In Preaching Articles: "Preparation"

Christmas Is Too Big For One Day: Why We Celebrate Advent

By Dr. Andreas Kostenberger on Dec 6, 2024

Jesus’s birth did not come in a vacuum. His coming was the culmination of centuries, even millennia, of mounting expectation of the coming Messiah and Savior of humankind.

Scripture: Genesis 3:15, 1 Samuel 13:14, Luke 2:10-11

Tags: Advent, Christmas Advent, Waiting on God, Spiritual Preparation

Off The Cuff: A Sermon Outline You Can Use If You Don't Have Time To Prepare

By Ken Collins on Oct 19, 2019

You can learn how to preach a well-organized sermon off the cuff.

Tags: preaching, Plan, Preaching, Preaching Help, preach, extemporaneous  (view more)  (view less)

Magicians Work Alone, Preachers Work Together

By Sean Hamon on Mar 7, 2023

When we study and prepare in isolation, we limit what we can learn.

Scripture: Romans 8:28-31, James 4:1-15

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Just What Is Pulpit Plagiarism?

By Ron Forseth on Jan 1, 2024

A thoughtful look at plagiarism, quotation, and citation in preaching, showing how conscience, diligence, and trust shape ethical and faithful sermon use.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Corinthians 10:29

Tags: Preaching, Character, Integrity, Honesty, Plagiarism, Homiletics, Pastoral Integrity, Sermon Preparation, preaching, sermon preparation, Sermon Plagiarism, Preaching Ethics  (view more)  (view less)

Top 13 Preaching Mistakes

By Bob Hostetler on Jan 13, 2025

A practical guide outlining 13 common preaching mistakes, with tips to avoid them and deliver sermons that are clear, Christ-centered, and spiritually nourishing.

Tags: Preaching, Homiletics, preaching tips, Pastoral Ministry, Expository Preaching, Sermon Preparation, preaching, expository preaching, sermon preparation, Preaching Tips  (view more)  (view less)

Francis Chan: 7 Questions To Ask Before You Preach

By Francis Chan on Feb 21, 2024

In a message at a Desiring God National Conference, Francis Chan highlighted seven questions that he asks himself in preparing to preach.

Scripture: James 5:10-20

Tags: Preaching, preparation, francis chan, teach with love, desiring god, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The First Step In Bringing Change To Your Church

By John Holm on Jan 24, 2023

Change is difficult under the best of circumstances. Here's how to soften the blow and prepare your people.

Tags: leader, Leader, Guide, difficult, Change  (view more)  (view less)

Do You Get Nervous Before You Preach?

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Feb 19, 2022

Even skilled, prepared, and experienced preachers get nervous at preaching time. If they do not, they should.

Tags: Preaching, Anxiety, Pray, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

So You Waited Until The Last Minute To Start Sermon Prep

By Peter Mead on Mar 6, 2023

When I genuinely have had to prepare at the last minute, then I ask God for help and know that He understands.

Tags: Excuses, sermon prep, last minute, Sermon Prep, preaching, Preaching, preparation  (view more)  (view less)

9 Tips To Keep Your Preaching Fresh On Special Days

By John Beukema on May 5, 2020

John Beukema discusses the challenges and opportunities of providing your listeners with fresh content for holiday sermons.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Tags: mother's day, preparation, Advent, Holidays, Father's Day, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Sermon Prep: Don't Forget To Exegete Your Church

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 11, 2020

Sermon preparation does not end with good exegesis of the Bible; it always includes good exegesis of the local congregation.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:17-20

Tags: Study, Preaching, preaching

9 Things We Can All Learn From Billy Graham's Preaching

By Dennis Phelps on Oct 22, 2025

Someone asked Billy Graham how long it took to prepare a sermon. He answered, "A lifetime."

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:1-2, 1 Corinthians 2:2

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10 Preaching Questions With Matt Chandler

By Colin Adams on Jan 30, 2025

Matt Chandler reflects on preaching, preparation, personal pitfalls, and developing future preachers. His insights offer clear, practical guidance for faithful ministry.

Scripture: Mark 1:39

Tags: preparation, Adam, Guilt Offering, Leadership General, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership Development  (view more)  (view less)

10 Ways To Overcome A Sense Of Christmas Loss

By Ron Edmondson on Dec 9, 2018

Several years ago, to prepare for a Christmas message, I consulted with two professional Christian counselors in our church.

Tags: Christmas, Grief, Worship General

Pride Comes Before A Bad Sermon

By Tim Raymond on Aug 27, 2019

By all means, do your best in the preparation and delivery of your messages, but leave the results entirely up to God.

Scripture: Proverbs 16:18

Tags: Preaching, Pride