07 Nov Yesterday Was Sunday, Today Is Monday – Now What?
Pastors, we’ve all been there. It’s Monday. You’re spiritually, emotionally and physically spent from preaching & ministering the Word on Sunday. There’s an almost euphoric sense of relief that comes from making it through the day without blowing it, but now begins the pressure that comes every week from knowing that in six days you’ve got to do it all over again.
Here are some simple tips on sermon prep:
Text – Know where you’re going.
If you don’t already, this would be a great time to consider expository series through books or long sections of scripture. Dr. Peter Masters of The Metropolitan Tabernacle shares some great advice on the benefits and pitfalls of expository preaching here.
Time – Plan your week accordingly.
The pressure is only going to increase during the week. Don’t wait until Saturday night, begin preparing for Sunday’s sermon today!
Tools – Have the right resources ready.
A man who says he doesn’t use any resources is either a poor preacher or not being honest. My rule for using sermon resources is simple: “Don’t be lazy and don’t be a liar.”
Together – Get alone with God, your Bible and your resources.
Nothing helps prep time more than starting with quiet time. Let the Lord show you what he wants you to say.
Toil – Do the hard work of sermon prep.
Your job is exegesis – reading out of the text, not eisegesis – reading into the text. Write your points down even if you don’t preach from notes. Then internalize it for the presentation. Out of the text, onto the page, and into your heart, as I say.
Target – Know your audience.
Prepare your sermon to inform their mind, impact their emotions and challenge their will. But always be aware of the people who make up your congregation and it may help you pick the right anecdote or illustration tool. After all, you don’t use the same tone with children’s church as you do with a mature congregation.
Trust – The power of the Word and the presence of the Spirit.
Let God accomplish what God wants to do through your message. He will guide you where He wants you to be in order to better lead His people.
Have any sermon prep tips of your own? Leave a comment below!
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