Welcome to The On Preaching Podcast, the podcast dedicated to helping you preach faithfully, clearly, and better.

Some years ago, I started a list of things I have learned over the years of my life and ministry. These are practical tips, lessons, and principles.

I posted this list on my blog. Later, I published the list in a chapter of my book, “On Preaching.”

I want to share and comment on some of these things I learned along the way, particularly some that relate to the work of preaching. (God willing, I will share further tips from this list in future episodes.)

Here are ten things I’ve learned along the way…

1. Faithful preaching does not guarantee church growth.
2. There are no better minds, only better libraries.
3. Nothing is as good as it seems, and nothing is as bad as it seems.
4. The power is in the pulpit. Change does not happen by your shrew leadership. It happens by faithful preaching of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
5. Do not be afraid to repeat sermon material. Most of your members do not remember what you said. And those who do still need to be reminded.
6. The command to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5) was given to a pastor.
7. Our goal in preaching should be to light a torch, not fill a bucket.
8. Aaron may have been more “spiritual” than Moses. And Joshua may have been a better leader. But the Lord put the rod in Moses’ hand.
9. Preaching can get you into trouble. And preaching can get you out of trouble.
10. Dig your own wells, so you will not have to steal other people’s water.

“When I pass a day without preaching my Master’s name I feel that I have not done what I ought to have done, and I do not rest satisfied till I am within the four boards of the pulpit again.”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Related Resources

• BOOK | On Preaching by H.B. Charles Jr.
• BOOK | On Pastoring by H.B. Charles Jr.
• BOOK | It Happens After Prayer by H.B. Charles Jr. 
• BOOK | The Difference Jesus Makes by H.B. Charles Jr.

Feedback 

If you have an idea for a podcast episode, a question to ask, or any feedback from what you have heard or read in this episode, you can find H.B. on Twitter, FaceBook, or Instagram (@hbcharlesjr).