Category: Preaching

The fourth question I ask is … 4. “Who is talking?” [The Messenger] This makes me have a good look at myself. In many ways, as a communicator, you are the message. How you speak is very important – your personal style. Your personal style is a combination of your personality and your attitude. This … Continue reading Communicating to Change Lives (Pt.6)

The third question I ask is … 3. “What will I say?” [The Message] Once you have established your purpose and formulated an objective statement, you are ready to do your research and prepare the content of your message. Purpose first, then content and outline. Ask yourself what the Bible say about this subject or … Continue reading Communicating to Change Lives (Pt.5)

The second question I ask is … 2. “What am I trying to say?” [Purpose] Purpose is basic and central in preaching. You need a well-understood, clearly articulated and biblically justifiable purpose for your message. It is on this that you plan and execute everything you do when you preach. Whatever you do in a … Continue reading Communicating to Change Lives (Pt.4)

Every time I prepare to speak, I ask myself five questions. Let’s begin with the first question. 1. “Who am I speaking to?” [The Audience]   When preparing to speak, I always start with my audience. Who am I speaking to? The first question is not “What do I speak on?” It is “Who am … Continue reading Communicating to Change Lives (Pt.3)

Jesus was a master communicator and therefore he is our model for preaching to change lives. Jesus was the greatest speaker, teacher and communicator who ever existed. He spoke to large audiences in places like the synagogues, the mountainside, the seaside, and in the streets. He addressed small groups such as the Pharisees who liked … Continue reading Communicating to Change Lives (Pt.2)

A healthy growing church has good leadership and good teaching. It is well-led and well-fed. There is clear vision and change is occurring in people's lives. Teaching heats up the church’s values. It is like a rudder that steers the church in the right direction. What do you want to see happen in your church? … Continue reading Communicating to Change Lives (Pt.1)

Last year I took a course on 'Preaching' with Haddon Robinson and Rob Bell, as part of my Doctor of Ministry program with Fuller Theological Seminary. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much. There is an entire field of study in preaching and communication and although I’ve spoken thousands of times, I've only given … Continue reading Preaching Thoughts from Rob Bell

For the last year, I have been speaking my main messages to our church without using notes and without a pulpit to stand behind. This has been a big change for me. I've been speaking for over 20 years now and although there have been a few shorter messages I've given where I haven't used … Continue reading “Look Mum, No Notes!”

Learning to communicate God's Word in a way that captures people's attention and imparts principles for life change is quite an art. Even after years of hearing many excellent preachers and gaining much preaching experience myself in a variety of settings, I'm still learning. Here is a list of the most helpful books I've read: … Continue reading Best Preaching Books