Here’s a question for pastors: how long do you preach?

I’m not sure what the optimal time is. Ultimately, I guess it’s saying no more or no less than what God has laid on your heart. And certainly it depends on who is talking and who is listening. But what is your target time?

My target time is 35 minutes but I’ve gone 42 minutes the last three messages. Part of it is that I feel so full of God right now. I’m speaking out of what God is doing in my heart. But to be honest, my natural tendency is to say more than say less. And this blog is probably a subconscious way of processing my guilt for preaching too long. I’m half-kidding. Actually, I think you need to just do your level best to say what you think God wants you to say. And you should never apologize for that.

One of my defining moments as a young preacher was when a U.S. Senator who attended our church who I greatly respected said to me, “That was a great series of messages on Sunday.” I wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or an insult? He explained, “I loved the first half of your message but the second half was even better so I forgot the first half.” Things that make you go hmmmm! Sermons can hit a point of dimishing return. And I really do believe that more is less and less is more. But I also know there is a time to let it rip. It’s just hard knowing how to balance the clock and the anointing.

By the way, I’m not of the school that equates service length with revival. Sometimes they equate. You need to pray through at an altar. But sometimes you just need to get out of there as fast as you can and actually do something about what you’ve heard.

While we’re on it, I’m also not of the school that believes that God just anoints in the moment. He can. And if He wants to call an audible I need to adapt. But some preachers use the anointing as a cop out for laziness. Listen, God can give you an idea two months ago for today! You need to do your homework. God will bless it and anoint it.

Alright, I’m done preaching!