I once had to give a missionary presentation to a thousand youth on a Sunday afternoon in the heat and humidity of the summer. I knew I would have difficulty engaging the youth. When I stood up to speak, the crowd was already tired and restless. It was going to be next to impossible to… Continue reading PREACHING TO BEAT BOREDOM
Tag: preaching
WHAT MAKES PREACHING EFFECTIVE?
Every week in America, it is estimated that 55 million people listen to more than a billion words in sermons. Billions more words are spoken from pulpits around the world. The number one complaint from the people in most congregations is this: “Sermons are boring and unrelated to my life.” PREACHING IS FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE-CHANGE… Continue reading WHAT MAKES PREACHING EFFECTIVE?
I PREACH TO FIVE CONGREGATIONS EVERY SUNDAY
One Sunday, I remember looking out at the congregation of more than 1,000 people that I had the privilege of ministering truth to each week. There was John, a recent convert. He was divorced and single. He had come out of a totally secular environment but was eager, inquisitive and loaded questions. He was sorting… Continue reading I PREACH TO FIVE CONGREGATIONS EVERY SUNDAY
ISSUING INVITATIONS: What about Altar Calls?
As I have travelled in ministry in recent years, I am amazed at the questions preachers have about “altar calls.” Some well-known preachers are outspoken in their opposition to giving “altar calls.” On the other extreme, some feel that without an altar call, a preacher has denied or at least compromised his calling. The term… Continue reading ISSUING INVITATIONS: What about Altar Calls?
Getting Ready To Preach
Preaching has been described as the fine art of talking in someone else’s sleep. Most of us would plead guilty. We intend to rouse our people to spiritual vitality and dedication, but too often our listeners just yawn. The Bible doesn’t preach homiletics. There is not one set way to craft a message. There is… Continue reading Getting Ready To Preach