Questions to Ask When Using PowerPoint for Sermons Stephen Bedard, October 20, 2017April 20, 2019 I remember a time when no one used PowerPoint for sermons. In fact, I can remember when I first saw (and not just heard) a pastor preach using PowerPoint. I thought it was pretty amazing and couldn’t wait to try it myself. In those early days, it was quite the process to put together a PowerPoint presentation for one of my sermons. I didn’t know the program well but thankfully our church had someone who could correct my mistakes. For the first few years, my PowerPoint presentations were rather lengthy. I wanted to take full advantage of what was available. I understood that some people are visual learners and if this could help, I was all for it. Plus it was a lot of fun. Since that time, there has been some shift in how many pastors use PowerPoint. Some have abandoned it and some are quite critical of it. I have heard a number of comments (not just in a church context) about “death by PowerPoint.” I continue to use PowerPoint for my sermons but the way I use it had developed over the years. When I put together a PowerPoint presentation now, I ask myself certain questions. What will happen if the technology doesn’t work? A breakdown could happen anywhere from the computer to the cable to the projector. I never assume it will work and so my message never has to rely on the technology working. What are the big ideas I want people to remember? I believe less is more and I want to focus on the big idea. Will the presentation be a distraction from what I’m trying to communicate? Am I just trying to be clever? Is the presentation too complex and likely to cause problems for the projectionist? Will the congregation be able to see the words or the image on the screen? Is there content in the presentation that doesn’t need to be there? What about you? Do you or does your pastor use PowerPoint? Are you happy with how it is going? Liked it? Take a second to support Stephen Bedard on Patreon! Related Posts 5 Questions Pastors Need to AskPastors want to have the answers. But even more important is to have the right… 7 Questions Pastors Need to Regularly AskI love being a pastor and I'm so thankful that the opportunity to return to… 6 Questions For Skeptics to AskThis post is aimed at people who are skeptical about the existence of God. I'm… Leadership and Ministry Blog PowerPointPreachingSermon