What do you think is the most common mistake that Pastors make regarding their sermons?

The Teacher Says:

To me the most common mistake a Pastor/Preacher will frequently make is that of lack of preparation. While recoginizing that a pastor's life is extremely busy, there really is no excuse for a lack of preparation. Acts 6:4 gives an overall job description of the Christian leader/apostle and clearly states that it boils down to two items - prayer and the ministry of the Word. If one is to stand and speak for God - 1 Peter 4:11 says that he should speak as one speaking the very words of God. And God doesn't state wrong facts, ask questions while He's speaking to see if someone from the audience can help him, misquote Himself, or many other examples of the same. Preparation - it simply takes time. Even with Bible software and online support it still takes time. But with all those tools readily available there really is no consistent excuse for lack of study. Just like the birthing process takes time, so too does a good sermon take time to develop. Every sermon should have the basics, stated long ago as; tell them what you're going to say, say it, and then tell them what you've said. So elementary, but yet so profound. A good introduction will capture the attention of the listener and engage them in the topic at hand. The body of a sermon will have several identifiable points developed out of the chosen text - and all speakers for God will speak out of God's Word (2 Tim. 4:2 - Preach the Word). And then the conclusion, rewording and rephrasing that which has already been communicated so that the listener goes away with a clear understanding of what was said, and how they should respond to that Word. And all this just takes time. Time to develop the illustrations that are relevant, or humurous, or insightful, or personal, or life-changing, or all of the above. Illustrations are like windows that allow light to reveal the contents of the sermon. I personally like Biblical illustrations first and foremost. As I develop a point from my textual passage I then ask myself, does the Bible itself illustrate this point? If there is no clear illustration that readily comes to me then I ask myself if I have a personal experience with the passage - knowing that I must be careful with personal illustraitons as they can tend to promote self rather than Christ. And all this takes time. Time to let the text become alive to me, the speaker for God. Should you be speaking for God soon, may He grant you the discipline you need to prioritize your life so that you will take the time needed for thorough preparation. Then speak with the confidence that comes from knowing your sermon is a life-giving Word for your audience.