Don't Imitate Your Favorite Preacher

Don't Imitate Your Favorite Preacher

Stepping into a pulpit to preach is a scary thing. You’re standing before God’s people, tasked with the high and holy assignment of preaching God’s word.

No wonder preachers, especially new ones, get a little weak in the knees.

When we realize the magnitude of this calling, it’s natural to feel insecure and adopt a different persona. Maybe we emulate a famous preacher. I can’t count how many times I’ve observed young preachers adopting the mannerisms, even the hand gestures, of their favorite preachers. Of course, it never quite has the same effect as the original and it usually comes off looking awkward. Or maybe we construct a generic facade of what we think a godly preacher sounds like—and try to embody that in our sermons.

Daniel Harrell understands the temptation. In Who Am I to Speak for God? he grapples with the imposter syndrome many preachers feel—and encourages fellow preachers to resist the urge to be someone they’re not, even when it reveals weakness. Also, check out Developing Your Preaching and Teaching Style. This resource features tips from veteran preachers on how you can identify your natural communication style and improve upon it.