The danger of having to hit a sermon-time-limit

I’ve previously written that most sermons, due to the effectiveness of the preacher, shouldn’t exceed 30 minutes. Frankly, for most, 30 minutes is overly generous. 

20 minutes would be a better offering from the mouthpiece and a better fit for the congregation.

But, what happens if there is an expectation, written or unwritten, that the sermon must go for, say, 40 minutes?

Honestly, if you encounter a time expectation - and this isn’t your comfortable length - then you’ll, most probably, underperform and, at worst, totally bomb.

Why?

Because you’ll stretch. You’ll add more than is required. You’ll combine what should really be two sermons. 

Furthermore, your preparation will be impaired. You’ll be more concerned about the number of words you use than you should be and this will take the focus away from where it should be... a message faithful to what the bible says and an appropriate message to those you’re speaking to.

And these two pitfalls will, most directly, affect those who are inexperienced.

They will feel the time pressure.

But, they won’t have the tools or confidence to pull off a polished 40 minute sermon.

To do this takes years of practice. 

And hampering them with a lengthy time expectation will only add an unfair albatross around their neck.