Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Preach

So, I am working on Philippians 2:6-11 for our upcoming worship gathering. In my sermon prep throughout the week, and again after the studying is complete, I typically ask myself a number of questions. These questions help to clarify and correct my preaching even before I stand up on Sunday.

1. Does this message exalt the gospel of Jesus Christ?

2. Will people know what to do after hearing the message?

3. Am I saying anything that will distract from the point I am trying to make?

4. Do I, at any point, make much of myself in this sermon?

5. Would I like this to be the last sermon I ever preach?

Read more from Joe Thorn, including explanatory comments on each of his questions above.

The Birth Process of a Sermon

Sermon preparation is a complex process. When I think about constructing a message, I use the metaphor of having a baby, because I believe the stages are quite similar. There’s the initial conception, which is often quite a lot of fun. Then there is gestation, which is increasingly difficult. Next, there’s the delivery, which can be a combination of euphoria and intense pain. And finally, there are some post-delivery details.  Read more…

by, John Ortberg