In Preaching Articles: "Teaching Prep"

A Biblical Response To The Charlie Kirk Tragedy

By Josh Read on Sep 14, 2025

The sudden and violent loss of Christian leader Charlie Kirk confronts the church with deep grief and urgent questions. This article offers a biblical response by asking: Who is God, and who is Jesus? Scripture affirms that God is both sovereign and near, redeeming evil for good and comforting the brokenhearted. Jesus, acquainted with sorrow, shows us how to endure suffering with prayer, compassion, justice, humility, and love. In light of this hope, Christians are called to grieve honestly, love boldly, and continue Christ’s mission with steadfast faith.

Tags: Ministry, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, ministry, Sermon prep, Charlie Kirk  (view more)  (view less)

Trust Your Stuff: Two Ways To Know When Your Sermon Is Ready

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Mar 12, 2023

You could study and prep for 100 hours and still find something wrong with the sermon. Eventually, it's time to stand and deliver.

Scripture: Proverbs 3:20-30, Judges 6:1-16

Tags: Preaching, prepare, practice, Edit, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

How Can I Possibly Do Sermon Prep When I'm Just Not Feeling It?

By Chris Surber on Aug 24, 2025

God feels far away. Everybody at home is mad at you. Even the dog won’t talk to you. What do you do when you need to do sermon prep but you just aren’t feeling it?

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:11-15

Tags: Preaching, sermon prep, venue, immerse yourself, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

One Question That Can Ruin Your Sermon Prep—in The Best Way

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Mar 19, 2023

If you have never asked yourself this question, you might end up preaching to the mind while steering totally clear of the soul.

Scripture: Luke 1:46-56

Tags: Soul, Preaching, Mind, need, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

Joe Mckeever's Build-A-Christmas-Sermon Kit

By Joe Mckeever on Dec 22, 2025

He's preached more than 150 Christmas sermons in his life, and they're still fun!

Scripture: John 1:1-14, Genesis 5:25-32, Psalm 107:1-10

Tags: Christmas, Preaching, sermon prep, joe mckeever, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

3 Ways To Improve Your Preaching Today!

By Joe Hoagland on Dec 5, 2021

There are some steps we can take as communicators, today, to make lasting change. As I look at improving multiple things in my life I look for the building blocks I can use to achieve success right away as well as into the future.

Tags: Preaching, Introduction, conclusion, sermon prep, Praying, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

There Is Something Else About Preaching...

By Guy Davies on Aug 28, 2024

"Great biblical preaching and preparation are indispensable to the church."

Tags: Holy Spirit, Preaching, preparation, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

Max Lucado On Questions, Suffering, Scripture, And The Heart Of Preaching

By Max Lucado on Jul 26, 2024

"I really believe the purpose of Scripture is to give us this authoritative handbook. We have a place where we can take people when they come to us with questions so we're not just speaking out of our own opinion."

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:16, Luke 5:1-11, John 21:1-19  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: BIBLICAL TEACHING, Biblical Teaching

Judah Smith Shares His 7-Step Outline For Sermon Prep

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 29, 2020

Judah Smith takes his congregation on a tour through the forest. What's your sermon prep?

Tags:

A Weekly Rhythm For Sermon Prep When You’re Bi-Vocational

By Todd Hiestand on May 17, 2020

A bi-vocational pastor can’t spend thirty hours a week on a sermon. Here’s a realistic weekly rhythm that keeps you rooted in Scripture while living normal life.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Colossians 3:16, Luke 24:32, James 1:22, Acts 6:4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Bi Vocational Ministry

So You Waited Until The Last Minute To Start Sermon Prep

By Peter Mead on Mar 5, 2023

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

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

Finish Your Sermon Strong: 10 Mistakes To Avoid

By Peter Mead on Oct 30, 2024

Finishing a sermon is neither easy nor natural. Here's help!

Scripture: Numbers 12:1-16, Exodus 6:9-12

Tags: Preaching, mistakes, avoid, Finish, conclusion, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

How Long Should I Preach

By Brian Croft on Aug 21, 2023

The answer to this question largely depends on the kind of pastor you are, the quality of preacher you are, and the kind of congregation you serve.

Tags: Preaching, sermon prep, good sermon, poor preaching, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

Insights From Keller On Contextualizing

By Ed Stetzer on Jan 18, 2022

This article is the second of six in a series on preaching in light of cultural shifts and biblical illiteracy.

Tags: Preaching, Culture, Context, insight, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, preaching, culture, context, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

10 Tips For Better Preaching Pt.1

By Jim Martin on Apr 12, 2020

Faithful week-in, week-out preaching depends less on clever ideas and more on habits of love, clarity, restraint, identification, and genuine passion. These ten simple practices help preachers serve their congregations with messages that are understood, valued, and taken to heart.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:17, 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Peter 5:2-3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Homiletics, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)