Points to Consider When Delivering a Message (English) (Japanese)
※ This article was translated by Chat GTP. There may be some errors, so please refer to the original Japanese text if you want to know the exact translation.
4） Thoughts on Evaluating a Message
5) Methods to Shorten and Compact the Message
7) Cautions When Explaining the Original Language Meaning
8) Common Doubts About Biblical Interpretation
9) Notes for Information Gathering
10 ) Using projector
11 ) Others
1) Basic Message Length
The basic length of the message should be 20 minutes in total.
That means your words will be 10 minutes, and the interpreter will take 10 minutes.
Therefore, for those who speak a message, please prepare a 10-minute message.
The reason for setting this limitation is to ensure that you can speak accurately and efficiently without losing focus on what you want to convey.
Of course"Normally, there is possiblity that you can speak for about 15 minutes (30 minutes with an interpreter). If time allows, I can speak even longer, sometimes around 20 minutes (40 minutes with an interpreter).
However, these time limits are in place because, if there might has another speaker like testimonies or reports or like that, severely restrict the message time.
If you're prepared to deliver your message in 10 minutes, you won't need to rush even if you're told suddenly, 'Please limit today's presentation to 25 minutes, including interpretation.'"
(ECC12:11) The words of the wise are like goads, and well edited are like driven nails;
2) Message Structure
a) One Key Scripture Verse
Depending on the message, there may be times when you want to read several chapters or even longer sections of the Bible. However, the basic rule is to focus on one key scripture.
Of course, I am not denying the use of several Bible passages in a regular message, or the use of several verses in a sermon, but this is possible only when there is more than 10 minutes (more than 20 minutes including an interpreter). One verse is enough as the basis for a message.
b) One Parable, Testimony, or Visual Example
c) Explanation (Exposition of Scripture and Life Application)
d) One Conclusion or Challenge to the Congregation
e) The reason for setting these time limits is to make the content of the message better.
I hope that the messages delivered in the church will be strategically crafted.
3) Actual Length of the Message
a) It is unlikely that the message will be exactly 20 minutes. (This is because it is rare for the message to start after 11:30.)
b) Cases where it is possible to speak for more than 20 minutes:
1) When requested in advance
For example, if you are a guest speaker, you may be asked to deliver a 40-minute message with interpretation.
2) When you can finish the message by 11:50
If you start the message at 11:10, you can speak for 40 minutes.
3) When the content of the message is good
The criteria for what constitutes "good" are vague, but it means that exceeding the time limit is permissible if the content is so clearly engaging that you feel it's acceptable to alter the subsequent schedule (church school end time, fellowship, lunch, foundational studies, and other activities).
c) Confirming the Length of the Message
The time allowed for the speaker is constantly changing depending on the flow of the service. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm this with the meeting manager (pastor).
4) Thoughts on Evaluating a Message
a) What Makes a Good Message?
There is no simple answer to what makes a good message. People interpret messages differently, and what God wants to communicate and what people feel may differ.
Therefore, I would like to consider this from the perspective of the keyword "message length."
b) A message that drags on too long is not necessarily a good message.
It is said that even adults can only focus for about 20 minutes.
Thus, regardless of the maturity of the audience, if you can convey everything you want to say within 20 minutes, it would be a good message.
Of course, there are messages that are so inspiring that, even if they last an hour or longer, people wish to hear more.
To put it simply, "if it's a good message, it's okay if it's long," but if not, "shorter is better."
In other words, if the content is the same, a more compact message is better.
5) Methods to Shorten and Compact the Message
a) Reduce the Number of Points
If you don't have time to cover three points, you can reduce them to two or even one.
The important thing is that the congregation remembers the message and applies it in their daily lives. Rather than losing focus by covering too much, it might be better to reduce the points.
If needed, you may have another opportunity to speak the following week. (Remember, we are a flexible church.)
b) Do not read the entire scripture.
1） This is not to discourage reading the Bible. However, when aiming to deliver your message in 10 minutes, it's preferable to prioritize and read only one section. If you want to elaborate more, do so when you have over 20 minutes.
2) "2) Another approach for a messenger delivering a message in a foreign language through an interpreter is to simply tell name of the book, chapter, and verse of the Bible passage. This is because the primary audience understands Japanese. If it's just one verse, reading the content is often fine, but if it spans multiple verses, it's probably better not to read the content aloud to save time."
c) Rehearse
Please rehearse your message. It only takes 10 minutes.
The advantage of rehearsing is not just understanding the time but also recording it and listening back to refine the message more efficiently.
For example, for a 7-minute wedding message, I recorded myself about 10 times and rewrote it about 14 times.
d) Incorrect Ways to Shorten a Message
Speaking too fast.
Skipping the conclusion.
There may be situations where you need to speak quickly or skip parts. To avoid this, structuring the message well from the start is crucial.
Even if it doesn’t go perfectly, you won’t be blamed, and you can learn from the experience for the next time.
It's a shame to skip conclusion, as all of your message should be packed into the final part.
Rather than wasting time on the first half and then skipping the second half, it's better to eliminate the first half entirely.
6) Researching Key Words
a) It’s desirable to research the key words of the scripture from various angles, but time constraints may not always allow for it.
At the very least, please research the meaning of the core scripture in the original language.
You can do this using the following link:
https://biblehub.com/interlinear/genesis/1-1.htm
This page is in English, so assistance will be provided if needed.
b) Citing Words from Other Translations
We use the New Japanese Bible translation, but you are free to use other translations.
However, if the purpose of using another translation is to steer your message in a particular direction, please check the original language before quoting it.
This is because if the expression in the other translation doesn’t match the original language, it won’t carry much persuasive power.
In other words, saying, "The New Revised Standard Version says this," is less convincing than saying, "In the original Hebrew, it means this."
7) Cautions When Explaining the Original Language Meaning
It’s common to hear people say, "In the original language, this means..." during a message.
However, in my experience, more than half of these statements are either inaccurate or add unnecessary explanations, resulting in incorrect interpretations. Therefore, when recalling something you’ve heard about the original language, please verify it yourself instead of quoting it blindly.
If you don’t have time to check, feel free to reach out for assistance.
8) Common Doubts About Biblical Interpretation (Separate Page)
This link contains information on common doubts raised in messages, though they are not necessarily complete inaccuracies.
9 ) Notes for Information Gathering
The information on this link will provide a fresh perspective on understanding the scripture.
http://christiangroup.com/study/ (japanese page)
10) Using Projector
When using a projector during a message, two preparations are necessary.
Before the message, the lectern needs to be moved to the side (in the case of "Ikoi").
Please designate personnel for this task before the gathering begins.※ It would be inappropriate if this process is delayed, if the messenger moves it alone, or if the female interpreter is asked to help.
The content must be set up on the computer before the worship service begins.
※ If not, the presentation may be declined.
※ If audio is involved, additional preparation is required. Therefore, unless there are special circumstances, presentations with audio will not be accepted.