1. You can be your husband's best source of good preaching and preaching improvement. Give him regular input and evaluation both before and after the sermon.

2. Give your feedback on the following, at least. (Most wives probably have much more to say, but this is the bare minimum.) Keep a note card of these questions in your Bible.

a. Did the sermon have a clear and emphasized "big idea" or central proposition? (What was it?)

b. Could people follow the argument of this message?

c. Was it obvious that the message came from the biblical passage(es)?

d. Do people know how to respond to this message?

e. Do I need to correct something (mannerism, voice, delivery, style, etc.)?

Self-evaluation

A third strategy is simply that of self-evaluation. In our day of easy access to camcorders I suggest that the preacher videotape the sermon once each quarter and watch it with either an evaluation pad or notepad in hand. If you have never watched yourself on videotape, watch the first tape uncritically simply to "get acquainted" with yourself. Then, take pad in hand to watch for evaluation. The goal of this evaluation is to (1) answer the following questions and (2) write three specific needs for improvement:

1. Is the message clear and easy to follow?

2. Did the introduction gain attention and point to a need for this message?

3. Did the structure of the message represent the biblical text accurately?

4. Can listeners see that this message came from the passage(s)?

5. Do listeners know how to respond to this message?

6. Is delivery competent and humble?

7. [Write a specific question or two related to the sermon's topic or text.]

The questions are simple, closed-ended (yes or no) questions. However, a "yes" or "no" will not really provide the information that you need. Better answers will include: "Yes, but..." and "No, because ...." Then the preacher needs to identify three specific needs for improvement.

Of course, the question then becomes "How do I achieve these needed improvements?" This is where a homiletics professor, fellow preacher or speech coach may prove very helpful. Typically, though, I have found that preachers usually know how to make the improvements once they have understood that an improvement is needed. The preacher is not looking for gimmicks or techniques but genuine strategies to improve in specific ways. It is also very valuable to inform your spouse that you want to improve in these ways and ask for related feedback for the next six messages. In about six weeks, videotape again and evaluate specifically for the three areas. Are you improving? Even if you're not yet where you want to be, are you making progress?

Longevity. Over a period of time, you have the advantage of comparing where you were a few years ago to where you are now, as well as to where you want to be a year or two from now. Set reasonable goals. It's not reasonable to think that a few "adjustments" will make you sound like Spurgeon or Moody. Nor should you want to sound like another preacher. Be yourself and use the gifts and training that God has entrusted to you. But all of us have room for improvement, so employ these strategies to conduct your "preaching check-up."

Below is the congregation's evaluation form that I mentioned. You can simply size this form to fit in your bulletin. Also, the questions that I'm asking may not get the information that you desire. My form is only a sample. Change the questions until you get the information you desire. Also, consider changing the questions annually. Your goal is to get the information you desire and to create a climate for open feedback.

Quarterly Bulletin Insert

This is an evaluation form for this morning's sermon. Please follow the directions below.

1. Listen to the entire sermon before writing anything on this form.

2. Your honest feedback is desired. Please be candid.

3. For the scaled questions below, please circle a number.

4. For the other question, please provide a 1-2 sentence response.

5. Please return this form to the church office by Thursday of this week.

6. THANK YOU for giving your input toward better preaching.