Welcome to The On Preaching podcast, the podcast dedicated to helping you preach faithfully, clearly, and better.
In this episode of the podcast, H.B. discusses the hard work of preaching. Effective preaching is text-driven, has a clear message, and involves hard work.
Many congregations feel their pastors only work on Sunday, if then. That should not be the case. We should strive to give God our best in sermon preparation and delivery (2 Timothy 2:15). I have been around enough good preaching and preachers to conclude that those who make it look easy work hard to make it look easy.
What does the hard work of preaching involve?
The hard work of careful reading. The preacher must be a “man of the Book.” You should daily read scripture for your soul’s sake. Likewise, you should read sound exegetical resources to help you understand the sermon text. You should also read systematic, biblical, and practical theology.
The hard work of believing prayer. Faithful preachers devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4). Pray for yourself. Pray over your text and throughout your preparation. And pray that those to whom you preach will hear and receive.
The hard work of critical thinking. Indeed, you should read and pray. However, that does not dismiss the necessity of the hard work of critical thinking. Blessed people meditate on the word day and night (Psalm 1:2). You should read widely and also reflect prayerfully.
The hard work of creative writing. In a real sense, writing is thinking. It is not just the record of what you think. The process of writing has a way of clarifying and confirming what you think. Work hard to write yourself clear to speak with accuracy and communicate effectively.
The hard work of pastoral leadership. Pastoral ministry and pulpit ministry are not in competition with each other. In fact, your pulpit work is the most important stewardship of your pastoral duties. Work hard to know, feed, lead, and guard your flock through faithful preaching.
HBC2 RESOURCES:
- On Preaching by H.B. Charles Jr.
- On Pastoring by H.B. Charles Jr.
- On Worship by H.B. Charles Jr.
- It Happens After Prayer by H.B. Charles Jr.
- The Difference Jesus Makes by H.B. Charles Jr.
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