The Interview Style of preaching, especially in the dynamic world of online preaching, has emerged as a distinctly engaging and relatable method.1 This style, characterized by its conversational approach, mimics the informal intimacy of an interview, fostering a unique connection between the preacher and the audience. This essay explores the reasons behind the adoption of this style and details how it is effectively implemented, concluding with considerations for its future use.
“Why” of the Interview Style
The interview style of preaching is particularly effective for reaching audiences who are unchurched or those who identify as spiritual-but-not-religious (SBNR). This style breaks away from traditional authoritative sermon delivery, opting instead for a format that encourages dialogue and personal connection. Such an approach not only demystifies religious teachings but also makes them more accessible to individuals seeking a more personal understanding of faith without the overt pressure of traditional religious settings.
Homiletically, the interview style is innovative because it moves away from both deductive and narrative preaching styles that have dominated religious discourse. By integrating a conversational mode, this style allows for the introduction of multiple smaller, insightful “Aha!” moments throughout the sermon, rather than building toward a single revelatory climax. This method proves particularly appealing in a digital age where attention spans are shorter and the desire for authentic, real-time engagement is higher.
Additionally, this style caters to the growing preference for digital media consumption where users seek more interactive and personal content. It aligns with contemporary communication trends that emphasize authenticity and transparency, attributes highly valued by younger generations. The preacher’s role as a conversational partner rather than a distant authority helps to bridge the gap between secular and sacred, making the spiritual discourse more relevant to everyday life. This relevance is crucial in a time when people are increasingly looking for practical spirituality that addresses their daily concerns and helps them navigate their personal and social lives.
“How” of the interview style
Setting and atmosphere:
- Location flexibility: Optimal settings include personal spaces like a living room or a minimalistic studio, avoiding traditional religious symbols to maintain a neutral, approachable ambiance.
- Camera work: Utilizing multiple camera angles enhances the dynamic feeling of a live interview, making the experience more engaging for the viewers.
Preacher’s role:
- Presentation as a mentor: The preacher adopts a humble, conversational tone, positioning themselves more as a mentor sharing wisdom rather than a figure of authority imposing doctrine.
- Appropriate attire: Casual yet respectful attire helps reinforce the approachable image of the preacher, making them relatable to the audience.
Engagement techniques:
- Incorporating viewer questions: Actively integrating questions from the audience throughout the sermon fosters a two-way dialogue and maintains viewer interest.
- Authentic responses: Expressing genuine thoughts and occasionally admitting uncertainty or the need for further reflection makes the preacher seem more relatable and trustworthy.
Technological integration:
- Real-time interaction: Utilizing live streaming technology allows for real-time interaction, which can significantly increase engagement and give viewers a sense of participation.
- Multimedia use: The inclusion of relevant visual aids, such as images or short clips, can help illustrate points and maintain viewer interest, particularly when discussing complex topics.
Viewer-driven content:
- Flexibility in content: Allowing viewers to submit their questions or topics in advance shapes the sermon around their interests, making the content more relevant and engaging.
- Feedback incorporation: Actively seeking and incorporating feedback from previous sessions can help refine the style and content of the sermons, making them more effective over time.
Outro: Further consideration
While the interview style of preaching offers numerous advantages, such as increased engagement and relatability, there are aspects that require further consideration. For instance, the balance between maintaining professional religious authority while adopting a casual, conversational tone can be challenging. Additionally, as this style relies heavily on the preacher’s charisma and communication skills, it may not be suitable for every religious leader.
Future considerations could include integrating hybrid styles that combine traditional and modern elements to cater to a broader audience. Furthermore, as digital media evolves, so too should the methods of engagement and the technologies used to broadcast and interact with the audience, ensuring that the message remains impactful but also respectful of the diverse ways people understand and relate to spirituality.
In conclusion, the interview style of online preaching represents a significant shift toward a more personalized and dialogic form of religious engagement, resonant with contemporary cultural dynamics and the communicative possibilities opened up by digital media. As this style continues to evolve, it holds the potential to profoundly shape the future landscape of religious and spiritual discourse.
Recommended resources
Digital Homiletics by Sunggu Yang explores a theology of online preaching and its ten different styles, including the Interview Style. Here is a podcast interview with the author about this volumn in the Working Preacher Books series.
Media Interview by Taylor Robert provides a practical guide to preparing for, conducting, and evaluating the result of media interviews.
Notes
- For more details on interview-style preaching, see chapter 6 of Sunggu Yang’s Digital Homiletics: The Theology and Practice of Online Preaching (Fortress Press, 2024)