What Are People Saying After the Sermon?

When the final “Amen” is spoken and the church doors open, what are people really walking away with?

Are they saying,
“Wow, what a great speaker”
or
“Wow, what a great Savior”?

There’s a big difference. One draws attention to a man. The other gives glory to Christ. One stirs admiration. The other stirs repentance. In our day, it seems far too many sermons leave people impressed with the delivery but untouched by the truth.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with encouragement. It’s good to thank a pastor and say the message meant something to you. Many folks probably don’t know what else to say, and most preachers aren’t asking for flattery. But imagine what it would be like if someone shook the preacher’s hand and, instead of complimenting his sermon, simply said, “Jesus is Lord,” or “God’s Word is so powerful.” Wouldn’t that speak volumes about what truly stood out? Not the man who delivered the message—but the Savior who was the message.

What if the message stirred people so deeply that after the service they had to talk about Christ? What if it awakened something inside that they couldn’t shake? What if the Word burned within them like it did for the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, who said in Luke 24:32, “Were our hearts not burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?”

That’s what should happen when the truth of God’s Word is preached. People should leave with burning hearts, not just filled heads. A true encounter with Christ through the Word ought to leave something glowing inside—a desire to go deeper, to draw closer, to follow Him more fully. A sermon should stir more than agreement—it should stir affection, conviction, and surrender.

That’s what should happen when God’s Word is preached—hearts stirred, not just minds impressed. People shouldn’t be rushing to beat the crowd to lunch. They should be lingering in the truth, asking deeper questions, hungry to draw near to the One who just met them through His Word. When was the last time you talked about Jesus after a service? Not the preacher, not the music, not the length of the service—but Jesus. When His Word is alive in us, it should carry over into our conversations, our thoughts, and the way we live once we walk out those doors.

The early church didn’t walk away from Peter’s sermon at Pentecost saying, “Great message.” Acts 2:37 says,
“Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what are we to do?’”
That’s the kind of response that comes when the Gospel is preached with power. It wasn’t about Peter—it was about the Christ he preached.

Paul made it clear he wasn’t trying to impress anyone. In 1 Corinthians 2:1–2, he said, “When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come as someone superior in speaking ability or wisdom... For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”

We don’t need more clever messages. We need truth that brings people to their knees. Not applause. Not admiration. Just brokenness and hunger and surrender.

Because when the Spirit of God truly moves, people don’t just nod along. They lean in. They repent. They ask what must change. And sometimes, they don’t say anything at all—because their hearts are too full for words.

So maybe the real test of a message isn’t how many people liked it. Maybe it’s what the people say afterward. Not about the preacher—but about the Savior.

And maybe the real question isn’t, “How was the sermon?”
Maybe it’s, “What did Jesus say to you today?”
And even more—“What are you going to do about it?”

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)