In Preaching Articles: "Sermon Engagement"

How To Evaluate A Sermon Using The Preach Framework

By Rev. Tejado Hanchell on Oct 3, 2020

Was it truly a great sermon? Use the PREACH rubric to evaluate preaching effectiveness through punctuality, relevance, exegesis, appearance, clarity, and conviction.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 4:15, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:11, Proverbs 25:11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Excellence, church leadership, Church Leadership

A Christmas Sermon 1,700 Years Old

By Brian Orme on Dec 17, 2024

Seventeen centuries ago, Gregory of Nazianzus preached Christmas as cosmic upheaval, divine condescension, and joyful trembling. His sermon still instructs our worship.

Scripture: Psalm 96:1, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:14, Psalm 2:11

Tags: Christmas, Preaching, ancient, preaching, Gregory Of Nazianzus  (view more)  (view less)

When To Throw Away Your Sermon Notes

By Ted Smith on Nov 13, 2020

Preaching without notes is not inherently more spiritual than preaching from a manuscript. Wisdom, not romanticism, should govern the choice.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Timothy 2:15, Colossians 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Discernment, Preaching, neglect, habit, preaching, Notes  (view more)  (view less)

How To Make Sermon Preparation A Community Effort

By Todd Hiestand on Nov 20, 2020

Preaching is often treated as a solitary task, but collaborative sermon preparation can sharpen content, improve delivery, and strengthen church community.

Scripture: Proverbs 27:17, 2 Timothy 2:15, Acts 17:11, Ephesians 4:11-12, Hebrews 10:24  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Community, family, Preaching, Group, encouragement, community, preaching, Encouragement  (view more)  (view less)

Why Every Sermon Needs A Clear Outline

By Joe Mckeever on May 17, 2025

Great preaching requires clarity and structure. A well-crafted sermon outline helps both the preacher and the congregation follow and remember the message.

Scripture: Romans 10:1-12, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Corinthians 14:40, Ezra 7:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Brain, Outline, Homiletics, brain, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Every Sermon Should Speak Of The Trinity

By Jared Moore on Jun 2, 2021

The Trinity is not a peripheral doctrine but the very identity of the God Christians worship. Faithful preaching should regularly speak of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Scripture: Zephaniah 1:1-18, Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-3, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 4:4-6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, trinity, Doctrine, Foundation, Systematic theology, preaching, Systematic Theology  (view more)  (view less)

4 Preaching Myths That Undermine Sermon Preparation

By Brian Orme on Jan 27, 2024

Wrong assumptions about sermon preparation can quietly shape a preacher’s mindset. Recognizing common myths helps pastors prepare messages with greater clarity, freedom, and faithfulness.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:12, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Proverbs 15:22, 1 Corinthians 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Hurt, Preaching, myth, hinder, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

How Church Buildings Shape The Hearing Of A Sermon

By Ron Geyer on May 28, 2021

The design of a worship space influences how people listen, participate, and respond to preaching. Architecture, acoustics, and layout silently communicate priorities and shape the congregation’s experience of the Word.

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:4-8, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Colossians 3:16, Psalm 96:6, Hebrews 10:24-25  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Building, Preaching, Sound, room, Loud, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Great Sermons Also Include Listening

By Ryan Huguley on May 31, 2025

Preaching is not only about the preacher delivering the message but also about the congregation listening well. Scripture calls believers to receive the Word with prayer, humility, and expectation.

Scripture: Luke 16:17, James 1:21-22, Hebrews 4:12, Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 2:13  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Listen, Great, BIBLICAL TEACHING, preaching, Biblical Teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Doctrinal Sermons Must Connect To Human Experience

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Aug 16, 2021

A sermon is more than a lecture about biblical facts. True preaching invites people into an encounter with God that calls for a real response.

Scripture: Romans 10:1-10, Acts 2:37, James 1:22, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Truth, Preaching, experience, doctrinal, human, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Every Sermon Needs A Strong Title

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Dec 11, 2021

Four solid reasons why a powerful title leads to a powerful sermon.

Tags: Choose, title

Help! Rescue The Sermon From Dead Outlines

By Joe Mckeever on Jan 20, 2023

Let Joe McKeever tell you about the day he took a lesson from Warren Wiersbe.

Scripture: Galatians 6:1

Tags: Preaching, Warren Wiersbe, dead outline, preaching

Jokes In A Sermon: Six Checkpoints For Every Preacher

By Nicholas Mcdonald on Aug 19, 2021

It may seem like the perfect way to lighten up a sermon, but perhaps you should run it through this helpful checklist.

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:3-4, Luke 8:22-25

Tags: Preaching, Good News, Appropriate, joke, joking, insensitive, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

15 Sermon Starters For Your Easter Message

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 2, 2021

Let these great thoughts prime the pump for your Easter sermon. Start with great words and develop them uniquely for your congregation.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24, John 10:1-18, John 20:1-30, Acts 2:1

Tags: Easter, Message, Preaching, Jesus Christ, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Start With A Bang! Open Your Sermon Strong

By Tyler Scarlett on Nov 21, 2024

A preacher's worst fear is that the congregation will stop listening. What's far more dreadful is if the people never were listening in the first place.

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Tags: