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Preaching lessons
After having just finished a lengthy series through the Epistle to the Romans, which took over a year, it is a good time to reflect on the ministry of preaching. Here are some practical tips I have found helpful that other preachers might find helpful as well.
My three biggest ministry mistakes
“Learn from the mistakes of others: You can't live long enough to make them all yourself,” Eleanor Roosevelt.
Looking back over thirty-five years of ministry, I’ve made a few mistakes. (OK, more than just a few.) Thankfully, along the way, I learned from my mistakes and discovered how to be a better pastor. Here are my three biggest ministry mistakes and the lessons I’ve learned from them:
How long should a sermon be?
There is great debate on how long a good sermon should be. Personally, I am not a fan of sermonettes that sound more like feel-good devotional thoughts than meaty sermons one can wrestle with all week long. But I am also not a fan of sermons that are so long that no reasonable person can remain focused on what is being taught. Here are some ideas to help you find the sweet spot of crafting a sermon that’s neither too long nor too short.
Observations on preaching to an empty room
While many pastors are becoming adept at preaching to an empty church auditorium during this COVID-19 pandemic, I had my first experience recently. Let me share a few observations that may encourage you. (Or maybe YOU will want to encourage me!)
Using illustrations well
Whether preaching a sermon, teaching a children’s class or leading a Bible study for teens, using a powerful illustration can really drive home the point. Jesus often used illustrations in His teaching. Illustrations help the audience connect the Word of God with everyday life.
Tell me a story: The case for narrative preaching
The reality is that we are called to shepherd the whole flock, and the flock is not homogenous. One out of seven people are functionally illiterate. Sure, they can read a menu or peck through a few verses if they are pressed in a Bible study, but they do not process information in the same way as someone who is functionally literate.
Milk vs. solid food
How do you know when you or your church needs milk? Or if it’s time to move on to solid food? The answer to that question is found in the overall context of Hebrews.