Send us a textBuilding an effective preaching team is more complex than simply sharing the Sunday morning workload. It's about developing multiple voices, creating cohesive messages, and strategically investing in the next generation of communicators.But how do you build a preaching team that maintains quality while developing new voices? The answer requires careful consideration and intentional planning.In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast, we explore the essential elements of creati...
Send us a textEfficient sermon preparation is crucial for pastors, but it's often a struggle to balance thorough study with time constraints. This episode of Preaching Through Podcast dives into practical strategies for streamlining the sermon prep process without sacrificing quality.Key topics covered include:The importance of developing a systematic approach to sermon preparationCreating a schedule that protects dedicated prep timeUtilizing tools and resources to enhance efficiencyLeveragin...
Send us a textPreaching through the book of Revelation can be both challenging and rewarding. While the imagery and symbolism may seem daunting, the core message is clear and relevant for today's believers.This episode of Preaching Through Podcast explores key insights and takeaways from tackling this often misunderstood book of the Bible:Revelation is both an attractional and discipleship series, drawing in curious seekers while deepening the faith of believers. It teaches people how to read...
Send us a textVocal dynamics and body language are crucial elements of effective preaching that often go overlooked. While the Holy Spirit is ultimately responsible for conviction, these communication tools help keep listeners engaged so they can hear and receive the message.This episode dives into practical tips for improving vocal dynamics and body language, drawing from content used in the Preaching Lab:Using different "gears" of vocal delivery, from quiet and tender (first gear) to urgent...
Send us a textFeedback can be a valuable tool for preachers who want to refine their craft and continually improve their sermons, but the reality is, many pastors aren’t receiving it. Why is that?In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast, we unpack the critical role of feedback for preachers and address common barriers that keep pastors from seeking or receiving meaningful feedback. We explore the different kinds of feedback—before the sermon, between services, and after the fact—and how e...
Send us a textApplication in preaching goes beyond just explaining what a biblical passage means - it explores why it matters for people's lives today. While some argue the Holy Spirit alone should apply God's Word, Scripture shows God often uses preachers as a means of grace to help people understand how to obey and live out biblical truth.Effective application avoids common pitfalls like legalism, moralism, or shaming. Instead, it invites people to see how the gospel empowers obedience. Pra...
Send us a textA sabbatical can be a game-changer for high capacity, high vision lead pastors, offering an opportunity for deep rest and renewal. Those who have the chance to take one often find it to be an invaluable investment in their short-term ministry, long-term ministry, and overall spiritual well-being.But do lead pastors deserve a sabbatical? The answer might surprise you.In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast we dive deep into the most pressing and frequently asked questions ab...
Send us a textMars Hill planted a location in Phoenix, Arizona. Six months later the church collapsed. Instead of shutting down the church and returning home, Tim Birdwell launched a new church the very next Sunday. Not only did Tim transition from preaching occasionally to every week, he was following in the footsteps of a leader who built a large movement on the back of his communication skills. Several years after Phoenix Bible Church established itself as its own unique congregation, the ...
Send us a textAre you struggling to keep your sermons concise yet powerful? Preaching is an art form that you can improve in over time and the practice of shaving down your sermon lengths while striving to maintain impact is a discipline that will help you continue to preach with a punch over the long-haul.Maintaining audience engagement, effortless transition into response time, and integrating the sermon better with the overall flow of the service is often an overflow of a sermon that is th...
Send us a textSermon illustrations are vital for making biblical truths come alive in a way that will stick with listeners over the long-haul. Yet, illustration ideas is an ongoing struggle for many preachers. Uncovering an illustration that effectively shines a light on the text and seasons the message is not just a key discipline of message prep, but it is an art form.If all an illustration was good for was to help make key truths real, tangible, and applicable to modern life, it would be e...
Send us a textA killer introduction is critical for getting people to not just listen to your sermon... but actually care about the message you're about to share. A rookie preacher can captivate attention with a strong introduction as easily as a veteran preacher can lose people without a thoughtful and thought provoking introduction.In this episode, we listen to and analyze examples of five different types of introductions, from incorporating humor to asking engaging questions. We'll also an...
Send us a textWe all tend to shrink God down to size in our minds, crafting Him into a more comfortable and understandable being. But in today's episode, the focus is on expanding the vision of who God truly is in all His greatness, glory, goodness, and grace. We will unpack the profound implications wrapped up in what we call “the 4 Gs.” Even if you don’t preach an entire series on them, these God-centered truths can revolutionize how you communicate the gospel.The main points of the 4 ...
Send us a textWhether you're a seasoned preacher or just starting out, a clear sermon structure is crucial for effectively communicating biblical truth. In today's episode, we'll be breaking down the essential architecture of an impactful sermon point. You'll discover the key elements that must be included to captivate your listeners' attention, convince them of the truth, inspire life change, and pave a smooth path from start to finish. We all know the difference between a disjoint...
Send us a textDo you sometimes feel like an imposter when you step into the pulpit? Like you're trying to imitate other preachers rather than preaching as your authentic self? Finding your unique preaching voice can free you up to genuinely pastor your flock. Yes, the sound of your voice has something to do with it... but it's really much more than that! It is your personality, passions, delivery style, and other nuances about you that come together to form the authentic you in the pulpi...
Send us a textPreaching through an entire book of the Bible can seem daunting. How do you keep people engaged week after week? What if you hit confusing passages or genealogies? And how slow should you take it - verse by verse or breezing through larger sections?In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast we tackle all of the key decisions preachers face when planning a sermon series for preaching through books of the Bible:Why teach sequentially and what benefits does it offer congregations...
Send us a textGod's biggest rival isn't Satan, it's money.Money is already sensitive topic for so many. When the church starts talking about money it ticks the boxes of culturally and emotionally difficult topics. Lead pastors should talk about money — Jesus did and even when he wasn't talking about finances, much of his stories and example involved the concept of money.If you never talk about it, that sends a message.If you always talk about it, that sends a message, too.The needle we w...
Send us a textNew lead pastor? Merging with another congregation? Sharing some disappointing news that impacts everyone? Changing the name of your church? Most preachers will experience the responsibility of preaching through a big change that impacts everyone in their congregation and leading change is rarely easy and seamless.But doing it well it's essential if you hope to thrive on the other side of change.As leaders, we're called to help our people navigate change and to see the opportuni...
Send us a textPreaching through summer months is a different experience for every church. For churches in Phoenix, Arizona summer includes 31 consecutive days 110 degrees... for churches in Toledo, Ohio the summers represent the best months of the year. But no matter what unique challenges you face each summer, the opportunity for ministry impact is real and it's the responsibility of preachers to make the most of it.In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast we talk about what it is t...
Send us a textYou're at a new church...Maybe you planted it.Or, maybe you're stepping into a new role at an already established church.What should that first year of preaching look like? Are there principles to help you navigate building your preaching calendar, naming your sermon series, or setting up your weekly sermon?We think there are!In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast we talk about keys to preaching well during your first year at a new church. You only get one chance to make a...
Send us a textThere are two questions you should ask people in your newcomers class. The first one is a no-brainer. "What made you decide to visit our church."The second question... "Why did you decide to come back?"How great would it be if everyone who visited on Easter Sunday would return for the next week? You actually have more influence on the return visit than you may realize and that's what we discuss in this episode of Preaching Through Podcast.Yes, there are things you can do du...