Preparing to Preach (or Teach)

I have been asked to teach a group of lay preachers how to prepare a sermon. I thought this would be useful for anyone who teaches.

When I was a fresh young preacher I thought the only verse of scripture that applied to preaching was Mark 13:11, “Do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.” I struggled with that for a while until I realized that while the Holy Spirit was a dependable speaker, I was not a dependable listener. I then took Paul’s advice to Timothy, another young preacher, as though it were to me, in 2 Timothy 2:15. He said that I should study to show myself approved unto God.

The first step is prayer. And every step thereafter must be bathed in prayer. Without prayer you cannot hear God. And without a word from God you have nothing to say. Prayer is the key to discovering what to say, how to say it, and the power that makes what you say understandable to the listeners. Prayer takes you to the text, through the text, and empowers the Word of God.

The second step is preparation. It begins with daily reading the Bible. Familiarity with God’s Word allows God to speak to you with a fuller voice. Study the passages that stand out to you. When a passage catches your attention it may be God trying to get your attention. Memorize scriptures that speak to you the most. Meditate on passages to get the meaning from your head to your heart.

Third, Pick a passage to preach on. Every sermon should have at least one point. Outline and organize the points to point to one point, the conclusion.

Finally, Preach out of the fullness of prayer and the word that is in your own heart. A passion about your own relationship with God will be contagious.

Anyone can listen to God and what we hear must be shared.

Bro. Robin