Musings on Spiritual Matters

Yes, I know, do not give a list.  Well here are some bulletin points on improving preaching.  There is a ton of stuff I want to say, but really do not have a time to write a book on it.  So here we go.

1. Read.  Preachers get struck in preaching because they have learned one style for developing a sermon.  You have to stay aware of what is happening, and keep on learning.  Try new styles, and ultimately, you will discover your voice.  Your voice for God will always be more powerful than trying to be something that you are not or someone else.

2. Plan somewhat.  Ok, you do not have to plan a years worth of sermons, but know where you are going.  Think about the issues in the church, think about what the people need, and always go to the word for solutions or allow God to speak into the situation.  If you are preparing sermons on Saturday night, you need to repent if this is a habit.

3. No Excite in preaching, probably means there is little spiritual formation going on.  You should still feel the burn of preaching.  That excitement and joy of giving a lesson for the Lord.  If not, look deeply within.

4. Think Different Angles.  It is ok to look at a text from a different point of view.  Think about how someone will hear this sermon, like the mother with one child and no husband, or the grandmother who is being forced into the nursery home.  Think about how people will experience a text, than just giving information of a text.  Allow them to feel the text as well as learn from the text.

5. Learn to Illustrate properly.  There is too many preachers who do the “mega story” in a sermon.  In fact, preachers love the mega story.  Some long story, emotionally charged, that is just powerful, and the whole church forgets about Jesus, and are too entwined in the human story.  Never use a story that overtakes the message of the gospel.  Also, there are different ways to illustrate, learn them and your sermons will take off.

6. Listen to Good Sermons.  Ok, here is a list of some of the best preachers, sermon wise in the church.  Dave Miller, Mike Vestal, David Fleer, Randy Harris, Earl Edwards, Dale Jenkins, Jerrie Barber, Colin Packer, Daniel Hope, Jonathan Jones, Steve Higginbotham, and of course Dave Bland.  Listen to these guys, great sermons.  And love great preaching.  I still get excited to hear a good sermon.  Love the message and the beautiful of a sermon.

7. Do it.  People, just preach.  Never lose the feeling of honor, duty, and love of preaching.  Never lose that feeling of standing up and speaking on behalf of the Lord.  Your sermons will be great if you love what you do.  Keep the passion alive.

Related posts:

1. Advice on Preaching–Focus of the Text
2. Advice on Preaching–Connecting the Elements
3. Advice on Preaching–Application
4. Review of “Decision Points”
5. Church Growth: Connection Points

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This entry was posted by Matthew on Friday, August 26th, 2011 at 11:09 am and is filed under Church News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.