How to Listen to Preaching for Maximum Results

January 28, 2025 / by Dr. Jeff VanGoethem

For years and years when I would return to Dallas Seminary on occasion and go into the Chapel I was struck with a sense of holy presence.

Not because God lives there but because of the many times I met with God in that room as a student so many years ago. I can’t say how many times I’ve met with God in a worship service, while listening to the preaching of God’s Word. Too many to count for sure.

When we come out to Sunday worship and gather under the preaching of God’s holy infallible, inspired Word, we want to do more than put in our time. We want to meet with God. How do we do that? Here are some very simple suggestions:

First, be prepared. That starts with a high view of the gathered church and the preaching of the Word. It should not be slighted in our attitude or approach in any way. In the days of the Puritan movement, which in many ways was a high expression of the practice of the Christian faith, they often had special gatherings of the whole church on Saturday evening just to make sure they were ready for Sunday! The least WE can do is get to bed on time on Saturday night, get up early enough to get ourselves and families ready and come with a spirit of expectation, asking what does God have for me in His Word today?

Second, have your Bible open, ready to listen and follow the message. I am fond of saying, “I never heard a sermon I did not get something out of, although I‘ve had some close calls.” 😊 So I try to listen well, carefully and thoughtfully, following along, looking stuff up, etc., being convinced that God has something for me, for my heart, and for my walk with God. There can be bad preaching for sure, but let’s also remember that there can be bad listening too. And I always want to be a good listener, asking “what does God have for me?” Let’s discipline ourselves to pay close attention to the Word.

Third, mark down some thoughts. Some people like to get the outline or the main points. That’s fine if it helps you later review what you heard. I tend to focus on application. What can I mark down that will help me in my Christian life? You can feel free to mark your Bible even, that’s not a sin. And they have those great Bibles now that allow ample margins for notetaking, which is a great idea. Get one of those. In other words carry some notes out of the preaching meeting with you.

Fourth, review what was preached. These days you can go back and listen again to sermons. Not a bad idea if God is speaking to you about something. I like to look at the notes I’ve taken or thoughts I have marked down. I review them in my devotional time during the week following. It often gives me something to think about and often something to pray about.

What I have said here is not complicated. It is basic. Often sticking to the basics with diligence is what makes the difference in our Christian lives. “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) We believers listen to a lot of preaching. Let’s not waste those opportunities!

Pastor Jeff VanGoethem has been in pastoral ministry for 40 years, including nearly twenty as Senior Pastor of East White Oak. He has returned to East White Oak after pastoring in Dallas, Texas to serve as Associate Pastor of Spiritual Development and Missions. He is married to Karen. They have four daughters and five grandchildren.