Worst Case Scenario: How to Prepare a Sermon, Message, or Devotion

[@annagaiser5186]

This is gold. Thank you! I have sometimes been called on to teach my Bible Study group on short notice, and "where to start" is the most difficult thing about it! You give some very helpful pointers here. On the other side of the coin, your thoughts about personal anecdotes are well advised also. I attended a church for a couple of years where the sermons were generally 10-15 minutes of really good, solid Bible teaching, followed by about 45 minutes of personal anecdotes. When I got to the point where I had heard them all dozens of times and I couldn't stand it any more, I stopped going.

[@Out-to-Pastor]

I'm in the process of writing my first sermon and just watched this. I feel confident in what I'll be preaching about as you've pretty much summed up how I want to do it and am excited. Thank you for the pointers!

[@davidhiramreyes6490]

Thank you, pastor Always interesting hearing how others prepare their sermons

[@dnzswithwombats]

This is a inspired idea. Thanks for doing this. The past two Sundays at our church (and in the newsletter) we've been taught that this is not necessary because if you're saved then you have a warm fuzxy feeling, and people are supposed to see that and it becomes your testimony of the gospel. We also were told that proclaiming is just announcing so you can do it in a mundane way just as you would read off to a crowd, say, the recipe for Rice Crispy Treats. Or something. But, being a messenger means having a clear and complete message.

[@tjblanchard]

I’m saving this one!!

[@dnzswithwombats]

A member of our church was asked at 9;00 Saturday night to preach both services the next day. He did an excellent job. We had a substitute clergy person who only agreed to come "officiate" at the last minute on condition he would not have to prepare a sermon. So, the lay person stepped up to preach - but then the guy who had refused to preach said he had to give a "response" to the lay guy's preaching. His response was not prepared and it made no sense.

[@jameseberhart1325]

Thank you Pastor!

[@66WDB]

Great pointers for interpretation and putting something together!

[@MrPCApps]

You did me a great service, in that not very many give a close look at the how too's in this way. Not only for sermon, message, or devotional but for just putting thing in order so one can look back at it to remind self of growth that has taken place. Sorry! I'm not better at this!

[@sophiesmith5922]

HA! I had to do this on the spot on a mission trip in 3 minutes or less, in a place where I barely spoke the language and had no translator available. Fooo! Well.....never preached before in my life and had to wing it! God was faithful to have intercessors praying for me. 😂😂

[@craig3540]

Good morning Dr. Everhard. Excellent lesson this morning, thank you! Quick question: illustrations are very difficult for me. Do you have any books or advice on how to do illustrations? I just don't have enough real-life stories... LOL. Thanks again!

[@craig3540]

Oh, by the way... I'm a Browns fan! LOL I had to chuckle about your Pittsburg and the Browns comment.... I will say I am a big Penguin fan... LOL

[@Kefa...]

The common folks need a Church for everyone.

[@chris12780]

Where you at?

[@Kefa...]

@@chris12780 , middle uth', Churches abound ❤️

[@DrGero15]

What is the difference between a message, devotion, sermon, and homily? What are the definitions of those words?