There is no such thing as a perfect sermon. No matter how much preaching experience you have, you can always improve. The best preachers are those who stay humble and hungry to get better.

How do you evaluate your sermons?

You can and should critique your own message, but I have found that the eyes of others are better at seeing problems that I have become blind to. So why not ask others to help you?

The most feedback that many pastors get is from usual people who say, “Good sermon,” at the door, or the few who send angry emails. This is why a sermon evaluation form is a great tool to help you grow and guide people to give you better feedback.

Recruit someone or a group of people to evaluate your sermon. Ask a mentor, other church staff, elders, your spouse, or someone you trust in the congregation. Then, give them the Sermon Evaluation Form to fill out in the service or while watching your video.

The key is to NOT get defensive. Check your pride at the door, and humbly listen to the feedback you receive.

Hope you find this as helpful as I have.

SERMON EVALUATION FORM

Preacher: _____________________________  Date: __________

Evaluator: ____________________________

Grade each section. A = Great; B = Good; C = Needs Work.

CONTENT

1. Introduction: Was it engaging? Did it make you want to hear more? Did it introduce a problem we need a solution for?

A     B     C

Comments:

2. Bible: Was scripture used and interpreted well as the foundation of the message?

A     B     C

Comments:

3. Bottom Line: Can you summarize the main point of the sermon in a sentence?

A     B     C

Comments:

4. Gospel: Was the good news of Jesus central to the message?

A     B     C

Comments:

5. Clarity: Was anything said that was confusing, distracting, or too difficult to understand? Was there any Christian or insider language that was not explained for newcomers?

A     B     C

Comments:

6. Application: Was there a clear call to action to apply the message to your life?

A     B     C

Comments:

7. Illustrations: Were they used well? Did they connect with the audience? Did they help the main point of message?

A     B     C

Comments:

8. Length: Was the sermon delivered within the given time? Were any parts too long or short?

A     B     C

Comments:

9. Conclusion: Was the conclusion compelling? Did it summarize and drive the main point home? Did it end too fast or take too long?

A     B     C

Comments:

10. Memorability: Were there any memorable phrases, illustrations, or application points that will help the message stick with people?

A     B     C

Comments:

11. Objections: Did the preacher address any potential objections? Are there any objections that should have been addressed?

A     B     C

Comments:

12. Unbelievers: Did the preacher speak to the people in the room who do not yet believe in Jesus?

A     B     C

Comments:

DELIVERY

1. Gestures: Were gestures used appropriately to help communicate the message? Were any movements distracting (hands in pockets, fidgeting, playing with fingers, pacing)?

A     B     C

Comments:

2. Pace: Did the preacher speak at an appropriate and varied pace? Was it too fast or slow? Were pauses used effectively?

A     B     C

Comments:

3. Filler words: Did the preacher use any filler words repetitively (umm, like, ok, so, you know).

A     B     C

Comments:

4. Authenticity: Did the preacher seem confident with the material? Were they too tied to their notes? Were they passionate? Did they appear to truly believe what they said?

A     B     C

Comments:

5. Engagement: Did the sermon keep your interest? Were any parts boring or irrelevant? Did the audience respond (laugh, cry, clap, raise hands, “Amen,” cheer).

A     B     C

Comments:

6. Tech: Were there any problems with the microphone, sound, lighting, videos, or slides used?

A     B     C

Comments:

7. Dress: Was there anything distracting or sloppy about the speaker’s dress or appearance?

A     B     C

Comments:

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: