Posts Tagged ‘Preaching’
Preaching That Elicits A Response
This blog is a little different. It’s an interview with Tony Nolan, a gifted evangelist. Since we’re talking about how to conduct an effective invitation and call people to response, we wanted you to hear from Tony. So rather than a traditional post, you’re going to read Tony’s thoughts. Before we dive in, take a minute…
Read MoreWhat do you do when you get STUCK in sermon prep?
I hate being stuck in traffic. But it happens. Usually when I’m on my way to something and never when I have extra time. I hate being stuck in line at Wal-Mart. No matter what lane I pick, I’m always behind the person fumbling through their purse to write a check. I hate being stuck…
Read MoreThree Tips for Preaching Fantastic Sermons in 2014-Sermon Preparation
French chemist and scientist Louis Pasteur once said that “luck favors the prepared mind.” I think we could replace the word luck with the Holy Spirit. I think the Holy Spirit favors the prepared preacher. Obviously, there are moments when the Holy Spirit shows up in spontaneous ways. But the Holy Spirit can show up…
Read MoreThree Tips for Preaching Fantastic Sermons in 2014
Tip #1: Less is More. 52 Sundays. That’s a lot of preaching. As a preacher, the question you have to ask yourself is, “How many sermons do I have in me this coming year?” I think the answer is different for many of us. I’ve often said I am beyond amazed at the people…
Read MoreThree Powerful Ways to Start Your Sermon
Euripides said a bad beginning makes a bad ending. That’s definitely true in sermons. Like a front porch of a house, your introduction should welcome people to the message. Your first five minutes are really important. They often determine if people will listen to the rest of the minutes. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, “I felt that…
Read MoreFour Things to Consider about Preaching the Easter Message
With Easter just a couple days away, here are seven thoughts to keep in mind as you put the finishing touches on your Easter message and prepare your heart to celebrate Resurrection Sunday. 1. Don’t preach too long. Remember, you’re not the only thing on the agenda. Lunch, brunch and time with family are on…
Read MoreThe Lonely Preacher
Preachers are often lonely. In fact, as we’ve talked with hundreds of pastors, we’ve found a common denominator that isn’t being talked about in too many circles. 1. Most preachers prepare alone. How do you prepare to preach? Do you take 1 day? Do you scramble on Saturdays? Do you study every day? There are…
Read MoreFive Assumptions You Make that Render Your Sermon Ineffective
An assumption is taking something for granted. It’s an assumed truth that is not questioned. We do it in our relationships, our jobs and our lives all the time. And preachers make assumptions about their audience every sunday. Unfortunately, those assumptions can render a sermon ineffective. Here are five common assumptions pastors make. 1. Your…
Read MoreDo You Want to Impress People or Impact People?
If you want to impress people, talk about your successes. If you want to impact people, share your failures. John Maxwell said that. And John Maxwell is right. Too many times, preachers and public speakers talk about their success stories in an attempt to impress the audience and gain their respect. And while it’s sometimes…
Read MoreCould You Preach an 18 Minute Sermon?
In my lifetime, I’ve preached somewhere around 2,500 sermons. I’ve probably listened to that many more. That’s a lot of talking. Recently, I’ve become a fan of TED talks – 18 minute presentations on science, culture, technology and many other topics. I’ve watched some amazing presentations, and have stretched my knowledge on some new topics.…
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