For me, the challenge is reductionism. By this, I refer to the practice of reducing application to a list of ‘life application points’ at the end of each sermon. Our culture is fond of lists. Number them, or put bullet points in front of them. Either way, listeners are eager to write them down and then, we hope, to work on fleshing them out in their lives.

But one comment I heard a few years ago made me pause. A believer who attended a midwest church known for its pastor’s preaching ministry complained, “If my pastor gives me one more life application point, I’m going to scream. I’m still trying to work on the ones from four months ago!”

Personally, I’m uncomfortable with the “content dump” approach to preaching in which the preacher makes no connections between the truth and peoples’ lives. The expectation is that the Holy Spirit is solely responsible for making all of these connections. Yet, there is something to James’ statement about “the word planted in you” (James 1:21). The listener bears responsibility for doing what the word says (James 1:22-25). Some weeks, this may be a specific response to a specific life application point. Other weeks, someone’s response to the Word may result from an understanding of the gospel which forms over time as a result of many sermons.

I’ll occasionally offer life application points. I’ll say, “Here are some strategies for living out this biblical idea in your life this week.” Often, though, my application is more subtle. I’ll share a story or two about people who have fleshed out the truth in their lives. Or, I might say, “Imagine what our church would look like if more of us prayed for those who persecute us.” People need “leads.” That is, they need us to point them in a certain direction. But we may not always need to tell them to write out the names of five people for whom they’re praying. Use that kind of approach sparingly. Otherwise, the application “to do” list becomes as daunting as the pile of “must read” books on your desk!