[Stardust]

Great question and can certainly vary depending on the denomination.

First and foremost for me is Bible based.

Second but almost as important to me is a story-teller with a dynamic speaking ability. Jesus did not preach "At" his congregation, but spoke "to" them. I grew up in the Church of God, and the tenor was "Fire and Brimstone" with the message being that you are going to Hell "If you don't......". Today's congregations are mixed with so many religious backgrounds that preach "At" seems to have lost it's ability to reach everyone. With the number of Catholics that have migrated to the protestant faith, having the ability to speak to them without scaring them off has been very effective in keeping them in the fold. I experienced that first hand with my wife. We tried many churches until she could be comfortable of not feeling threatened.

I truly enjoy a minister who can convey his message with passion without conviction (though conviction is still needed at times). Telling story's, or as Jesus did with parables, allows today's congregation better interpret the word of the Bible. I relate this to coaching. I have learned my coaching style from all of the coaches that I have ever had. I had both good and bad, but probably what I learned the most from was those who yelled. Those who yelled, just like the parent who yells, get's tuned out! The shock factor loses it's affect when you only yell. Still too many football coaches believe that yelling at their players is the effective way of getting their attention. Yet after a while, the yelling just becomes their tone of voice, thus they no longer have the ability to reach the emotional psyche of the athlete. I've learned to stay even, with an excitement in my approach. Then when I feel the need to stress my point or get their attention, raising my voice then means something because they know it is different than the norm. This works for a good speaker, no matter the profession. Thus, a pastor who is not monotone and can tell a good story has the best ability to reach me with him message.

Our minister has an incredible ability to combine the bible teaching into an excellent story of real world analogies that everyone can relate to. Though the message is always specific, he always does and incredible job of wrapping up his sermon by tying in his message to the alter call at the end.

Though this is not specific to the minister, our church does a great job of mixing things up. Church service is typically structured the same way every week: Songs, Offering, Sermon, Alter Call. When the order of things are mixed up, it seems to work by changing up what you expect. We have on many occasions kicked off the service with the sermon and it really seems to work.