to care about what people think, especially when you’re in a position of leadership or influence. But when this concern starts dominating your thoughts, it can overshadow the true essence of your message and your intent behind delivering it.

You know what I mean, replaying moments in your mind, scrutinizing every little detail? Overthinking what someone may have said afterwards, or wondering if a specific remark landed well, Some introspection is healthy to a point, but obsessing over it is unnecessary and exhausting.

Not to mention, the reality of the digital age. Constantly checking your phone to see if people are commenting or engaging on the recent post with your sermon clip.

Actionable Advice: Set boundaries for yourself regarding feedback. Allocate specific times to review comments or discuss the sermon with trusted individuals, and then move on. Remember, your worth as a preacher isn’t defined by immediate reactions but by the long-term impact of your words.

  • Constructive Feedback Sessions: Arrange for regular, constructive feedback sessions with a small, trusted group who can provide honest and helpful insights into your sermons. This can help you focus on constructive criticism rather than general public opinion.
  • Digital Detox: Implement a digital detox for a certain period after your sermon. Avoid social media and email to give yourself a break from the immediate reactions and comments, allowing you to reflect on your sermon personally before engaging with external feedback.
  • Journaling Reflections: Start a practice of journaling after each sermon. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and any concerns you have. This can help you process your emotions and thoughts in a healthy way, reducing the urge to overly focus on others’ opinions.

Reflective Question: How can you balance the need for feedback with the importance of not letting it dominate your thoughts and self-worth?

3. Being Too Hard on Yourself: Embracing Grace in Your Ministry

You know, in my years of preaching, there were moments where I felt like I could’ve done better – I fumbled over my words, an illustration didn’t land well, or people didn’t respond the way I had hoped.

Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. It’s because you’re passionate, and you care deeply about your calling.

But here’s the thing: perfection isn’t the goal; faithfulness is. You’re not just a preacher; you’re a human. And humans are, by nature, imperfect. When you focus excessively on your perceived imperfections, you’re robbing yourself of the joy and satisfaction that comes from serving and leading.

It’s not about delivering a flawless sermon but about being a vessel through which God speaks. Each time you get to share God’s Word, you’re showcasing the grace of a perfect God working through an imperfect being. Embrace the humanness of it.

Reflective Question: How can you remind yourself that your worth as a preacher isn’t defined by perfection, but by your faithfulness and willingness to serve?

Actionable Advice:

  • Practice Self-Compassion: After each sermon, take a moment to acknowledge what went well. Celebrate the small victories, even if they’re as simple as having the courage to stand up and speak.
  • Seek Constructive Feedback: Instead of dwelling on your own critical thoughts, ask a trusted colleague or mentor for their honest feedback. Often, they can provide a more balanced perspective on your sermon.
  • Reflective Journaling: Keep a journal where you can write down your thoughts and feelings post-sermon. This can help you process your emotions and identify patterns in your self-criticism.

4. You Tried To Be Someone You’re Not: Practicing Authenticity

If you’re new to preaching, you may be tempted to imitate one of your favorite preachers; this is normal. While it’s helpful to learn from gifted communicators, remember that God has uniquely gifted you for preaching.

In trying to mirror someone else, you might end up straying from the authenticity that makes your ministry impactful. It’s like trying to fill someone else’s shoes; no matter how great they are, they might just not be the right fit for you. Trust in the individuality God has instilled in you. He called you for a reason.

You don’t need to copy the style of famous preachers or feel pressured to come across as profound. Instead, let your personality shine through. Your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable, and sharing them can help make your sermon more relatable and impactful.

Reflective Question: In what ways can you incorporate more of your unique personality and experiences into your sermons to make them more authentic and relatable?

Actionable Advice:

  • Identify Your Unique Qualities: Spend some time reflecting on what makes you different from other preachers. What are your strengths and passions? How can these be woven into your sermons?
  • Experiment with Different Styles: Try different preaching styles and methods to find what feels most natural to you. Remember, it’s a journey to find your voice, and it’s okay to evolve over time.
  • Seek Inspiration, Not Imitation: While it’s beneficial to learn from others, focus on how their techniques can inspire your unique approach rather than trying to replicate them exactly.

5. You Didn’t Honor the Opportunity: Upholding the Sacredness of Preaching

Sometimes, post-sermon frustration can stem from a realization that you didn’t fully honor the opportunity to preach. Maybe you didn’t spend time in prayer as thoroughly as you could have. Perhaps you threw a message together last minute or didn’t seek any feedback beforehand. If this is the case, it’s important to give yourself some grace and determine to approach things differently next time.

Preaching is a sacred, holy experience, a chance to convey God’s grace, mercy, wisdom, compassion and guidance to those listening. When you feel you haven’t given it the reverence or preparation it deserves, it can lead to feelings of guilt or dissatisfaction.

Reflective Question: How can you ensure that you’re fully honoring the opportunity to preach and giving it the preparation and reverence it deserves?

Actionable Advice:

  • Prioritize Preparation: Set aside dedicated time for sermon preparation each week. Treat this time as sacred and non-negotiable.
  • Designate Spiritual Practices: Make prayer an integral part of your preparation process. Ask for God’s guidance and wisdom as you craft your message.
  • Feedback and Accountability: Establish a system where you can get feedback on your sermons, either from a mentor, a peer, or a small group within your congregation. This can provide valuable insights and keep you accountable in your preparation.

Remember, every sermon is an opportunity to honor God and impact lives. By valuing this opportunity with adequate preparation and spiritual reflection, you can find more fulfillment and joy in your preaching, knowing that you’ve given it your best, leaving the rest in God’s hands.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Growth and Grace in Your Preaching Journey

Preaching is a journey, not a destination. Each sermon offers a unique opportunity for growth, reflection, and connection with your congregation and with God.

You might feel tired, overly concerned with others’ opinions, harsh on yourself, inauthentic, or unprepared at times. These feelings are common among preachers and are part of the human experience. The key is not to dwell on these feelings but to learn from them and use them as stepping stones for personal and spiritual growth.

Embrace the Learning Process: Understand that each sermon is a learning experience. Whether it’s a triumph or a challenge, there’s always something valuable to take away.

Seek Restorative Rest: Remember to care for yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Preaching is demanding, and maintaining a balance is crucial for your well-being and effectiveness.

Stay True to Yourself: Authenticity is a strength. Embrace your unique voice and style in preaching, as this is what makes your message resonate with your congregation.

Honor the Sacredness of Preaching: Treat each preaching opportunity with the reverence it deserves. Prepare diligently, pray earnestly, and seek feedback to continually improve.

In your journey as a preacher, allow yourself to experience both the joys and the challenges that come with this calling. Remember, it’s not about perfection, but about faithfulness and authenticity. As you grow in your preaching, seek also to grow in your relationship with God and your audience.