Always Strive to Improve Your Preaching

As a pastor, it can be easy to slip into a comfortable rhythm and habit of preaching. And while change isn’t always easy, you should always be looking to improve and develop the way you preach. As the years in ministry slip by, it’s necessary at times to assess if your preaching could use some improvement; whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pastor. 

Note: There are three books referenced in this podcast episode. They are: Biblical Preaching by Haddon Robinson, Communicating for Change by Andy Stanley, and Preaching Without Notes by Joseph M. Webb.

0:19 Lee introduces the question, “How do we improve our preaching?”

0:53 Danny shares that he is still learning and adapting how he preaches.

1:11 Lee asks Danny how he prepares to preach and how his process has changed over time.

1:33 Danny reflects on how he was taught to preach via manuscript in seminary. But he didn’t stick with that style when he planted a church. He pivoted to more of a memorization style of preaching. And over time, the way he prepared notes changed, especially after going multi-site.

4:03 Lee asks Danny if his manuscript is paper or electronic.

4:07 Danny isn’t a fan of digital manuscripts because technology can fail. But he adds that if you prepare with a manuscript correctly, you should be going over it at least ten times. So, you end up memorizing much of it, without having to consult the actual manuscript very much.

5:13 Lee asks Danny if he includes scripture passages in his manuscript.

5:18 Danny confirms all scripture he uses is written out in his manuscript, but he still physically uses a Bible during sermons and explains why.

5:46 Lee walks through his process in preparing for a sermon. He began with an outline, but as he planted, his process changed to a full manuscript. Preparing a manuscript helps Lee mentally, allowing the Holy Spirit to work as he preaches.

7:26 Danny asks Lee why he uses an outline when preaching, instead of the manuscript he’s already prepared.

7:37 Lee clarifies that even though he’s memorized his sermon manuscript, he doesn’t want to be tied to every word he’s prepared.

8:04 Lee describes the physical space he likes when preaching: no lectern, just a stool and an outline paperclipped inside his Bible.

8:42 Using a stool helps Lee preach a little more conversationally and less intensely.

9:00 Lee ponders how pastors learn what works for them, when it comes to preaching. Two things helped him. The first is getting sermon feedback from trusted people, by asking specific questions. 

9:55 Danny emphasizes asking specific open-ended questions to get helpful feedback.

10:32 The second thing Lee does to learn what works, is to listen or watch his sermons to learn from it.

10:54 Danny advises to watch your sermons back on video to find distracting mannerisms. 

12:00 Danny reminds pastors to stay sharp on their exegesis. Not only should pastors be focused on the delivery of a sermon, but also that the structure is accurate to the text.

13:10 Lee asks Danny what books have helped him develop his preaching.

13:26 Danny recommends the book Biblical Preaching by Haddon Robinson, as it teaches authorial intent.

14:12 Danny believes that preaching is the top discipleship tool. It teaches people how to read and apply the Bible.

14:51 Lee reflects that a seasoned pastor coached him to have the perspective that people should connect the dots of a sermon days after hearing...

As a pastor, it can be easy to slip into a comfortable rhythm and habit of preaching. And while change isn’t always easy, you should always be looking to improve and develop the way you preach. As the years in ministry slip by, it’s necessary at times to assess if your preaching could use some improvement; whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pastor. 

Note: There are three books referenced in this podcast episode. They are: Biblical Preaching by Haddon Robinson, Communicating for Change by Andy Stanley, and Preaching Without Notes by Joseph M. Webb.

0:19 Lee introduces the question, “How do we improve our preaching?”

0:53 Danny shares that he is still learning and adapting how he preaches.

1:11 Lee asks Danny how he prepares to preach and how his process has changed over time.

1:33 Danny reflects on how he was taught to preach via manuscript in seminary. But he didn’t stick with that style when he planted a church. He pivoted to more of a memorization style of preaching. And over time, the way he prepared notes changed, especially after going multi-site.

4:03 Lee asks Danny if his manuscript is paper or electronic.

4:07 Danny isn’t a fan of digital manuscripts because technology can fail. But he adds that if you prepare with a manuscript correctly, you should be going over it at least ten times. So, you end up memorizing much of it, without having to consult the actual manuscript very much.

5:13 Lee asks Danny if he includes scripture passages in his manuscript.

5:18 Danny confirms all scripture he uses is written out in his manuscript, but he still physically uses a Bible during sermons and explains why.

5:46 Lee walks through his process in preparing for a sermon. He began with an outline, but as he planted, his process changed to a full manuscript. Preparing a manuscript helps Lee mentally, allowing the Holy Spirit to work as he preaches.

7:26 Danny asks Lee why he uses an outline when preaching, instead of the manuscript he’s already prepared.

7:37 Lee clarifies that even though he’s memorized his sermon manuscript, he doesn’t want to be tied to every word he’s prepared.

8:04 Lee describes the physical space he likes when preaching: no lectern, just a stool and an outline paperclipped inside his Bible.

8:42 Using a stool helps Lee preach a little more conversationally and less intensely.

9:00 Lee ponders how pastors learn what works for them, when it comes to preaching. Two things helped him. The first is getting sermon feedback from trusted people, by asking specific questions. 

9:55 Danny emphasizes asking specific open-ended questions to get helpful feedback.

10:32 The second thing Lee does to learn what works, is to listen or watch his sermons to learn from it.

10:54 Danny advises to watch your sermons back on video to find distracting mannerisms. 

12:00 Danny reminds pastors to stay sharp on their exegesis. Not only should pastors be focused on the delivery of a sermon, but also that the structure is accurate to the text.

13:10 Lee asks Danny what books have helped him develop his preaching.

13:26 Danny recommends the book Biblical Preaching by Haddon Robinson, as it teaches authorial intent.

14:12 Danny believes that preaching is the top discipleship tool. It teaches people how to read and apply the Bible.

14:51 Lee reflects that a seasoned pastor coached him to have the perspective that people should connect the dots of a sermon days after hearing it.

15:23 Danny asks Lee if he has book recommendations.

15:27 Lee mentions Andy Stanley’s book Communicating for Change and Preaching Without Notes by Joseph M. Webb.

16:24 Lee thanks listeners for tuning into this episode on growing as a preacher.