3 Quick Tips for Listening to Sermons

This is an edited transcript of an excerpt from a Sunday School lesson. Listen on YouTube.

1. Come prepared

To start, come prepared. Come prepared to church by getting sleep before. Eat breakfast, bring your Bible, bring a notebook. You want to be ready to hear what God has to say.

2. Actively listen

Next, actively listen. Ask questions of the text, and ask questions of the preacher. See the flow of the outline and trace the thoughts in the sermon structure. Take notes and write down verses that stand out to you — maybe verses that you want to memorize. Think through illustrations and applications. Get the main idea.

3. Review and reflect

Finally, review and reflect. Don’t forget about what you heard. Pray over the sermon and revisit it during your devotions. Talk about it with your friends or family. See what people have to say. Discuss it in small groups and ask questions to your counselors. Don’t be afraid to interact with the preacher as well.