You’ve seen TED talks.
They’re awesome.
The slogan of TED is:
“Ideas worth spreading.”
What idea could be greater than the Gospel?
None.
So what do sermons have to do with TED talks?
The TED Talk Format
It’s the format.
TED talks are known for being dynamic, hard hitting and very memorable.
Why is that?
As my wife and I dug into several TED videos, it hit me: “Why aren’t sermons like this?”
I think it has more to do with the format than anything else, so I took a look at TED’s rules for speakers and here’s some food for thought:
- No talk can exceed 18 minutes in length.
- Speakers must tell a story or argue for an idea. They may not use the TED stage to sell products, promote themselves or businesses. Every talk’s content must be original and give credit where appropriate. Speakers cannot plagiarize or impersonate other persons, living or dead.
- Speakers must be able to confirm the claims presented in every talk…
I can imagine Jesus’ parables falling within these rules, including that 18-minute mark. Where did we get the idea that we need more time to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ than Jesus Christ himself?
I’ve found that when I’m editing audio, video or writing, the more concise I can be, the tighter I can make an edit, the more powerful it becomes.
What if sermons were more like TED talks?
Simon L Smith says
My BA is in Pastoral Theology. My MBA has a focus in Marketing.
I am amazed, at times, at how far our preaching is from a biblical example.
But I am also amazed at how close, at times, modern marketing is like biblical teaching.
The world seems to understand the power of narrative in a way that the church has forgotten.
This is great insight… Thanks for sharing…
Eric Dye says
Thank YOU for your insight!
Chip Dizard says
I just texted a preacher friend that same question and he answered,”It would throw the black community for a curve, and miss the when do we shout moment.”
I sat back and thought about that answer and realized, is that the point of a sermon? To shout? Is this as good as it gets? Not only in the black church, but in any church. Do we wait from week to week to get pumped up and then go back out into the world.
The senior pastor needs to be free to prep and cast vision for a TED like talk sermon to work effectively.
Eric Dye says
Wow. Seriously insightful and interesting. Thank you, Chip! It’s awesome to have you a part of ChurchMag.
Ed says
I like the concept.. The problem is most don’t have e time to write an 18 minute sermon.
Eric Dye says
Why is this?
Matt Orley says
I did a website for a lawyer who WRITES for a living. She said”
2000 words will cost you $700
1000 words will cost you $1200…
ya, read it again…
Eric Dye says
Yeah, I’ve heard this. I agree and disagree. As for a Pastor’s time, goes, there are a LOT of dynamics surrounding that issue alone.
Ed says
I think it was mark twain who said, “I don’t have time to write you a short letter.” the editing is what makes the difference between an excellent film, book, or sermon, but it also takes a very long time. Pastors don’t have this kind of time every week…. I wish we did!
Eric Dye says
Perhaps we’ve over complicated things? I don’t know. I do know that if Pastors had the support of their congregations like they should have, they would find more time. :-/
Matt Orley says
As a non-pastor, can I throw something else into this ring?
TED talks are about something that is new, that listeners may not have heard before. I think UNIQUENESS in content is part of the key.. and, honestly difficult for the church.
Maybe more PARABLE ONLY sermons? Don’t tell my pastor jeff i said these things- I love him and love his preaching:)!!!
Eric Dye says
LOL! Awesome. 😀
That’s a good point. Speaking on an issue ONE TIME versus preaching EVERY WEEK does seem like an unfair comparison.
ThatGuyKC says
Dude, great question! I’ve been in church since I was 5 years old and I can’t tell you 5 sermon quotes, but I can reference almost a dozen TED Talks from the past year.
Gives me something to think about as I pursue public speaking opportunities and even preaching on occasion. It’s on my bucket list to preach on Father’s Day one year.
Eric Dye says
True, true.
That’s something to ask yourself, “What big concept am I leaving these people that can be remembered?”
Jonathan Scott says
Clarity comes from the concise. “Brevity is the soul of wit.” – William Shakespeare.
Eric Dye says
Ska-doosh!
Chris Wilson says
One of the most interesting quora answers I read was to “why are Ted talks so popular”. The top answer was “because they full the needs we left behind with religion.” And equated them to sermons. The idea of making a better would seems to be found in all the Ted talks and part of the gospel does answer the question “is this it?”
Eric Dye says
Great insight, Chris!
Karl Vaters says
I’m a pastor and I love TED talks. My first reaction to your piece was “Yeah! Great idea!”
Then I started thinking about what this is really asking for.
I could put together one talk that could rival a TED talk. Maybe even one a year. That’s the most any TED speaker is asked to do.
But what this post is asking pastors is “can you do 40-50 TED talks every year on a different subject every week, for the same people who’ve heard each of the previous talks?” Can ANYONE?
Uh… no.
Eric Dye says
Although I think there is some power in the brevity of a single basic point driven, you’re right about the pressure and preparation!
l.obi says
Worrying article. I would much rather spend an hour listening to the Bible being taught than 18 minutes of worldly, inspirational or motivational speaking… all that we need for life and godliness is in the Bible (2 Peter 1:3) so what little gain is there in the thoughts and ideas of man… many of whom disregard our Lord Jesus Christ!
What does time matter when solid lessons are being expounded from God’s word? Church is not a social club or time for you to get your weekly burst of inspiration.
Eric Dye says
Perhaps I wasn’t clear enough. I’m not promoting worldly, inspirational or motivational speaking, but rather sasyncd, engaging and profound Kingdom concepts—always scripturally sound. Much like Jesus used short parables that were packed full of punch. Like you said, the time does not matter. Let’s not confuse long-winded with spiritual.
Teresa says
While we may be able to read one of Jesus’ parables in less than 18 minutes, He did not confine His parables/messages to those parameters. One of His teachings was so long, the disciples worried about the 5000 men (plus twice as many women and children) finding food in the villages. (Matt. 14:13-21; Mk. 6:30-42) Paul also taught outside of TED guidelines. In Acts 20:9 Paul talked “on and on” so that Eutychus fell asleep and out the window.