The Quest for Change – Persuasion/Motivation

Persuasion, as a method via sermons, has proved to be an indispensible way to share the gospel. It is employed to help people drop their defenses, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in their heart. This method is aided by the extrinsic motivation of that same Holy Spirit working through the preacher. The preacher becomes the external source of motivation. When things go well, intrinsic motivation can fulfill its purpose because, although theology is complex, the gospel is a simple message.
Point of Tension
At this point, prayerfully, the preacher’s words and the work of the Holy Spirit move the listeners to experience introjected motivation as the tension builds in their hearts and minds. They should come to a point of tension and realize their “lostness.” They should have a better understanding of their shortcomings. The persuasive sermon leads to this point. That tension comes in part due to the recognition of felt needs.
Peter Says
The Apostle Peter tells us why, even after we are converted, we need to hear persuasive preaching,
“12So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have” (NIV).
Felt or Not
Needs, felt or not, are shaped over time. Of all the needs that do develop throughout life, the need to affiliate seems to be the most common. It probably originated with the family unit and a sense of belonging. People desire harmonious relationships, and as a result they are subject to adjust their behavior to conform to the group, or seek approval from the group in which they wish to affiliate. In the church context in general, and the pastor-member relation in particular, people are happiest when the give-and-take within the relationship is equal. This quest for equality comes about from strong feelings about social norms about fairness. People tend to flourish service wise, spiritual wise, and interpersonal wise in church when they feel they are being spiritually fed. That feeling comes, first and foremost, from persuasive preaching.


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