Monthly Archives: April 2008

by | April 30, 2008

The Preacher, The Worship Leader

In many churches there is a separation of sermon and worship.  Both are seen to occur in the service, but they are perceived to be distinct elements.  In some churches the service feels like two events – the song service … Continue reading →

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Filed under Delivery, Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Religion, Stage 8 - Message Detail

by | April 29, 2008

The Pieces of Style

One last post prompted by Bryan Chappell’s book, Christ-Centered Preaching, from the appendix on style (pp340-343).  Chappell advocates a preaching style that is: Natural – natural expression avoids pretense and artificiality.  A personal, humble, natural style communicates care, transparency and … Continue reading →

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by | April 28, 2008

The Connection Counts

Preaching to the same people all the time is quite different to preaching to different people. I have the privilege of regular preaching in our home church, but also regular preaching to different churches and groups of people in my … Continue reading →

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Filed under Audience Analysis, Homiletics, Preacher's Personal Life, Preaching, Religion

by | April 27, 2008

Illustrate With Pastoral Care – Part 2

The rest of the list begun in part 1.  Most of this is not new to any of us, but it’s always good to take stock and make sure bad habits have not crept in unawares! Poke fun at no … Continue reading →

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by | April 26, 2008

Illustrate With Pastoral Care

I’m enjoying another read-through of Bryan Chappell’s Christ-Centered Preaching.  He gives a helpful list of guidelines for using illustrations pastorally (p203-4).  Half today, and half in part two: Get the facts straight – handling facts well instills confidence in the … Continue reading →

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by | April 25, 2008

Illustrations Serve the Sermon, Not Vice Versa

“Any trained public speaker can select a theme and gather a bundle of stories that will touch an audience emotionally, but this is not preaching.” (Chappell, 200.)  We need to remember always that an illustration is there to serve the … Continue reading →

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by | April 24, 2008

The Form of Structure

Bryan Chappell makes the comment in his book, Christ-Centered Preaching (p162), that while the structure of a sermon is not the most important question, it is one of the most common questions he is asked when teaching preaching.  Having given … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Religion, Stage 7 - Message Outline

by | April 23, 2008

Don’t Treat Everything As Essential – Part 2

So, three more issues that are non-essential in defining expository preaching. Let’s not allow our passion for preaching become a passion to prove our preferences are the only legitimate approach to expository preaching! Preaching Attire – Some people make a … Continue reading →

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by | April 22, 2008

Don’t Treat Everything as Essential

There is always a danger, when we are passionate about something, that our passion will run away with us.  For instance, a passion for expository preaching can easily be misdirected to areas that are not critical issues.  The nature of … Continue reading →

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Filed under Delivery, Homiletics, Preacher's Personal Life, Preaching, Religion, Stage 8 - Message Detail

by | April 21, 2008

Don’t Get Stung By the Be’s

I made a passing reference the other day to Bryan Chappell’s list of three “be’s.” These are worthy of our consideration since he raises a crucial point. It is easy to fall into the trap of being biblically based, but … Continue reading →

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Filed under Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Religion, Stage 5 - Message Purpose, Stage 8 - Message Detail