Cleophus LaRue’s next element of great preaching is an Astute Awareness of the Culture. The preacher must have a connection to real life if the preacher is to preach a message that connects to people.

LaRue states:

“[Preachers] sharpen their powers of observation by constantly seeking to name God’s presence in every aspect of human existence.”

Great preaching must engage all of human existence including the good and the bad. The areas of human existence that LaRue states we should be knowledgeable of happenings in “social, political, educational, and economic surroundings.”

Great preachers preach sermons that connect with people where they live. LaRue reminds us that we should be aware of this larger world if we are to preach sermons that connect the ancient text to our contemporary world.