In part 1 we saw how feedback can discourage us. Typically this is not the carefully pursued constructive feedback – that is almost always helpful, and usually very encouraging (either reviewing your own preaching, or getting deliberate input from others). It is the self-talk in the emotional aftermath of preaching, or the comments from others who perhaps haven’t fully thought through their criticism. But discouragement can come from other feedback too:
3. Inanely positive feedback. While a critical comment not given carefully can steal joy and motivation, so can a wave of inane niceties. How many handshakes and smiling “nice message!” comments does it take before discouragement sets in? Hours of prayerful preparation, pleading at the throne of grace for life change and church renewal, personal sacrifices along the way and all you get is “nice message.” We’re not entertainers! Perhaps it is best to hold onto post-message comments very lightly. Excessive criticism or excessive praise is best left at the throne of God. The polite comments in between are not necessarily indicators of much at all, other than the listeners’ desire to be polite and appreciative. You struggle with wording in the sermon, many listeners struggle with the wording of appreciation!
4. No feedback either way! It’s as if the preaching is just an expected element of the service, like notices or the start time. This feels horrible for the preacher who has given so much. It would probably be worth asking for feedback from certain people in order to show that you want to preach well, and to guarantee at least a few are listening purposefully!
5. Lack of real change. This is a biggie! It’s the ultimate feedback on your preaching. You pour yourself into ministry, believing God uses preaching to transform lives. Over time you see the same old problems, the same old lack of motivation, the same old squabbles. The church seems to be standing still or moving backwards. Many experience this. Perhaps it points to the need for reinforcement ministry outside the pulpit (discussion groups, Q&A times, personal mentoring, training sessions, etc.) Perhaps it points to the need for more direct and specific application in the preaching. Perhaps it simply points to the need to trust God and hang in there . . . sometimes it can take a lot of chipping away before the first cracks in the dam appear. Preaching is a critical ministry, but it is not the complete answer to the needs of individuals or the church as a whole. Nevertheless, we preach by faith!
That’s three more. I’ll add more in part 3. Feel free to pre-empt that post, or to suggest other categories of discouragement.
Biblical Preaching 
Not sure what your other additions to the list will be, but I am convinced that there is the elemental of spiritual attack upon those who would preach the Word. There have been times either during a message or after where I have been tempted to give up altogether. I don’t fully understand how the fiersy darts of the wicked one come, but think that much of that battle takes place in the mind.