Fewer pastors preach sermons under 40 minutes as appetite for longer messages grows

A growing number of Protestant pastors in the United States are preaching sermons lasting longer than 40 minutes, while some churchgoers are expressing a greater interest in extended biblical teaching, according to research by Lifeway Research.

The findings indicate a gradual shift in sermon length. The proportion of pastors who typically preach for less than 40 minutes declined from 85% in 2019 to 80% in 2025. Meanwhile, the percentage of pastors who preach for more than an hour increased from 2% to 6% during the same period.

The research also found that more churchgoers would prefer longer sermons. In 2025, 17% expressed a preference for longer messages, compared with 13% in 2019. However, most churchgoers remain comfortable with the length of sermons they currently hear, while some prefer shorter messages.

These findings highlight the different expectations believers bring to church services and the continuing role of preaching in Christian life. Sermons give congregations opportunities to understand Scripture, reflect on biblical principles, and discover how to apply God's Word in their daily lives.

Longer sermons can provide additional time to explore biblical passages and explain their meaning in greater depth. However, the effectiveness of preaching depends not simply on its duration but also on the clarity of the message, its faithfulness to Scripture, and its relevance to the spiritual growth of the congregation.

For pastors, the findings offer an opportunity to consider how they can communicate biblical truths effectively while remaining attentive to the needs of their congregations.

Ultimately, whether a sermon lasts 20 minutes or an hour, its purpose remains to share God's Word, strengthen faith, encourage spiritual maturity, and help believers live out the teachings of Jesus Christ.