Sermon vs. Preaching — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 29, 2024
A sermon is a formal, often lengthy, discourse on religious or moral subjects, while preaching is the broader act of delivering religious messages, not limited by format.
Difference Between Sermon and Preaching
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sermons and preaching are both fundamental to religious practices, yet they serve different purposes and contexts. A sermon is typically a more structured, often lengthy, discourse given by a member of the clergy during a religious service. It is usually based on a specific scripture or set of scriptures and aims to expound, interpret, or apply the scripture to the lives of the congregation members. Preaching, on the other hand, encompasses a wider range of activities related to delivering religious messages. While it includes sermons, preaching can also refer to less formal addresses, evangelistic talks, or any other form of verbal persuasion aimed at promoting faith, repentance, and spiritual growth.
Sermons are designed to be reflective, providing insights and guidance based on religious texts. Preaching can take place in various settings, not just during formal religious services, and can be performed by clergy or laypeople.
The content and focus of sermons and preaching can also differ. Sermons often delve deeply into theological or doctrinal issues, using scripture as a basis for complex arguments or moral teachings. They are usually prepared in advance and delivered in a manner that encourages contemplation and spiritual growth. Conversely, preaching might focus more on the practical aspects of faith, aiming to inspire, convert, or encourage immediate action. Preaching can be more adaptable, with preachers often responding to the immediate needs or concerns of their audience, sometimes even without a prewritten text.
The audience and delivery of sermons and preaching can vary significantly. Sermons are generally aimed at a congregation that shares the same faith and are delivered within the context of a worship service. This setting allows for a more intimate and reflective exploration of faith. Preaching, however, can be aimed at believers and non-believers alike, and its delivery can be adapted to suit a wide range of contexts, from street corners to large stadiums. This flexibility in audience and setting makes preaching a versatile tool for outreach and evangelism.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A formal discourse on a religious or moral subject.
The act of delivering a religious message.
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Format
Structured and often lengthy.
Can be formal or informal, varying in length.
Purpose
To expound on scripture and provide insight.
To promote faith, repentance, and spiritual growth.
Setting
Typically within a religious service.
Can be in a variety of settings, including outdoors.
Audience
Primarily congregation members.
Can be believers and non-believers alike.
Compare with Definitions
Sermon
A formal religious talk based on scripture.
The priest delivered a moving sermon on the importance of compassion.
Preaching
Informal discussions on faith.
Their preaching took place in small groups.
Sermon
A reflective address to a congregation.
Her sermon made everyone reflect on their actions.
Preaching
Inspiring talks aimed at conversion.
His preaching focused on the love of God.
Sermon
A message aimed at moral or spiritual instruction.
The sermon emphasized living a life of integrity.
Preaching
Persuasive religious communication.
Through preaching, he encouraged kindness and generosity.
Sermon
A detailed exploration of a religious text.
The sermon dissected the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount.
Preaching
The act of delivering a religious message.
His preaching reached thousands online.
Sermon
A discourse for spiritual edification.
The sermon today focused on forgiveness.
Preaching
Evangelistic efforts to spread faith.
She went preaching in the city squares.
Sermon
A sermon is an oration or lecture by a preacher (who is usually a member of clergy). Sermons address a scriptural, theological, or moral topic, usually expounding on a type of belief, law, or behavior within both past and present contexts.
Preaching
To proclaim or put forth in a sermon
Preached the gospel.
Sermon
A religious discourse, especially one delivered as part of a service.
Preaching
To advocate, especially to urge acceptance of or compliance with
Preached tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Sermon
An often lengthy and tedious speech of reproof or exhortation
"his father's Teutonic and pedestrian sermon on the safety of staying home" (Paul Theroux).
Preaching
To deliver (a sermon).
Sermon
Religious discourse; a written or spoken address on a religious or moral matter.
Preaching
To deliver a sermon.
Sermon
A lengthy speech of reproval.
Preaching
To give religious or moral instruction, especially in a tedious manner.
Sermon
To discourse to or of, as in a sermon.
Preaching
Present participle of preach
Sermon
To tutor; to lecture.
Preaching
The act of delivering a sermon or similar moral instruction.
Sermon
A discourse or address; a talk; a writing; as, the sermons of Chaucer.
Preaching
The act of delivering a religious discourse; the art of sermonizing; also, a sermon; a public religious discourse; serious, earnest advice.
Sermon
Specifically, a discourse delivered in public, usually by a clergyman, for the purpose of religious instruction and grounded on some text or passage of Scripture.
This our life exempt from public hauntsFinds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,Sermons in stones and good in everything.
His preaching much, but more his practice, wrought,A living sermon of the truths he taught.
Preaching
An address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
Sermon
Hence, a serious address; a lecture on one's conduct or duty; an exhortation or reproof; a homily; - often in a depreciatory sense.
Preaching
A moralistic rebuke;
Your preaching is wasted on him
Sermon
To speak; to discourse; to compose or deliver a sermon.
What needeth it to sermon of it more?
Sermon
To discourse to or of, as in a sermon.
Sermon
To tutor; to lecture.
Sermon
An address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
Sermon
A moralistic rebuke;
Your preaching is wasted on him
Common Curiosities
How long is a typical sermon?
Sermons can vary in length but typically last from 20 to 40 minutes.
Can laypeople deliver sermons?
Traditionally, sermons are delivered by ordained clergy, but some denominations allow laypeople to give sermons under certain conditions.
Is preaching only for converting non-believers?
While conversion is a significant aspect, preaching also serves to edify and encourage those already within the faith.
Can preaching be informal?
Yes, preaching can range from formal sermons to informal talks or testimonies.
What is the purpose of a sermon?
The purpose of a sermon is to expound on scripture, providing spiritual or moral guidance to the congregation.
What is the main difference between a sermon and preaching?
A sermon is a specific, formal discourse on religious matters, usually within a service, whereas preaching encompasses a broader range of religious messages and settings.
Can a sermon be considered preaching?
Yes, a sermon is a form of preaching, specifically a more formal and structured type.
Do sermons have to be based on scripture?
Most sermons are scripture-based, offering interpretation and application of religious texts.
Can the content of preaching vary?
Absolutely. Preaching can cover a wide range of topics, from salvation and repentance to practical Christian living.
Is preaching always religious?
In its broadest sense, preaching can refer to any act of advocating or promoting a cause, but it is predominantly religious.
Is there a specific place where preaching is done?
Preaching can occur in diverse settings, from churches and homes to public spaces and online platforms.
What role does the audience play in a sermon?
The audience, or congregation, participates through listening, reflection, and sometimes interacting, making the sermon a dynamic component of worship.
How does preaching reach non-believers?
Through evangelistic outreach, personal testimonies, and addressing universal themes of love, morality, and purpose.
Can anyone preach?
While specific qualifications may vary by denomination, many religious traditions encourage all believers to share their faith.
How do sermons and preaching adapt to different audiences?
Sermons often address the specific spiritual needs of a congregation, while preaching can be tailored to engage believers, seekers, or a general audience.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
