The third question I ask is …
Once you have established your purpose and formulated an objective statement, you are ready to do your research and prepare the content of your message. Purpose first, then content and outline.… Read the rest
The second question I ask is …
Purpose is basic and central in preaching. You need a well-understood, clearly articulated and biblically justifiable purpose for your message. It is on this that you plan and execute everything you do when you preach.… Read the rest
Every time I prepare to speak, I ask myself five questions. Let’s begin with the first question.
1. “Who am I speaking to?” [The Audience]
When preparing to speak, I always start with my audience. Who am I speaking to?… Read the rest
Jesus was a master communicator and therefore he is our model for preaching to change lives. Jesus was the greatest speaker, teacher and communicator who ever existed. He spoke to large audiences in places like the synagogues, the mountainside, the seaside, and in the streets.… Read the rest
A healthy growing church has good leadership and good teaching. It is well-led and well-fed. There is clear vision and change is occurring in people's lives. Teaching heats up the church’s values. It is like a rudder that steers the church in the right direction.… Read the rest
Last year I took a course on ‘Preaching’ with Haddon Robinson and Rob Bell, as part of my Doctor of Ministry program with Fuller Theological Seminary. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much.
There is an entire field of study in preaching and communication and although I’ve spoken thousands of times, I’ve only given it occasional thought and attention.… Read the rest
For the last year, I have been speaking my main messages to our church without using notes and without a pulpit to stand behind.
This has been a big change for me. I've been speaking for over 20 years now and although there have been a few shorter messages I've given where I haven't used notes, I've usually taken my Bible and 6-10 pages of typed out notes to the pulpit each time I speak.… Read the rest
Learning to communicate God’s Word in a way that captures people’s attention and imparts principles for life change is quite an art. Even after years of hearing many excellent preachers and gaining much preaching experience myself in a variety of settings, I’m still learning.… Read the rest
