What to expect when visiting this site?
This site is a tutorial for beginners. It is for men who want to learn how to preach. Sadly it is not always easy for people to find help in a local church or from fellow saints in their area.
Despite this website focusing on the novice. There is content for the preacher, who has experience and years behind him. He may enjoy reading the materials presented as well. Many of the concepts are basic. But certain points will help a person wherever he is at.
Despite this website focusing on the novice. There is content for the preacher, who has experience and years behind him. He may enjoy reading the materials presented as well. Many of the concepts are basic. But certain points will help a person wherever he is at.
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Sermon/Bible lesson creation:This site will teach a man to prepare a sermon or Bible lesson. You will be shown different sermon types. You'll be encouraged to test them out, to see what fits. With time, you may want to move to other sermon formats, as you progress in speaking and thinking on your feet. Or you may want to just stay where your at. There is no right or wrong format for speaking.
You'll also learn about time length of a sermon and Bible lesson and how to shape your content to meet that timeline. |
Oral delivery improvement:This site will give you exercises to help you become proficient in creating sermons and Bible class lessons regularly. These exercises will enhance your sermon/Bible lesson creative skills, (through practice).
You'll improve in speed in making sermons/lessons and in the quality of the content made, (again through the practice of these exercises). The work you do in this site, will enable you to become more fluent in oral delivery. You'll dramatically increase your knowledge base, as you progress through these exercises and repeat the outlined process. |
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Public speaking tips:This site will give exercises for public speaking improvement.
These tips will cover activities for improving, inflection, articulation, passion, vocal rhythm. You'll be asked to do the exercises regularly. But when you do the work, you will regularly see progress and growth. The public speaking tips will also encourage you to record your reading for voice analysis. You'll hear how you sound when your reading with passion, when your reading with inflection, etc. |
Preacher duties:You will be shown the duties of a preacher, (which are many).
It's not (as some think) a Sunday/Wednesday only work. It requires an emotional investment. A investment for the lost, for the church, for the brotherhood. A preacher can sit around all day, every day and preach a canned sermon and canned Bible lesson, each and every week. He can do the bare minimal and coast. But for those who think they have a Biblical responsibility to obey the teachings found in the Word, they will find, a preacher must be more then a sideline sitter. He must actively be working for the Lord, in the promotion of the Word. |
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Learning Bible truth:A preacher must be growing in Bible knowledge. To many Christians and may I say it even preachers don't know their Bibles. The exercises in this program will help ground a person in Bible truth. They will also increase ones knowledge base significantly. Through sermon prep work and active study, (from the advice on this site), a person will grow.
I'll also have a page detailing Bible study link resources, that can help a preacher (develop in the Bible). |
Exercises for retaining Bible facts:To few in the church have a in-depth knowledge base. Most Christians don't commit the Bible to memory. It is important in being able to give answers and a ready defense of the Word, to know the Bible in one's mind.
A preacher should be able to share soul saving truth, from his mind. He needs to readily study and commit to mind the scriptures. This site will give exercises that will help make such a process possible. |
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Evangelism teaching resources:This site will have carefully accounted methods, recorded stat's, thoughtfully given advise on evangelism. You will be able to find motivational content, Biblical exhortations, online blogging story-lines.
Years have been spent in accumulating this information. The above items are just some of the resources, you will be able to find. This preacher training website has two partner sites, that are hosted by the same person of this site. When you read further into this website, you will learn about these resources. They are worth checking out. People have been saved by using the tools outlined in them. |
Let us remember why...
Before pursuing this noble role, you need to understand fully the reasons on "why" you are doing this work. If it is a reason for self advancement, ego, personal satisfaction, money, etc. You will not stay. Because this job will quickly dissolve you of such notions.
You need to be doing this for the cause of Christ first and foremost. You need to understand that this will be a sacrifice for you and if your married, for your family, too.
Many people are leaving the field of preaching work, for a secular job. Why is that? Is it the pay? Is it due to a lack of work benefits, (dental, medical, etc)?
Are preachers leaving this field of work due to nit picky brethren?
Know that must churches will have at least one negative/non supportive person, (if not more).
They will either say, you spoke too long, too short, your sermons were too negative, or judgmental or they will say the opposite, that you need to preach more old time "hell fire and brimstone." They will criticize your attire, your wife, (if married) and your family. They will gossip about you, get offended if you forget to shake their hand, etc. You get the point. Being a preacher calls for patience.
Patience in your teaching, (2 Timothy 4:2).
Patience in your interactions, (Ephesians 4:2).
Learn to not allow yourself to get bothered, by such people.
In this profession you will need to grow thick skin, (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
Now I am not saying all saints are like the above examples, (hyper critical and negative). Most, (hopefully) in a local church aren't. I am not saying all churches are difficult places. Some places are amazing. Yet some are not.
Do preachers leave the workforce for other reasons? Is it due to a lack of job security. Sometimes preachers get fired, (unjustly). It is important to know a "tent making" trade, (as Paul had -Acts 18:1-4).
This trade can be used to fall back on for a time, till another preacher job opens up.
Getting fired, can be prevented sometimes. Before taking a job, do careful research of a church, see if there is a "Deotrephes" in the congregation (As John warns about -3 John 1:9).
Such people worthy of this description are those who are power seekers and want to rule the congregation.
Find out the history of a church. Find out how they treated their last preachers. Find out if a church has a history of running off faithful men, (especially under a short time-span).
In the Bible, Jesus says, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me..." (Matthew 16:24).
Being a preacher is the ultimate form of sacrifice. It is a role that calls for denial of self and it's comforts.
This job will take a great amount of carefully invested hours of work, to prepare for a Sunday and Wednesday. As a preacher, you are expected to have the answers, (that's why personal Bible study is so important). You will deal with problems and need to take a stand on false doctrine. You will be on call 24/7 - 365 days a year. Your time at a congregation may last 50 years, it may last 5, it may last 1. You need to keep your eyes open, work hard, build connections and contacts. Establish a reputation as a faithful preacher and be aware of other prospects, (regularly). Expect the best but prepare for the worst. Be optimistic but be prepared.
The best way to ensure your time at a church, (though not a sure fire way) is to focus on building bonds, (which a preacher should do regardless). If a preacher loves God's people and is obedient to His commands, he'll naturally show such behavior in his life.
A preacher should work to get along with the negative people and bridge whatever gap there is. A preacher should have a weekly meeting in some social environment to "talk shop" and connect, with the elders. A preacher should host a potluck (monthly) for singing or Bible study at his house to connect with the congregational members.
A preacher should visit the sick and elderly. He should invite different family's to his home for a home cooked meal, from time to time each month. Bonds are important. Especially in job security. But also in simply following in love for God/saints, the Bible directives for hospitality.
Let a preacher make himself indispensable to the congregation.
If you can build websites, build an amazing one for the church. If you are good at writing articles, make colorful/detailed bulletins that will catch their attention.
If your good at soul saving, do that. If you grow the church, (if they have sense) they will not want to get rid of a "good thing."
If your the main "go to guy" for church repairs, they will feel a need for your expertise. If you are mentoring kids/young men in singing classes
or in preacher craft, annually at the church, they will feel a need for you.
If your hosting VBS for the congregation or if you are hosting a Bible radio show for the church on AM, etc. you will make yourself look indispensable. You will make yourself look needed. These are just some examples...
Now a preacher should be zealous in using his talents to further the work of the kingdom, regardless.
If your passionate about the people, you visit them, your hospitable to them, you interact with them in the building and outside of the building, you build re pore.
If your zealous for good works, you create reliance on your ability and content.
Again these things should be done regardless. And you could still get fired someday. But these elements help to better increase the likelihood of securing your job, (even in the less then auspicious circumstances).
Of course I have seen preachers do nothing but sit in the pew and check the box for sermon delivery each Sunday, who do the bare minimal and have been preaching at a church for years.
But in the worse case scenario, we need to be prepared. Also, if your wanting to be the best you can be, your going to be cut from a different cloth then the "canned sermon" preacher, who sits around and does not, practice what he preaches, (Matthew 23:3).
Your going to need to be diligent in the matters of faith and doctrine, to not only preach on these truths, but live them.
It's hard to save yourself or your hearers, if you are not looking into the Word regularly and practicing it's truth, (1 Timothy 4:16).
At the end of the day, count the cost. Choose to enter this work for the right reasons. I've been told by preachers time after time, don't enter this work, unless you feel you have to. Because it is hard.
Most are leaving the field of preaching. Many churches are dying out. We need faithful men, honest men, hard working men, who can stand up for truth and strengthen the kingdom of God.
Are you such a man?
If your doing it for the love of the Word, for the God who saved you, for those in spiritual need, for the glory of heaven, than yes, you are such a man.
If you find fulfillment in these truths, you will be encouraged by your work.
If you find your fulfillment by the accumulates of men, the money the job offers you, it's security, being in the spot light, etc. you will leave this profession, sooner or later.
Again I ask you...are you the right man for the job?
Only you can answer this question.
- Joseph Sullivan (teacher/manager of website)
You need to be doing this for the cause of Christ first and foremost. You need to understand that this will be a sacrifice for you and if your married, for your family, too.
Many people are leaving the field of preaching work, for a secular job. Why is that? Is it the pay? Is it due to a lack of work benefits, (dental, medical, etc)?
Are preachers leaving this field of work due to nit picky brethren?
Know that must churches will have at least one negative/non supportive person, (if not more).
They will either say, you spoke too long, too short, your sermons were too negative, or judgmental or they will say the opposite, that you need to preach more old time "hell fire and brimstone." They will criticize your attire, your wife, (if married) and your family. They will gossip about you, get offended if you forget to shake their hand, etc. You get the point. Being a preacher calls for patience.
Patience in your teaching, (2 Timothy 4:2).
Patience in your interactions, (Ephesians 4:2).
Learn to not allow yourself to get bothered, by such people.
In this profession you will need to grow thick skin, (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
Now I am not saying all saints are like the above examples, (hyper critical and negative). Most, (hopefully) in a local church aren't. I am not saying all churches are difficult places. Some places are amazing. Yet some are not.
Do preachers leave the workforce for other reasons? Is it due to a lack of job security. Sometimes preachers get fired, (unjustly). It is important to know a "tent making" trade, (as Paul had -Acts 18:1-4).
This trade can be used to fall back on for a time, till another preacher job opens up.
Getting fired, can be prevented sometimes. Before taking a job, do careful research of a church, see if there is a "Deotrephes" in the congregation (As John warns about -3 John 1:9).
Such people worthy of this description are those who are power seekers and want to rule the congregation.
Find out the history of a church. Find out how they treated their last preachers. Find out if a church has a history of running off faithful men, (especially under a short time-span).
In the Bible, Jesus says, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me..." (Matthew 16:24).
Being a preacher is the ultimate form of sacrifice. It is a role that calls for denial of self and it's comforts.
This job will take a great amount of carefully invested hours of work, to prepare for a Sunday and Wednesday. As a preacher, you are expected to have the answers, (that's why personal Bible study is so important). You will deal with problems and need to take a stand on false doctrine. You will be on call 24/7 - 365 days a year. Your time at a congregation may last 50 years, it may last 5, it may last 1. You need to keep your eyes open, work hard, build connections and contacts. Establish a reputation as a faithful preacher and be aware of other prospects, (regularly). Expect the best but prepare for the worst. Be optimistic but be prepared.
The best way to ensure your time at a church, (though not a sure fire way) is to focus on building bonds, (which a preacher should do regardless). If a preacher loves God's people and is obedient to His commands, he'll naturally show such behavior in his life.
A preacher should work to get along with the negative people and bridge whatever gap there is. A preacher should have a weekly meeting in some social environment to "talk shop" and connect, with the elders. A preacher should host a potluck (monthly) for singing or Bible study at his house to connect with the congregational members.
A preacher should visit the sick and elderly. He should invite different family's to his home for a home cooked meal, from time to time each month. Bonds are important. Especially in job security. But also in simply following in love for God/saints, the Bible directives for hospitality.
Let a preacher make himself indispensable to the congregation.
If you can build websites, build an amazing one for the church. If you are good at writing articles, make colorful/detailed bulletins that will catch their attention.
If your good at soul saving, do that. If you grow the church, (if they have sense) they will not want to get rid of a "good thing."
If your the main "go to guy" for church repairs, they will feel a need for your expertise. If you are mentoring kids/young men in singing classes
or in preacher craft, annually at the church, they will feel a need for you.
If your hosting VBS for the congregation or if you are hosting a Bible radio show for the church on AM, etc. you will make yourself look indispensable. You will make yourself look needed. These are just some examples...
Now a preacher should be zealous in using his talents to further the work of the kingdom, regardless.
If your passionate about the people, you visit them, your hospitable to them, you interact with them in the building and outside of the building, you build re pore.
If your zealous for good works, you create reliance on your ability and content.
Again these things should be done regardless. And you could still get fired someday. But these elements help to better increase the likelihood of securing your job, (even in the less then auspicious circumstances).
Of course I have seen preachers do nothing but sit in the pew and check the box for sermon delivery each Sunday, who do the bare minimal and have been preaching at a church for years.
But in the worse case scenario, we need to be prepared. Also, if your wanting to be the best you can be, your going to be cut from a different cloth then the "canned sermon" preacher, who sits around and does not, practice what he preaches, (Matthew 23:3).
Your going to need to be diligent in the matters of faith and doctrine, to not only preach on these truths, but live them.
It's hard to save yourself or your hearers, if you are not looking into the Word regularly and practicing it's truth, (1 Timothy 4:16).
At the end of the day, count the cost. Choose to enter this work for the right reasons. I've been told by preachers time after time, don't enter this work, unless you feel you have to. Because it is hard.
Most are leaving the field of preaching. Many churches are dying out. We need faithful men, honest men, hard working men, who can stand up for truth and strengthen the kingdom of God.
Are you such a man?
If your doing it for the love of the Word, for the God who saved you, for those in spiritual need, for the glory of heaven, than yes, you are such a man.
If you find fulfillment in these truths, you will be encouraged by your work.
If you find your fulfillment by the accumulates of men, the money the job offers you, it's security, being in the spot light, etc. you will leave this profession, sooner or later.
Again I ask you...are you the right man for the job?
Only you can answer this question.
- Joseph Sullivan (teacher/manager of website)