For most pastors, the only feedback they receive on a sermon is the quick handshake compliment: “Great sermon, Pastor.” While encouraging, that kind of polite praise rarely helps a preacher grow. For a variety of reasons, genuine feedback is uncommon. Pastors almost never ask for it. And if they do, members may not know how to respond beyond personal preference or may feel unqualified to evaluate preaching at all. Jesus deserves more. Preaching is indeed mission critical. The sermon is when the largest number of members—and guests—hear God’s Word in any given week. It comes from the shepherd they trust to guide them spiritually. So, just as we would want a surgeon to continually refine skills, or leaders to regularly assess ministry efforts, preaching also deserves ongoing growth and reflection.

This breakout will explore how pastors and congregations can move beyond surface-level comments toward honest conversations that strengthen both preaching and listening. The goal is not to critique sermons as a performance but to encourage deeper reflection: Did the gospel connect clearly? Did it speak to real life? When feedback is given and received in love, preaching can serve the body of Christ even more effectively.