1. What would you like to hear more of from the pulpit?

The Gospel. And not just an “add-on” to the end of a few messages here and there, or an invitation to get saved. Explicit re-emphasis of the central message of Jesus, justification by faith, and an entrance to know, love and enjoy God above all else. (It is meant for Christians too!) Help us to see the worth and work of Jesus.

Tend to think there are people in our church who have been coming for months or years, yet remain unregenerate and are going through the motions, although excited. They love our church; not sure if they love God. (Ouch.)

Give us good deep theology, for we, as sheep, will develop an appetite for what we are fed. Please don’t turn the good news into good advice.

2. When is a sermon too long?

Depends on the group. Our congregation probably tops out at 40 minutes. Agree with Tim above who said a sermon is too long with the music/worship leader re-preaches it (or something else!) right afterward. That doesn’t happen in our church, but have seen it (at retreats, esp.) and felt the air leave the room.

3. Do you listen to “celebrity” preachers (Driscoll, Piper, etc.) via MP3’s, CDs? If so, who?

Don’t think of them as celebrities, but probably once every few weeks I listen to John Piper, Darrin Patrick, Matt Chandler, and Mark Driscoll. There are others, but I think this question is related to those who are well known.

Damian Kyle is relatively unknown, but anyone would do well to listen to him bring the word.

4. Do you critique your pastor’s preaching by comparing him to the celebrity preachers? Be honest.

Probably. (Okay, definitely.) But I think not related to style. Really any comparison is with substance: the content of a message. Are we being taken deeper into the worth and work of Jesus and the tiny boxes of our lives being exploded? Piper says the Bible is meant not simply to be the foundation of all preaching, but the content of the message. I wrestle with not shouting that out.

5. In general, are you applying the sermon you hear on Sunday to your life throughout the week?

Perhaps the question could be, Am I applying my life to the sermon, to God’s Word? Yes, I think, in a number of directions. My wife and I talk about it, we both take notes, and we talk about it. Perhaps the most telling question is, Whose sermon am I more apt to apply? Probably think about the others I listed above more than a message from our church where I intern. Sort go elsewhere (specifically reading) to eat and chew on that.