Monthly Archives: July 2008

by | July 31, 2008

Stage 8 – Message Details: Introductions

First impressions matter. In the first moments of a message, listeners are making numerous decisions about the speaker. Some of those are conscious, many subconscious. Is this worth listening to, can I trust this person, does this person know where … Continue reading →

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by | July 30, 2008

45,000 Great Preaching Illustrations

There are numerous books available that promise to help turn tedious sermons into sizzling and vibrant power-sermons.  You simply look up your theme and then choose one of the collected illustrations, like sprinkling seasoning on a bland dish of food.  … Continue reading →

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by | July 29, 2008

Stage 8 – Message Details: Illustrations / Support Materials

I’ll take another couple of posts to focus on introductions and conclusions, but first, it’s time to focus on support material. Robinson calls this stage “fleshing out the skeleton.” You know why you are preaching (stage 5), what your main … Continue reading →

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by | July 28, 2008

Near Dunstable? A Date For Your Diary!

On Saturday the 11th of October, I will be speaking at a conference/workshop in Dunstable. If you are not too far from there, it would be great to see you! If you’ve never heard of Dunstable, you probably live too … Continue reading →

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by | July 28, 2008

Stage 7 – Message Structure

Once you have defined your message purpose and idea, it is time to strategize. What shape should the message take to maximize the effectiveness of delivering the idea to achieve your purpose? Many people fall into a rut of using … Continue reading →

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by | July 27, 2008

Pondering Plunder as a Preacher

In 1Peter 5 Peter warns elders not to be greedy for money, but eager to do ministry. I wonder how this relates to us as preachers? Obviously each of our situations are different. Many who read this have other income … Continue reading →

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by | July 26, 2008

Remember the Feeling of Privilege

Just a thought to follow on from yesterday’s post.  Take a moment to remember how you felt when you first started.  Perhaps as a young man when you were asked to preach a one-off message.  Or when you stepped out … Continue reading →

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by | July 25, 2008

Attitude Check from the Apostle Peter

Peter wrote to a church facing difficult times.  In the last chapter of his first epistle, he gives some important advice for leaders in the church (1Peter 5:1-4).  His warnings and advice are critical for preachers: Not under compulsion, but … Continue reading →

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by | July 24, 2008

Stage 6 – Message Idea

One thing is certain in preaching. If your message idea is not clear, then listeners will synthesize and selectively remember. They will subconsciously choose their own highlight, the point that stood out to them, or the illustration they enjoyed the … Continue reading →

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by | July 23, 2008

Stage 5 – Message Purpose

The second half of the preparation process is concerned with taking the main idea of the text and forming a sermon that will be relevant and effective for your specific congregation. In the first four stages, the focus was purely … Continue reading →

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