It is human nature to receive a response from someone during a conversation, whether in person or through technology. No response often means no interest in what is being said. Sadly, many preachers have taken this normal behavior, and turned it into something abnormal: shallow affirmation.

There is nothing wrong with verbally coming into agreement with what is taught or preached; however, this is secondary to hearing and understanding. It is difficult to listen - if we are always talking.

The people of God are not instructed anywhere in the scripture to ‘preach with the preacher’ or produce a steady stream of replies. In fact, one of the more common responses from preachers during a sermon is, ‘It’s getting quiet in here’ or something similar.

In reality, preachers should actually embrace silence, because it means that people are ‘listening’.  This lesson provides godly instruction for how preachers could focus on delivering the Word of the Lord, without the need for reactions from the congregation.