Explore every episode of the podcast Preaching Through Podcast
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Every pastor knows Sunday comes with relentless regularity. But what happens when ministry busyness threatens your ability to prepare well? One of the most universal challenges facing lead pastors is learning to preach effectively when your schedule is completely overwhelmed.
Not all busyness is the same. There's strategic busyness, circumstantial busyness, and 'how did I get here?' busyness. No matter what type of busyness you're currently navigating, there are five critical areas for sustainable preaching in busy seasons:
Managing your emotional energy in a role that requires weekly vulnerability
Protecting your priorities when everything feels urgent
Processing key decisions with trusted people who provide insight and ownership
Establishing healthy boundaries without damaging relationships
Letting people down graciously while managing expectations
We also confront a dangerous assumption many pastors carry: that they must be everywhere, know everything, and do everything. These aren't just impractical expectations—they're attempts at divine attributes (omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence) that are only found in the Lord.
Whether you're in a strategic season requiring intense focus, managing unexpected family demands, or realizing your schedule has spun out of control, this episode offers a framework for protecting your sermon prep time while leading faithfully through the busyness of ministry.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Manuscripting sermons is a practice that divides preachers, but when done intentionally, it can become a powerful tool for ministry. The benefits might be more significant than many preachers would imagine.
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast, we explore sermon preparation with pastor Taylor Burgess, who shares his journey with manuscripting and how it serves his growing congregation of about 1,300 people across four weekly services.
What drives a preacher to manuscript their sermons? When might it be most beneficial? How does it impact consistency across multiple services? We tackle these questions and more through our conversation.
There are strategic advantages of writing sermons word-for-word and those advantages may be more or less significant depending on your context for ministry.
Whether you manuscript or prefer a different approach, this conversation offers insights on leveraging written preparation without sacrificing authenticity. Because at the end of the day good preaching is good preaching, regardless of how many notes you bring to the pulpit.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Feedback 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 each serves a unique purpose in shaping sermons and preaching skills.
We dive deep into the questions: How do you get useful feedback? Who should be giving it? And what kind of feedback really helps a preacher grow without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged?
This episode also highlights the importance of having a feedback form and evaluation structure to guide sermon improvement, touching on practical ways to implement structured feedback in ministry settings. We offer insights into crafting evaluations that push preachers to their next level, helping them grow their skills and confidence. For anyone serious about getting better in the pulpit, feedback is non-negotiable—and this episode provides a roadmap for making it a productive part of your preaching journey.
Join us as we take a closer look at what good feedback looks like and why even imperfect feedback can have lasting value for preachers who are open to growth.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Application 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. Practical tips include:
Sprinkling application throughout the sermon, not just at the end
Matching your tone to the tone of the text
Bringing in other voices to broaden perspective
Offering specific challenges or next steps occasionally
Writing small group questions that progress from general to specific
Ultimately, people are looking for bold, courageous leadership. Preach confidently, trusting God will use your words to change lives. Don't shrink back from calling people to action and offering practical guidance on how to apply God's Word.
The aim is helping listeners see how Scripture should reshape their thinking and living. With the Holy Spirit's power, your preaching can be a catalyst for real transformation.
Find the complete show notes at: https://faithfulandfruitful.com/401
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
A 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 about sabbaticals for pastors:
What, exactly, is a sabbatical? Who should get a sabbatical? How long should a sabbatical be? What is a pastor supposed to do during sabbatical? Who carries the weight while the pastor is gone? How does the pastors assimilate back into ministry upon return?
We also explore practical tips on planning a sabbatical, from setting the right expectations to ensuring the time away is truly rejuvenating. Learn how to make a compelling case for this invaluable time away and navigate potential obstacles, even in environments where sabbaticals are not the norm.
The aim of a sabbatical is to provide a period of refreshment that can help pastors return to their congregations with renewed energy and perspective. We touch on the challenges and misconceptions surrounding sabbaticals and how to address them.
The topic of pastoral sabbaticals doesn't have to be a taboo discussion. If you can learn how to properly frame up the idea of a sabbatical to your governing board, even churches that have had poor experiences with the concept of sabbaticals can find they are incredible investments in the life of the church and the church leader.
Pastor Sabbatical Recommendations https://faithfulandfruitful.com/pastor-sabbatical-recommendations/
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Mars 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 church was then faced with the possibility of merging with an older, historic church in decline.
In this episode we explore the initial challenges of founding a new congregation amidst controversy, developing your own authentic preaching voice when taking over for a dynamic communicator, and establishing a unique church identity.
Whether leading through crisis or leading through opportunity, transparent leadership, acknowledging and addressing congregational concerns, and maintaining a clear vision throughout it all are all critical components the ministry leader must navigate. And while doing all the heavy lifting, the leader is also faced with the challenge of nurturing relationships and cultivating community.
If you're interested in hearing one way to navigate crisis in your church and capitalize on the opportunities that arise, you'll love this episode with guest speaker, Pastor Tim Birdwell. Connect with Tim on X, https://x.com/timbirdwell.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
How to Shorten Your Sermon Length and Preaching Time
Are 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 the perfect length for the message.
It may appear that we want 'shorter sermons' but truthfully what we want to be able to do is make every minute count. Whether it's a 25, 30, 35, or even 50 minute sermon, if you've been intentional in your preparation, challenged yourself to make the most of every minute, and only use the words that are necessary, you'll find that all the benefits you want will follow.
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast we explore practical tips like illustrating every point, rehearsing your sermon, rediscovering teh love of preaching, and ultimately using the moments before Sunday to maximize every moment on Sunday.
Whether you're a seasoned preacher or just starting out, this episode will inspire you to approach your sermon preparation with renewed intentionality and passion. Be challenged to say more with less and ultimately lead your congregation to a deeper encounter with Jesus.
If you're up for discovering the sweet spot of time preached and interesting content, you'll love this episode with guest speaker, Pastor Chad Francis. Connect with Chad on Twitter, https://x.com/chadafrancis.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Sermon 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 enough. But illustrations actually play a huge role in the overall delivery in the message by way of pacing and dynamic. A great illustration will serve double duty by connecting God's Word to real life and provide a 'commercial break' in the sermon for the brain to reset, regroup, and ready itself for the next section of the message.
The Bible itself is full of illustrations, from Genesis to Revelation, and packed right in the middle of it all is Jesus, the master illustrator. If the Holy Spirit inspired the biblical authors to capture the illustrative messages of their day we ought to be ready to step into the same practices for our day.
But illustrations are tough and they don't just 'happen' by chance. In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast we'll dive into sources for illustrations, how to catalog illustrations, and insights for making the most of the illustrations that show up on your sermons.
Captivating illustrations flow from a preacher who is passionate about connecting God's timeless truths to the listener. If that's something you believe is worth doing well you will love this episode with guest speaker, Pastor Dan Keaton. Connect with Dan on Twitter, https://x.com/dankeaton.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
A 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 analyze what it is about these introductions that make them work so you can steal each approach and improve this crucial element of your messages.
The goal of an introduction is to immediately grip the hearts and minds of the listeners amid many distractions (i.e., cell phones) vying for their attention. Creativity, variety, and relying on the Holy Spirit’s leading is key.
While introductions are important, equally crucial is making the rest of the sermon pay off through strong argumentation and connecting it back to the main idea. Keep leveling up preaching skills by checking out the resources at faithfulandfruitful.com.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
We 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 Gs are:
God is great, so we don't have to be in control. Understanding God's power allows us to trust Him instead of trying to control everything.
God is glorious, so we don't have to fear others. Recognizing God's majesty makes other people seem less intimidating.
God is good, so we don't need to look elsewhere for satisfaction. God is the ultimate source of joy and fulfillment.
God is gracious, so we don't have to prove ourselves. We can rest in God's grace rather than striving to earn worth.
These good news truths should show up in our sermons again and again and feel familiar to your audience and core to your teaching. Repeating these aspects of God’s character reminds people of who God really is, and each one addresses a common struggle that comes from failing to see God properly.
When we fail to regularly remind people of who God really is, it is human nature to fill that gap with our own thoughts and ideas, building a version in our minds that is often a lot like ourselves. It takes consistent reminders for our congregation not to lose sight of the true character of God.
Hearing about the 4 Gs should stir the soul and shape the way the gospel is preached. We must continually proclaim His greatness, glory, goodness, and grace until they saturate every fiber of our being.
"You Can Change" by Tim Chester https://amzn.to/3wBS9l7
"When People are Big and God is Small" by Ed Welch https://amzn.to/3wGgBC4
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Whether 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 disjointed, meandering sermon and one that feels focused and purposeful and the goal of this episode is to equip you with a clear blueprint to preach compelling, persuasive sermons that transform hearts and lives each week.
The main components of a sermon point are: - a clear one-sentence statement - an explanation of what that statement means - argumentation making the case for why the point is true using Scripture - an illustration through a story or example to make it concrete - application to bring the point home to real life - and a transition to shift smoothly to the next part of the sermon.
For new preachers, follow this structure until you master it. Then you can adapt it as needed. Seasoned preachers may need a refresher on using all these elements.
Having a reliable sermon structure allows the preacher a stronger sense of empowerment in the delivery because of a guiding framework during preparation. Just like following a well-designed floor plan when building a house, implementing these sermon architecture fundamentals will lead to solid, enduring communication.
While creativity and personal style still have plenty of room to shine through, your underlying structure needs to facilitate clarity and persuasion. Whether your next sermon has one point or five, test out these sermon architecture basics and see what a difference they make. When people can easily follow where you're taking them, you have a captivated audience eager to apply God's truth.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Do 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 pulpit. It's not just about the sound of your voice, but encompasses personality, passion areas, and delivery style.
Imitation is a great place to start when discovering your voice (or discovering new parts of your preaching voice) but it's a terrible place to end. It's like learning to speak - kids naturally imitate sounds around them as part of the process.
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast get insights for integrating who you naturally are with the preaching tasks God has called you to. Try new things, employ different methods, get feedback, and land on what fits.
Whether you're funny or serious, subdued or animated, you'll pick up practical guidance on how to preach as the unique preacher God made you to be.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
The intersection of faith and sexuality remains one of the most challenging conversations in modern Christianity.
While some argue the church is overly focused on these issues, the reality is that God's design for gender and sexuality appears on the very first pages of Scripture.
But what does the Bible actually teach about these vital topics?
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast, we explore the biblical foundations of gender and sexuality, diving into crucial questions that shape our understanding:
What does Genesis reveal about God's design for men and women?
How should pastors approach these tough topics from the pulpit?
What should be the response to personal stories and experiences that run counter to God's Word?
How can we maintain biblical truth while showing compassion and understanding?
We'll also examine practical approaches for teaching on gender and sexuality, from preparing your congregation through advanced communication to partnering with parents and creating space for meaningful dialogue. Learn how to navigate these essential conversations with both clarity and grace, even in an increasingly hostile cultural climate.
The goal isn't to avoid difficult conversations, but to understand how God's design for gender and sexuality reflects His goodness and wisdom. We touch on both the challenges and opportunities these topics present for modern ministry.
These conversations don't have to divide our churches. When approached with humility, biblical wisdom, and pastoral sensitivity, teaching on gender and sexuality can help people discover the freedom and flourishing found in God's good design.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Preaching 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?
Determining pace and chunk size based on the book's content
Breaking up longer series over time to add diversity
Providing context in early sermons without needing an overview
Summarizing stories well while pulling out key themes
Stocking up on commentaries and resources in advance
The goal is to move past any intimidation factor while gaining confidence to handle longer blocks of Scripture faithfully. While the content if this episode represents just one way you could approach preaching through books of the Bible, you should be able to capture some practical tips for preaching the content in manageable, compelling, and understandable ways.
Whether you naturally preach verse by verse or prefer shorter topical series, this episode will equip you to better explore and teach the riches found in God's Word from Genesis to Revelation.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Move: What 1000 Churches Reveal about Spiritual Growth by Greg L. Hawkins and Cally Parkinson https://amzn.to/48a4URa
Preaching Through A Sermon Calendar https://faithfruit.link/ocy06xs
How to Prepare A Sermon https://faithfruit.link/4gx6ou8
Bestcommentaries.com A website that provides reviews and rankings of Bible commentaries for various books of the Bible.
The Bible Project A nonprofit animation studio that produces short-form, fully animated videos to make the biblical story accessible to everyone, everywhere. https://faithfruit.link/uats01
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
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 want to thread is when we talk about it, we do it well and we do it in a way that encourages people to become more like Jesus — not to simply give money.
As important as what you say is to the message, even more important is the heart of the pastor teaching the message.
In this episode of Preaching Through Money we offer up insights into heart issues, courage issues, and practical issues that can aid the preacher when teaching on generosity and finances.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
New 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 opportunities that lie ahead. But how do we do that? How do we communicate change in a way that's clear, compelling, and compassionate?
In this episode we take a look at what lead pastors may want to be considering as they preach through big changes in the church. We'll discuss the difference between change and transition, and we'll give you some practical tips for communicating change effectively. We'll also talk about the importance of caring for your people during times of change, and we'll share some stories of churches that have successfully navigated big changes.
So if you're facing a big change in your church, this episode is for you. We hope you'll join us as we explore how to preach through big changes.
In this episode, you'll learn:
* The difference between change and transition * How to communicate change effectively * The importance of caring for your people during times of change * Stories of churches that have successfully navigated big changes
As you prepare to lead your church into the future, this episode is here as a resource for you to navigate through that process and hopefully come out stronger on the other side.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Preaching 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 to use the summer months effectively, from planning vacation and honoring traditions, to leveraging programs for next gen and newcomers, all while finding time for retreats and future vision.
This is not just another 'summer guide' but rather, it's a discussion on strategies every preacher grappling with the 'summer slump' can use to advance ministry forward.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
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 as strong first impression and that means the impression you present from the pulpit during the first year is vital to get right.
Listen to learn about establishing your preaching identity, how to frame your sermons in a way that members will want to invite their friends, as well as insights into leveraging your time both in studying and preparing for each message as well as finding other guest preachers you can share the load with as you seek to be a good steward of every moment during this first year in a new situation.
Every moment matters but the moments experienced in your first year at a new church will help set the tone for what is to follow and we hope this episode helps you make every moment count.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
There 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 during the Easter service to encourage people to return and one of the most influential tools at your disposal is the week after Easter sermon series.
Should you use Easter Sunday as the first week of a new series? Should you invite people back to a new series? Nothing should be off the table.
If you want to create momentum with Easter and keep it going through the next week this episode will help you think through a strategy to make that a reality!
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
You frequently find yourself navigating the nuanced worlds of praise, criticism, and most palpably, silence when it comes to your preaching. How serious do you take the criticism? How meaningful is the praise? How do you continue to invest and give your best when it feels like no one is listening... good or bad?
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast we dive into these three reactions to preaching and deliver insights for processing criticism, receiving, praise, and handling silence... all with the end result of becoming a better preacher so your preaching connects and serves the people God has called you to shepherd.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Are you preaching from a manuscript? Do you have a bullet point list that serves as your sermon notes? Are you stepping into the pulpit with no notes with your entire message memorized and ready to deliver?
Very few pastors ever start out, completely satisfied with how they handle their sermon notes for every sermon — maybe over time you get a bit more comfortable, but in the end many preachers aspire to handle the notes part of preaching with a greater level of effectiveness.
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast we talk about the different type of sermon note concepts most preachers use, the pros and cons of some of those concepts, and provide insightful discussion around the concept of reading from a manuscript along with the desire to preach with no notes.
You want to deeply connect with the material you're preaching and that means finding the right level of connectedness to your notes so you can preach a faithful and fruitful message. In the end, there isn't a right way — there is really the right way for you.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
How fun would it be to use your best stories, best illustrations, best jokes, and best sermon content for two, three, even four sermons straight?
What's more... everyone shows up for every message!
This is the opportunity afforded when you are invited to preach at camps and conferences and that's exactly what we're talking about in this episode of Preaching Through Podcast.
Discover practical tips for preparing your messages, getting feedback from event directors, and how to incorporate your best material in a meaningful and impactful way. On top of that, you'll find insights for delivering each message through each session, building momentum through each sermon, and topping it all off by connecting with attendees beyond the speaking platform.
By walking through every stage of the process - from initial preparation to ongoing delivery to later evaluation - listeners will gain valuable insights for crafting and presenting messages that truly serve youth, couples, or other groups in special conference settings.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Get used to preaching in front of a camera — it's not going away. In fact, it may become more and more common for pastors to teach and preach through a lens to supplement the live weekend preaching.
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast you'll discover some of the insights and instruction you can lean on as you seek to become a more effective communicator through the camera.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Is controversy something to avoid in the pulpit? Not necessarily. In a world increasingly hostile to biblical truth, pastors must learn to navigate countercultural convictions with both grace and clarity.
This episode unpacks a seven-week series addressing core Christian beliefs that challenge modern cultural assumptions. The series covers seven key countercultural convictions:
Love - Redefining biblical love as self-sacrifice rather than self-fulfillment
Jesus - Affirming His exclusive claims as the only way to God
Bible - Establishing Scripture's divine authority in an skeptical age
Gender - Understanding God's design for male and female
Sex - Upholding God's intent for sexuality within marriage
Salvation - Embracing God's role in saving sinners
Vulnerable - Caring for the marginalized with authentic engagement
The conversation explores how to structure difficult conversations, establish foundational truths before addressing controversial topics, and maintain a winsome approach without compromising biblical conviction. Rather than throwing red meat to the base or avoiding tension altogether, this framework demonstrates how to engage contentious issues in a way that models Christ-like communication for the congregation.
Whether you're considering a similar series or simply wanting to better understand how to address countercultural truth from the pulpit, this episode provides practical insights for preaching biblical convictions in an increasingly post-Christian world.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
There is a 'right way' to preach through a wedding and funeral... 'get out of the way, its not about you.' It's true, no one is there to see you, yet, you have such an important part.
From storytelling, to sharing the Gospel, to ministering to the people involved, there is an opportunity to use the preaching moment to remind people of what's important, why it matters, and how to respond.
Receiving an invitation to celebrate or mourn with a family comes with opportunity and in this episode of Preaching Through Podcast we talk about some of the best practices that have made these opportunities rewarding, profitable for the Kingdom, and sweet (or bittersweet).
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
What do you believe your sermons have the power to do? What do you believe about the weekly preaching moment? Who or what should have influence over your preaching?
What are your Assumptions, Beliefs, and Convictions about preaching?
Every preacher has them but very few write them down and if you have never written them down, it is worth your time.
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast we discuss the 10 ABCs of Preaching developed by Luke to stay accountable to the craft of preaching, measure improvement, process praise & criticism, and ultimately become a better steward of the preaching moment.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Preaching is most effective at leading congregational change when aligned with and supporting other discipleship environments in the church. The annual calendar provides natural seasons of momentum and choosing one core emphasis or initiative to "disproportionately" promote throughout the fall allows for maximum focus and impact without overwhelming people.
Imagine showing up every Sunday to a congregation energized, excited, and ready to get involved. Isn't it awesome when there is a buzz across campus and people are in the mood for a fresh start or there's a desire to establish new rhythms?
These are sweet times of ministry.
What if you could tap into this type of momentum without feeling like YOU have to be the one to create it?
You can!
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast we help you consider how to make this fall your best ministry launch ever — but also how you can take the same principles and apply them to other launch seasons.
Storytelling, communication, discipleship, growth, and personal growth for the pastor... it's all in this week's episode, Preaching Through A Fall Launch.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
If you're unhappy with your sermon prep process, you're not alone. When surveying pastors and asking them to share an area where they would like to become stronger in related to their preaching an overwhelming amount say things like:
A better sermon prep process More organized preparation process Better rhythm for my sermon prep A prep process that doesn't bleed into the weekend
There isn't a right way to do sermon prep but there are definitely ways to make your process easier and more enjoyable.
After all, if the prep process isn't enjoyable preaching goes from being you look forward to every week to something you dread and a grind to get through every week.
In this bonus episode of Preaching Through Podcast Luke goes through his sermon prep process in detail, starting from the moment the preaching calendar is finished all the way to the moment he tosses his notes in the trash can as he leaves the church after his 3rd service.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Concubines, slavery, the murder of women and children, adultery, and conspiracy are just a few of the topics in Old Testament books that can discourage pastors from embracing the Hebrew Scriptures and stick with the New Testament books. It's understandable. On top of that, we are living in the New Covenant and much of what we find in Old Testament books is not really meant for modern day Christians.
Well, if you care what Jesus has to say, the answer would be a lot. Jesus didn't come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. If you want a solid understanding of God's redemption story and the culmination of his Promise in Jesus, you need to understand the Old Testament.
In this episode we look at the challenges of preaching the Old Testament, important dynamics preachers need to be aware of as they preach Old Testament books, and if a pastor wants to step into preaching the Old Testament for the first time or first time in a long time, what are some sermon series that make for a great starting point?
This is Preaching Through Podcast, episode 10, Preaching Through The Old Testament.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Preaching through a non-fiction book sermon series. There are many benefits to incorporating the work of other authors, pastors, and writers into your sermons, even doing entire studies around their works... but should you do it? Is it wise?
There are benefits to preaching through non-fiction books but there are also many cautions and do the cautions outweigh the benefits?
Preachers have more teaching content available to them today than any time in history and with that comes the challenge of how to incorporate additional content in a way that highlights the authority of scripture. Perhaps the way you see a certain passage has been shaped by dozens of leaders and thinkers — do you need to cite each and everyone throughout your sermon? If you don't, is that plagiarism? If you do, will that be distracting?
In this episode of the Preaching Through Podcast we examine the practice of incorporating non-fiction works into the Sunday sermon and explore the benefits and cautions preachers must be aware of. In addition, we will explore best practices for how to give credit where credit is due as well as how to deliver content that may be inspired by other without constantly having to stop your message at ever little turn to cite a source.
This is Preaching Through Podcast, episode nine, Preaching Through Non-Fiction Books.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
You will be responsible for preaching through tough texts. Whether the texts are tough theologically speaking or tough culturally speaking, your people will be watching how you handle yourself and the scriptures. As important as it is to handle God's Word with care and intentionality, it is equally important to communicate the beauty of why God's way is best. How do you gracefully acknowledge emotions your people may have regarding a text while still delivering the truth with authority and certainty? That's what we talk about in this episode of the Preaching Through Podcast. This is episode 8, Preaching Through Tough Texts
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Have you ever wondered why after preaching for 30 or 40 minutes on a Sunday you are wiped that afternoon (when you could easily speak for an hour at the Rotary Club and not think twice)? Preaching is not the conveying of information but a call to transformation and a huge part of that call is your experience.
The greatest gift you bring to the preaching moment is your entire self. And if you're bringing your entire self that means you will encounter seasons when you must preach through pain, suffering, and discouragement. Pastors are people, too. And more importantly, pastors can be hurt by others.
So how do you handle the seasons of ministry when all is not well? When the walls are closing in? When you are called to lead in the middle of personal suffering?
That's what we're talking about today in the Preaching Through Podcast. This is episode 7, Preaching Through Pain.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Over 600 pastors were asked, "How many Sundays do you teach a year." Nearly 45% responded that they teach 45 to 52 Sundays.
Pastors are preaching too much and whether that is by default or design, having a sermon calendar will not only help you schedule in the time off you need to make it through the long-haul of ministry, you will also discover the added planning will empower you to increase study, extract more insights from scripture, and overall elevate your ability to communicate the Gospel.
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast discover simple insights to help you prepare a calendar that not only guides your congregation through a balanced diet of teaching, but also helps you build a teaching team from both likely and unlikely sources and build in time off for reflection, refreshment, recovery, and refocusing on the call and mission that God has placed on your life.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
If Easter Sunday is the Super Bowl of preaching, Christmas is the college football national championship. There's a lot of hype, excitement, and planning to make the most of these two events, yet they represent just two moments in your larger ministry.
How much priority should be placed on each one? What is the true evangelism opportunity that exists? Where should we set our expectations for short-term and long-term impact?
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast we examine how preachers can prepare themselves for the two biggest services of the year as well as call out some dangers which could undermine all other efforts.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Not all vulnerability from the pulpit serves the same purpose - while some builds authentic connections, other forms can subtly manipulate or damage pastoral relationships. For pastors seeking to be genuine without crossing crucial boundaries, knowing the difference is essential.
When does vulnerability cross the line from helpful to harmful?
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast, we explore the delicate balance of pastoral vulnerability, examining both its potential benefits and pitfalls:
What's the difference between authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability?
How can pastors use the four spaces of relationships (public, social, personal, and intimate) to guide their vulnerability decisions?
What types of vulnerability are manipulative rather than genuine?
Where should leaders draw boundaries around personal disclosure?
We dive into specific categories of inappropriate vulnerability, including sharing confidential information, unprocessed pain, current church conflicts, and insincere confessions. Plus, we provide practical frameworks for determining appropriate levels of transparency based on relationship dynamics and context.
The goal isn't to eliminate vulnerability from preaching but to harness it wisely. When used appropriately, vulnerability can help bridge the gap between pulpit and pew, showing that pastors are real people who struggle with real issues while still maintaining healthy boundaries.
Vulnerability doesn't require full disclosure of every detail. Before sharing personal stories or struggles from the pulpit, wise pastors seek counsel from those closest to them - particularly spouses and trusted friends who can help discern what's appropriate to share and what should remain private.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
If you preach to people who are in pain you will always have an audience. This is especially true during many big cultural events that we have become accustomed to seeing flash on our screens as a part of the 24/7 news cycle.
At the most trivial level these cultural events are controversial... but often they are tragedy. There is a soberness to it and our hope is that this conversation will help preachers and pastors figure out how to address these big cultural events. There is a lot of pressure to say something and there are a lot of different ways preachers can fall off the horse during these moments.
The volume and temperature on these situations are so high and we need a lot of wisdom to decide how to handle each one as it comes to pass. We have a better story and lens to view each event through and being a shepherd in these moments truly separates our role from all of those just looking to comment or capitalize on a situation.
This is the Preaching Through Podcast, Season 1 Episode 4, Preaching Through Cultural Events.
Additional questions about this topic? Email us at support@ministrypass.com.
Preaching Through is powered by Ministry Pass and Sermonary.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Which Gospel should you preach through? When you make the decision to do a deep dive on the life of Jesus, which Gospel narrative should you select? Moreover, how long should you dedicate to preaching that text? Do you want to preach the entire Gospel? Do you want to focus in on just the Sermon On the Mount? Would it be better to preach through all of the parallel passages?
While there is no right way to preach through one, several, or all of the the Gospels, there are several considerations and conversations that should influence your overall theme and, more specifically, your individual messages.
Which Gospel?
How many weeks?
Should I incorporate parallel passages?
Do I use supplemental media?
How should you address "Jesus" baggage in your messages?
You want Jesus to come alive to your congregation, not that he isn't alive already, but you want to take him off of the 2D flannel graph and preach the text in 3D and full color. That is what we discuss in this episode of the Preaching Through Podcast.
Additional questions about this topic? Email us at support@ministrypass.com.
Preaching Through is powered by Ministry Pass and Sermonary.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Imagine that there is an election season approaching, and there is political unrest around the country over a large number of issues.
Now, imagine that the church that you are leading is full of people of differing views on many issues, each coming from unique life experiences.
Finally, you have 30 to 40 minutes to paint a picture of who God is, what He is like, and how Jesus would have His people live out in the current circumstances of the upcoming election.
Do you find common ground with the scenarios above?
In this episode of Preaching Through, Luke and Dave discuss how to preach through an election season.
You want your church to remember that we are all on the same team, and that is the team of JESUS!
So, where do you start?
How early is too early to start talking about it?
Is it okay to just ignore it and not talk about it at all?
Additional questions about this topic? Email us at support@ministrypass.com. Preaching Through is powered by Ministry Pass and Sermonary. Join the Pastor's Circle Facebook group, exclusively for Pastors
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Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
When you think about doing a vision series, does that excite you or fill you with dread? Wherever you land, one of the most rewarding moments in ministry is hearing your people speak your vision back to you. That’s when you know they’re starting to “get it”!
You know preaching is so much more than casting a vision! It’s about building a culture and a church where lives are changed and people come to know Christ.
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast, Luke and Dave discuss how to preach through a vision series, revealing helpful insights needed to communicate vision effectively so you can experience the joy of hearing your people repeat the vision, almost verbatim, in their prayers to God.
Who do you need to keep in mind?
How do you move people somewhere?
Is your current vision right for you and your church?
And how to measure if your vision series has been effective.
Your people WANT and NEED a vision they can understand and get behind, and it’s your job to bring God’s vision for the church to life in your community.
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Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Pastors are working crazy hours, wearing multiple hats, and filling multiple job descriptions, and not complaining (or trying not to complain). On top of everything you still have to find time to plan, prepare, and preach a compelling message every week.
Preaching is like having an oral exam every week and they're bringing their friends to watch. You put that with all the pressures preaching pastors are already experiencing and it's a heavy burden, and it's a hard thing to manage if you're carrying it alone.
If you are carrying the burden of preaching all alone without help, input, or encouragement from other preachers this podcast is for you! The Preaching Through Podcasts is a weekly examination of the topics, themes, scriptures, and conversations you're expected to cover from the pulpit, providing additional context and insights to help you elevate the way you communicate from the pulpit.
Some of the content we will discuss in season one includes preaching through election seasons, big cultural events, Old Testament books, New Testament books, seasons of ministry in your church, and seasons of life for you as the preacher.
Join Hosts Dave Shrein and Luke Simmons for season 1 of the Preaching Through Podcast, subscribe now and be among the first to listen to episode 1.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
The Book of Judges might seem like an unlikely candidate for a powerful sermon series, but within its ancient pages lies a mirror reflecting our modern struggle with faith, leadership, and moral direction. While some may shy away from its raw content and challenging narratives, this biblical text offers profound insights into human nature and God's unwavering faithfulness.
But what makes Judges uniquely relevant for today's church?
In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast, we explore how to effectively preach through this Old Testament book, breaking down its key themes, cycles, and characters. From Ehud to Gideon, from Jephthah to Samson, each judge's story reveals both the devastating consequences of rejecting God's authority and the amazing grace of His persistent deliverance.
We dive deep into practical strategies for structuring a sermon series through Judges, examining how to handle its complex narratives, difficult content, and recurring themes. Learn how to make these ancient stories resonate with modern audiences while maintaining their theological significance and pastoral application.
The timeless message of Judges - that "everyone did what was right in their own eyes" - speaks directly to our current cultural moment. This episode provides a roadmap for teaching through one of Scripture's most challenging yet relevant books, helping preachers navigate its difficult passages while drawing out life-changing truth for today's congregation.
Whether you're considering preaching through Judges or simply looking to better understand this important biblical book, this episode offers valuable insights into making ancient truth accessible and applicable for contemporary audiences.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Building 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 creating and maintaining an effective preaching team:
Who should be on the preaching team?
How many times should someone preach to be considered part of the team?
What environments can help develop new preachers?
How do you maintain consistency across different voices?
What role should guest speakers play?
We also dive into practical strategies for smaller churches looking to build their first preaching team, from gaining elder board buy-in to identifying and developing potential communicators. Learn how to navigate feedback, manage expectations, and create opportunities for growth.
Building a preaching team isn't just about sharing the load – it's about creating a leadership development culture that serves both the current congregation and future church leaders. Whether you're part of a large staff or a small church looking to expand your teaching capacity, this episode provides practical insights for developing multiple voices while maintaining quality and consistency.
The journey to building an effective preaching team takes time, patience, and wisdom. But with the right approach and expectations, any church can begin developing the next generation of communicators while serving their congregation well.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Efficient 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 preparation
Creating a schedule that protects dedicated prep time
Utilizing tools and resources to enhance efficiency
Leveraging past work through effective retention systems
Setting and sticking to deadlines throughout the prep process
We explore the benefits of a sermon prep system that saves stress, time, energy, and money. Learn how to develop a repeatable process that works for your unique style and context, from gathering initial observations to crafting the final message.
The episode also touches on the value of collaborative preparation, using preaching calendars, and creating the right environment for focused work. Practical tips are shared for overcoming writer's block and getting unstuck when the creative juices aren't flowing.
Efficient sermon prep isn't just about saving time – it's about being a better steward of your energy and resources. By implementing some of these strategies, pastors can reduce stress, increase creativity, and have more margin for other important aspects of ministry and life.
Whether you're looking to overhaul your entire prep process or just make a few tweaks, this episode offers valuable insights to help you preach more effectively and efficiently week after week.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Preaching 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 and interpret Scripture, particularly apocalyptic literature. The book presents a clear contrast and choice between following the ways of the world or remaining faithful to Christ.
Preaching Revelation keeps the main thing as the main thing - preparing believers to be faithful, not just predicting future events. It stretches preachers, requiring deep study and preparation. Perhaps most importantly, Revelation helps us reimagine eternity, shifting our focus from "going to heaven" to the new heavens and new earth.
Key approaches include taking a big picture view, focusing on the imagery and scenes rather than getting bogged down in details. Emphasizing that Revelation was written for us but not to us helps provide important context.
While challenging, preaching through Revelation can be incredibly fruitful when done thoughtfully and aligned with church leadership. It offers a powerful opportunity to expand imaginations and challenge believers to stay faithful in difficult times.
For those considering taking on this book, proper preparation and resources are crucial. But the effort is worthwhile, as Revelation's message of hope and faithfulness remains deeply relevant for the church today.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.
Vocal 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 and passionate (fourth gear), with yelling (fifth gear) used sparingly
Avoiding common mistakes like getting stuck in one gear or having incongruent body language
Practicing intentional pauses and downshifting for emphasis
Matching your delivery to the content and emotion of what you're communicating
Watching recordings of yourself to identify areas for improvement
Rehearsing to develop comfort with different vocal ranges and gestures
The goal is congruence - having your words, tone, and body language align to effectively communicate the importance of your message. While it takes practice, being intentional about vocal dynamics and body language isn't inauthentic, but rather helps convey your genuine passion for the content.
Ultimately, people remember what you repeat, emphasize, and get excited about. Make sure you're most passionate about the most important theological truths, not just cultural issues or personal anecdotes. This creates lasting impact and shows your conviction about the message.
Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.