Whenever we preach, it’s worth remembering that each listener hears the message through a unique filter and set of circumstances.

One person is navigating unemployment, while another is celebrating a promotion. Just across the aisle from a newly engaged couple, a grieving widow sits alone. A teenager is wrestling with identity questions. Another congregant is secretly battling addiction.

These realities call for both compassion and truth. We need to see people in their highs and lows and point them to God’s truth. After all, we aren’t just presenting a message. We are shepherding real people as they experience real life.

Over the years, I have returned frequently to this snapshot of Jesus’ ministry in the Gospel of Matthew:

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (9:35–38).

Jesus was powerfully preaching, teaching, and healing the sick. But notice that Matthew’s description doesn’t end there. When Jesus looked at the crowds and saw their vulnerability, suffering, and need for guidance, He was deeply moved with compassion.

Compassion should permeate our preaching ministry as well. It starts with seeing what is happening in people’s lives, recognizing the weight they are carrying, and leading with Christ’s love.

Families are dealing with financial uncertainty and rising costs. Marriages are under pressure. Students are experiencing anxiety and depression. These issues don’t change the truths of Scripture, of course, but they should shape the compassion with which we preach.

Truth and compassion are not incompatible. Jesus never sacrificed one to preserve the other. Neither should we.

Listen Carefully

Leaders aren’t always the best listeners. Speaking is an important part of ministry, but so is hearing what others have to say. Intentionally listening is one way to become a more compassionate preacher.

Take time to hear from congregants after services or through the week. Listen to staff members and volunteers, students and children, the hurting and celebrating. Tune in to conversations within your community.

Ask people how they are really doing. Give staff members opportunities to share what they are hearing from congregants. Inquire about how God is working in the lives of church leaders. And ask God to reveal what you might be missing.

Become a student again by listening well. Listen to learn and serve, not just respond. God is speaking, His people are speaking, and we must listen.

Watch Closely

Jesus “saw the crowds” (Matthew 9:36). This means He was watching. Jesus looked closely enough to see that the people were “harassed and helpless.”

We aren’t just presenting a message. We are shepherding real people as they experience real life.

When the widow gave her offering, Jesus took note. He watched the crowd’s response while forgiving a woman caught in adultery. Jesus noticed His disciples jockeying for position.

Compassion begins with paying attention. Know what’s happening in your city and what pressures families are facing. Understand the seasons and schedules, and anticipate patterns within the congregation.

Notice requests for prayer and pastoral care meetings. Don’t overlook the burdens people are carrying.

Pastors should be excellent students of both Scripture and people. The gospel message is always the same, but circumstances are not. Compassionate preachers are attuned to the ever-changing dynamics of ministry even as they communicate eternal truths.

Interact Relationally

Proverbs 27:23 says, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks.”

For pastors, this awareness doesn’t happen behind a desk, but in hospital rooms, the church lobby, grocery store aisles, coffee shops, and staff meetings.

As our church grew past 1,000 in attendance, a friend and mentor told me to stay close, walk among the people, and “keep smelling like the sheep.”

To know people well, we have to interact with them. The best place to be on a Sunday is among the people. Hang out in the lobby. Arrive early and leave last. Be approachable, shake hands, and always allow children to interrupt you with a greeting.

Attend the sporting events, competitions, and performances of students in the congregation, even if you don’t know them well.

Participate in significant moments, such as weddings, funerals, graduation parties, and promotions. Make hospital visits.

Church growth should never keep a pastor from interacting with congregants. You may not get to know all of them, but that’s no excuse for avoiding any of them.

Take appointments, accept dinner invitations, and build relationships.

Jesus was always making time for people. Some of His most profound teaching moments happened during personal conversations and spontaneous interactions.

Preaching and ministering with compassion requires proximity to people. I am convinced that compassionate pastors develop more compassionate churches because these leaders model what they value.

Preach Truthfully

Compassion doesn’t mean withholding or watering down truth. Jesus never tried to appease crowds. He didn’t hold back just to keep the crowds happy. In fact, Jesus was so blunt in His teachings that many people walked away.

Even during difficult times — perhaps especially during such times — people need the truth of the gospel. God’s Word is one of the best gifts we can give those who are struggling.

Failing to call sinners to repentance for fear of offending them is not compassionate. It is ministerial malpractice.

A good doctor doesn’t withhold an honest diagnosis and treatment plan to avoid upsetting the patient. In the same way, we must preach the Word of God to the people of God with the love of God and the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

As we faithfully and compassionately proclaim the truths of Scripture, God will transform hearts and lives.

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Jesus listened, watched, interacted, preached, and ministered from a heart of compassion. He is our primary model for ministry.

Preaching like Jesus means communicating with gospel conviction and compassion. Both are essential for Kingdom work.

Follow the example of Jesus, trusting Him to empower your message and use it to reach people right where they are.

Just as in Matthew’s time, people need compassionate shepherd leadership. May we preach boldly, teach faithfully, pray with expectation for the miraculous, and love deeply.

And may our churches be places where people encounter both truth and compassion because that is still the ministry of Jesus. God will use such preaching and shepherding to transform our communities.

This article appears in the Summer 2026 issue of Influence magazine.