Preaching Tips

What is the difference between a theme and a metaphor? A theme might be something like “wearing a cloak of shame.” But the metaphor is the cloak. A metaphor is a noun and a tangible thing that is used to “point” to something else beyond it that is indescribable or…

Create bridges for your metaphors so people can understand them. If you take a metaphor from scripture and bridge it with a metaphor in current day language, you have a greater chance that someone will understand the story of scripture.  For example, one of the questions Len Sweet asks in…

Kids pay attention much more than you think! When you involve them in the message as well as the adults, you teach them that church is also for them, that they don’t need to be separated out but belong to the larger body of Christ and are valuable members with…

Worship should begin and end with joy….And the message, even if on a serious note, should end with a joyous tone, for we are resurrection people. Remember to bring your message to a close, especially in the season of joy, with a reminder of the joy of Christ. 

Use your congregation as much as possible in your sermon. For example, you could ask how many have tattoos? Show people their tattoos and tell what they mean. Or perhaps, you might have people show a piece of jewelry that reminds them of a personal witness. What they wear has…

The smells, the bells, the sights, and sounds…..these are part of what makes Easter so magical! Don’t forget to include as many as you can in the resurrection experience, so that people can feel the excitement of the empty tomb, the joy of livingness. Encourage people to shout, to dance,…

When you are excited about the gospel message, about Jesus’ resurrection hope, about praise, your people will be excited too! In order to get people feeling the joy of the resurrection, the joy of Palm Sunday, you need to get them excited about Jesus’ gift of life. Sometimes you can…

Often pastors gear sermons only to adults. But if your kids are in worship, remember to include them.  They pay attention more than you think, especially if your sermons are interactive and participatory.  Think of creative ways to include kids, such as answering questions, passing out tangibles to congregants, creating…

How can you use musical instruments in your sermon? This week, Len Sweet gives an example in his sermon about a violin and freedom. By having someone exhibit a violin, play it…..or use the strings loose and attached, you can bring the sermon to life. You can also use other…