The Effectiveness of Epository, Topical, Narratives/Storytelling, and Inductive Sermons at Justice Christian Church

Abstract

This Doctor of Ministry project sought to find which sermon type; expository, topical, narrative/storytelling or inductive was the most effective in facilitating understanding at Justice Christian Church in Logan, West Virginia. Four sermons were preached, one of each type, and a representative sample from the congregation filled out questionnaires about the sermons. These questionnaires, along with an initial questionnaire and a final questionnaire, were analyzed to determine effectiveness. No particular sermon type stood out as being most effective. The data did reveal that a practical, biblically based, encouraging sermon that makes use of stories is effective at facilitating understanding.