The check engine light went on in my car. I knew enough to figure out it had something to do with the fuel, because every time I hit the gas pedal my car would give a little sputter and then surge.

I took it into the shop, and the mechanic was extremely knowledgeable. Without even looking at my car, he seemed to know what the problem was. He started talking about “evaporators” and “fuel-sending sensors.” When I gave him a blank stare, he knew I wasn’t following.

So the mechanic got down on my level: “There’s a flap that opens up to release the gas and closes to keep it in place. Yours is probably stuck.”

That made perfect sense. And when the mechanic called me later to confirm, I knew exactly what he was talking about. Not because I was now an expert in auto mechanics, but because he brought it down to my level.

In preaching, the goal is understanding. There are many obstacles that can get in the way of this goal. One barrier we may introduce without realizing it is talking over people’s heads. Good preachers can adjust any topic to the level of their listeners. It’s like taking something from the top shelf and putting it on the bottom so everyone can reach it.

From the Top Down

When I talk about moving something from the top to the bottom shelf, I’m not talking about dumbing down your sermons. It is possible to present the richness of Scripture and theology in a way anyone can understand. You don’t have to subtract from the text to appeal to your listeners.

I’m not suggesting you talk down to people either. There is a fine line between assuming they know too much and assuming they know too little. What does the average congregant already know about church, Jesus and the Bible?

What I’m talking about is adjusting your sermon to the listeners' level and speaking in a way that grabs their attention. Being clear about what you mean. The ultimate goal is for people to grasp the greatness of Christ in such a way that they experience life change.

However, there are pastors who like to leave the message on the top shelf. I’ve heard plenty of ministers who use long, complicated words or spend plenty of time explaining theological, or even philosophical, arguments that have little to do with real life.

Preachers may be tempted to do this for a variety of reasons. Some may do it because it makes them feel smart. They get an ego boost when someone says, “Wow, I’ve never heard that before.”

The ultimate goal is for people to grasp the greatness of Christ in such a way that they experience life change.

Others may misjudge their congregation’s desire for academic details. If a pastor learned about something in college or a commentary and thought it was interesting, he or she may assume everyone else should know it too.

But the best way is usually the simplest. Journalists learn to write news stories in easy-to-understand language. They aren’t dumbing down or talking down; they’re simply using words and syntax anyone can understand. Shouldn’t those who proclaim the good news do the same?

Perhaps the best way to learn to take things from the top to the bottom shelf is to talk with kids. What do they find difficult to understand? What makes it clearer? And how do you keep their attention?

Bottom Shelf Techniques

This isn’t about skipping over complex texts or concepts. It’s about preaching them in ways that connect with more people. Here are three suggestions:

1. Use fewer words. Sometimes the best way to explain something is to use as few words as possible. The longer the explanation, the more likely people are to tune out. Take the shortest route.

Also use common language. Instead of throwing out “propitiation,” perhaps you could talk about “making amends.”

Use your words like a paintbrush. Give people a picture of what you’re talking about. Use stories and illustrations to back up what you say. Jesus did this often while teaching.

2. Include relatable examples. Jesus drew parables and illustrations from everyday life.

What is your congregation doing through the week? Find examples that relate what you are saying on Sunday to their Monday-through-Friday lives, and you’ll connect complex and profound topics to them in a way that transforms.

3. Prepare. Finally, be ready each week to give your best sermon. First Peter 3:15 says, “Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” That doesn’t just mean studying Scripture and memorizing texts. It’s also about being able to present that answer in an understandable way.

Pastors spend a lot of time in their studies preparing sermons. The best way to make the time worthwhile is to have a message that is quickly and easily understandable. Don’t just study to make sure you’re right but practice it and make sure it’s accessible. Take the time to move it from the top shelf down to the bottom.

We all need help understanding things in life. That’s why mechanics and CPAs exist. We can’t do everything, and we can’t understand everything. But those who are willing to take the time to explain things to us in a way that we can understand are the best teachers.

What you preach every week is important. It’s so important that it should never be watered down. But because it’s so important, it should also never be kept out of reach. Preach your best sermon by making it understandable.