I was thinking about the ways others have challenged me to work on my preaching:

1. Preach, preach, preach
2. Write out some or all of my sermons
3. Read: good authors, good commentaries, books about preaching, differing views, books on communication
4. Listen to good messages
5. Solicit feedback and critique
6. Listen to my own sermons
7. Practice my sermons

It’s too easy to loose focus on preaching (or never have it at all). In the pastorate, there is always the next “big thing”, the next program, or the next outreach. I can forget about doing things to hone my ability to communicate and connect with the congregation.

For the beginning preacher, perhaps it is too easy to get swept up in controversies, church dynamics, and a desire to be socially / culturally aware?

I know that prayer, a deep devotional life, reading, writing, and solid sermon preparation are so important. But sadly they take a backseat to pastoral life and other ministry sometimes.

I have been guilty of “The Slide”. Thinking I have my sermon prepped just enough to pull it off. Thinking my sermon prep time is good enough to replace my devotion life. Thinking I can just pray as I go, make decisions with out praying, talk from my own mind and believe that it’s really God’s words.

I hope that Johnny sees the value of preaching, and preaching well. I hope that Johnny seeks to better his preaching, be challenged, and surround himself with mentors of the past & present.;. All the best!!

Originally it was:
Why Johnny Can’t Believe
On the Failure of the Church to Educate

But I cannot find that link.

For me, this is a simple cycle. We don’t train our children, who become teens who are already gone but playing the game (still untrained) while they have to and then become unbelievers in their twenties (still untrained). Even if they do make it and go to seminary, they become preachers who preach like they were taught to, in stories.

How basic is this? “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

The cycle has to be broken. If you are serious about a Great Commission revival, it has to be broken. Otherwise, despite dedicated and godly men doing the best that they can, it will end up just another “thang” to do. Teach the children and you do not need commissions or committees or statements or motions, your revival will come. Whether you want it to or not.

I was thinking about the ways others have challenged me to work on my preaching:

1. Preach, preach, preach
2. Write out some or all of my sermons
3. Read: good authors, good commentaries, books about preaching, differing views, books on communication
4. Listen to good messages
5. Solicit feedback and critique
6. Listen to my own sermons
7. Practice my sermons

It’s too easy to loose focus on preaching (or never have it at all). In the pastorate, there is always the next “big thing”, the next program, or the next outreach. I can forget about doing things to hone my ability to communicate and connect with the congregation.

For the beginning preacher, perhaps it is too easy to get swept up in controversies, church dynamics, and a desire to be socially / culturally aware?

I know that prayer, a deep devotional life, reading, writing, and solid sermon preparation are so important. But sadly they take a backseat to pastoral life and other ministry sometimes.

I have been guilty of “The Slide”. Thinking I have my sermon prepped just enough to pull it off. Thinking my sermon prep time is good enough to replace my devotion life. Thinking I can just pray as I go, make decisions with out praying, talk from my own mind and believe that it’s really God’s words.

I hope that Johnny sees the value of preaching, and preaching well. I hope that Johnny seeks to better his preaching, be challenged, and surround himself with mentors of the past & present.