Delivery is an area of work and emphasis which has not received the attention it needs or deserves among preachers. There is more that goes into a good sermon than sound exegetical work, meaningful content and a well thought out structure. A sermon also needs to be well-delivered. Through careful attention to and practice of voice, facial expressions, and body movements, a preacher can not only increase the effectiveness of their sermons, but a preacher can also find their own voice in preaching. This conclusion was reached based on two years of working on many of the performative aspects of preaching. This involved work with a preaching coach, engagement with a Parish Project Group who assisted me in the preparation and critique of sermons, consistent feedback from an advisor and professors and colleagues in the Association of Chicago Theological Schools Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program, responses from the congregation, observation of videotaped sermons, as well as reflections in a preaching journal. Through this work, I have become a more confident, comfortable and effective preacher.
