Is the standard of preaching in Britain slipping?

A recent letter to The Daily Telegraph sparked debate after one reader claimed he hadn't heard a truly inspiring sermon since the 1980s, while Rev Fergus Butler-Gallie described today's clergy as “stupider than ever”.

Esther explored the comments with veteran preacher Jeff Lucas and Rev Jamie Sewell, Associate Vicar at St Michael and St George in West London, asking what makes a great sermon and whether preaching has lost its edge.

Released on 12 Nov 2026