Six Reasons To Pause While Preaching

“Speech is silver, and silence is golden.” So goes the old proverb that teaches the power of things not said. Applied to preaching, what can occasional moments of silence do to improve the delivery of our messages? With this question in mind, here are six reasons to “hit the pause button” periodically while preaching:

1) Pausing allows our listeners to process what we have just said

Especially when wishing to make a memorable point, we are wise to pause for a moment after making it. Doing so allows listeners to think about what we have said and consider its import. For example: “Zacchaeus was more interested in who Jesus was than what Jesus could do for him.” A pause after this statement gives listeners time to think about their own relationship with Christ.

2) Pausing prepares our listeners for what we are going to say next

In addition to giving listeners time to think about what we have just said, pausing also gives listeners time to prepare for, or anticipate, what we will say next. This is especially useful after asking a rhetorical question such as: “Why do so many Christians feel they have to earn God’s approval?” A brief pause here allows listeners time to think about an answer.

3) Pausing allows our listeners to breathe

Especially when working through an exegetically rich text, pausing periodically keeps listeners from becoming overwhelmed. We must remember that most of our listeners will not have spent as much time studying the passage as we have.

4) Pausing allows the preacher to gather (or regather) his thoughts

Sometimes preachers lose their train of thought or forget the next emphasis of their message. Pausing for a moment to look at the text (or notes) allows the preacher to get back on track.

5) Pausing may regain the attention of listeners

Whether we like it or not, our listeners may unintentionally “tune us out” as they begin thinking about a host of matters often unrelated to the sermon. And yes, some may even start to nod off! Pausing upsets the sound equilibrium and alerts listeners that something has changed. I have often been surprised by how many people look up (or wake up!) after I have paused for just a second or two.

6) Pausing allows the preacher to vary his rate and pitch

Often when preaching, I fall into a predictable rhythm and pitch. Like listening to the soft rumble of an automobile on the highway, my listeners may be lulled into a comfortable “ride” where they are not really hearing what I am saying. I have found that pausing periodically helps me recalibrate my speaking rate (am I speaking too fast/slow?) and vary my vocal pitch (am I speaking too high/low?).

Preachers: what other reasons would you give for pausing while preaching?