As I review lectures and sermons, I find that I need more than just the Karcher Sermon Scale. This scale only measures how well the gospel of Jesus of Nazareth is presented. I find that I also need to measure how spiritually dangerous or psychologically harmful a message or lecture is. Here is my scale. I take my cues from the fire danger scale that rates how dangerous a fire is to human beings. My scale rates how dangerous a Bible message is to human beings. There are six levels to my scale, and specific criteria as to what level a lecture or message falls into.
Fire is fire-it is always dangerous to some extent. Likewise, public messages such as church messages, are also dangerous by nature. Can the message be made useful, like a fireplace? If not, how much is the fire out of control? Can the fire be extinguished by water or do we need special chemicals or other materials? Does the fire destroy entire communities or cities?
The Karcher Sermon Danger Scale
To understand this scale, you can replace the word “fire” with “problem”. In my mind, the most revealing characteristic of a Bible message is how the messenger deals with problems. Those preachers who deal with problems well inspire us to be better people. Those preachers who mishandle problems pose varying levels danger to our souls.
Dealing with the problems of humanity is of course a noble endeavor. Many have tried. Those who succeed in addressing problems correctly become helpful guides on our spiritual journeys. Like a fire used for cooking or for warmth, calling out problems and presenting possible solutions are useful, helpful and healthy. The nature of this, like fire, is that the preacher can burn people and if the fire burns unchecked, entire communities can be destroyed.
I have come up with six characteristics that define each level of danger.
1. Definition: How clearly are the problems defined?
2. Purpose: Why are the problems being called out?
3. Scope: How widespread is the problem?
4. Research: What do other people have to say about the problem?
5. Strategy: What solutions are presented to resolve the problem?
6. Results: How can we know if the presented solution is working?
Low – The Fireplace Fire
Characteristics:
1. Definition: several details are clearly explained about the problem
2. Purpose: the purpose is explained and involves learning together
3. Scope: the problem is found in all of us, leaders included
4. Research: the viewpoints of other people are examined
5. Strategy: viable solutions are presented that go beyond status quo
6. Results: the picture of how we will be better is clearly painted
High – The Trashcan Fire
Characteristics:
1. Definition: some details are explained about the problem
2. Purpose: the purpose is explained briefly and requires individual repentance
3. Scope: the problem is found in some of us.
4. Research: the viewpoints of other people are examined
5. Strategy: viable solutions are presented that go beyond status quo
6. Results: the picture of how we will be better is clearly painted
Very High – The Grease Fire
Characteristics:
1. Definition: almost no details are explained about the problem
2. Purpose: the purpose is not explained and requires individual repentance
3. Scope: the problem is found in some of us
4. Research: the viewpoints of other people are not examined
5. Strategy: workable but unknown solutions are presented
6. Results: the picture of how we will be better is clearly painted
Severe – The Electrical Fire
Characteristics:
1. Definition: almost no details are explained about the problem
2. Purpose: the purpose is not explained and requires individual repentance
3. Scope: the problem is found in some of us
4. Research: the viewpoints of other people are dismissed and disparaged
5. Strategy: vague solutions are presented and not explained
6. Results: the picture of how we will be better is vaguely painted
Extreme – The Tanker Fire
Characteristics:
1. Definition: almost no details are explained about the problem
2. Purpose: the purpose is not explained and requires individual repentance
3. Scope: the problem is found in some of us
4. Research: the viewpoints of other people are dismissed and disparaged
5. Strategy: harmful solutions are presented
6. Results: the picture of how we will be better is vaguely painted
Code Red – The Nuclear Fire
Characteristics:
1. Definition: almost no details are explained about the problem
2. Purpose: the purpose is not explained and requires individual repentance
3. Scope: the problem is found in some of us
4. Research: the viewpoints of other people are dismissed and disparaged
5. Strategy: harmful solutions are presented
6. Results: the picture of how we will be better is not discussed or dismissed
