Teaching That's Most Likely to Succeed

Pastor Mark Batterson posted this recently (emphasis mine):

"A study that involved 50+ pastors and 5000+ listeners found that the most successful sermons are built around a clearly stated change-based goal that emanates from Scripture. That is so simple and so basic, but such a good reminder for preachers. The best sermons challenge people to change. And help them identify next steps in that direction! It is the difference between information and transformation. Our sermons need to be more action-oriented and application-oriented. Most of us are educated way beyond our level of obedience. We don't need more information. We need more transformation. We need to stop explaining what people already understand. A little less explanation. A lot more exhortation."

Now if you are teaching people new to the Christian life, that may not be true. Yet.

Teach for transformation -- teach to head, heart, and hands. Teach to the whole person, and inspire them to change. Teach to change lives! It's too small a thing to prepare lessons for anything less than Jesus-powered transformation.