A compelling conclusion contains three ingredients: a look back, a look forward, and a definite finish.  However, many sermon conclusions are harmed by extra ingredients. 

Here are a few to watch out for and avoid when bringing your sermon down to its landing.

1. The conclusion is not the place for new information

Do not go deeper into the text, nor bring in extra scholarship at this point in the sermon. 

A helpful story or quote could be helpful, but remember that you are trying to finish, not trying to add more to the message.

2. The conclusion is not the place for emotional manipulation

Do not try to ramp up the emotion at the end of the message.  Let the affective force of the text do its work in the body of the message. 

While there is scope for enthusiasm and encouragement, listeners are rightly wary of added emotion designed only to stir response at the end of a message.  It feels manipulative, so don’t do it.

3. The conclusion is not the place for an untrusting final effort

You have prayerfully prepared and presented God’s Word.  Trust the Word and trust the Spirit. 

Do not think that if you just give one last push, then you will be able to push people into a response. 

Sometimes a brief message review can become one last try to drive the truth home to the listeners. 

This final and added push, often generated by the apparent lack of responsiveness in the listeners, is not faith-filled but is a fleshly effort to achieve a goal that is not ours to achieve. The Lord brings the growth.

4. The conclusion is not the place for a discouraging, downbeat fade towards the finish

A sea of apparently unresponsive faces can be pretty disheartening.  But the conclusion is not the time to show your discouragement.

If the listeners sense it in your tone, or see it in your face, then your conclusion will undo the good that may be present but invisible. 

Again, trust God to change lives, even if it feels like a failure in this moment.

5. The conclusion is not the place for disconnected applications

Some preachers feel the conclusion is a special moment to throw extra applications at their listeners.  Don’t do it. 

After a message on prayer, don’t add in an extra “Oh, and also be sure to tell someone about Jesus this week and invite them to next Sunday’s special event.” 

Peter Mead is mentor at Cor Deo and author of several books. He blogs at Biblical Preaching.

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