4. Thou shalt not be overly repetitive (in one sermon and in the longer sweep of proclamation). We all have our pet themes, biases, and strongly held convictions. Repeating them week after week, regardless of whether or not these opinions bear any relation to the appointed or chosen scriptures, can result in a congregation’s feeling harangued and questioning whether they are hearing God’s life-redeeming and world-changing word or only the same old words of their pulpit tenant. 5. Thou shalt not presume