Here is the one question in the Sermon Series Development Worksheet from my book Sermon Series Preaching that keeps me grounded: "How will this series affect the spiritual health of the church?" At the end of the day, every sermon series and every sermon will affect the spiritual health of the church. Their development is … Continue reading Is your sermon series healthy?
Category: Preaching
Hurricane Preparations for Pastors
This is a busy hurricane season. Hurricane Harvey has flooded the 4th largest city in America and hurricane Irma is currently making landfall in Florida and other Southeastern states. As pastors, we may feel the call to make a response. We may also feel the need to encourage our people as they wrestle with the … Continue reading Hurricane Preparations for Pastors
Just go with it!
Recently, I stood to preach a sermon dealing with the the subjects of anger and hatred. I went through my normal preparation and was confident about the content of the message. But I had an issue with the posture of the message. Let me explain. Even though I knew the subject was serious, I really … Continue reading Just go with it!
Date night!
It's date night for me. But before I enjoy a movie, popcorn, and snuggling with my boo, I want to encourage busy pastors to love their wives. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,” Ephesians 5:25 NKJV As pastors we must remember Christ loves the church … Continue reading Date night!
The mobile prayer closet
Early in my ministry, my pastor, H. Frank Centrallo, shared a valuable tip with me. He said he maximized his time by using his car like a mobile prayer closet. During commutes to and from his various appointments, Pastor Centrallo would play relaxing music, pray, and meditate on upcoming sermon concepts. Once he returned home, … Continue reading The mobile prayer closet
Ability doesn’t equal identity
Last week, my friend Jeff Centers, pastor of Riverland Church, shared a thought with me. He said one of the primary ways the enemy attacks ministry leaders is in the area of identity. As we discussed this concept I began to believe Jeff was right. Immediately my mind went to the interaction between Jesus and … Continue reading Ability doesn’t equal identity
What are you preaching this year?
A few weeks ago I posted 5 Steps to Sermon Series Planning http://wp.me/p2yUh4-8o . This week, I'd like to follow up that post by sharing my plan for the first quarter of the year. Prayerfully you'll see how strategy and opportunity are key components of my plan. First, through prayer, God has revealed a theme … Continue reading What are you preaching this year?
5 Steps to Sermon Series Planning
Let's talk a little about sermon series planning. This is the time of year when I'm seeking God's guidance on what to preach next year. I realize that may be a new concept for some so let me explain. I typically preach in a series format that lasts anywhere from three weeks to six weeks. … Continue reading 5 Steps to Sermon Series Planning
The Heart to Lead
Recently, our church held a Clergy Appreciation Service and personally, it marked eight years for me as a pastor. Eight years! That got me thinking. So, I've "Googled" average pastor tenure and several sites say the average is three to four years. Think about that. On average, in less than five years, the pastor and … Continue reading The Heart to Lead
Make a Faith Exchange
This is my final segment on Dealing With Grief. I wasn't sure if I could write the last section because I didn't know if I was emotionally ready to move forward. Recent events changed all of that. On Thanksgiving night, 24 year old Shuntell Turk was murdered by her boyfriend. My family has known Shuntell … Continue reading Make a Faith Exchange
Two Commandments 