Learning how to prepare a powerful sermon requires a deep connection with the Word of God and a strong commitment to delivering a message that has the power to impact lives and bring people to the feet of Jesus. We understand the weight of this responsibility and the desire to effectively communicate the Gospel to your congregation.
With that in mind, we’ve crafted this resource to provide you with a practical guide, offering insights and advice on various aspects of Gospel-Centered Double Impact Preaching. It’s designed to help you navigate the process from start to finish, from personal preparation to sermon delivery.
What is a gospel-centered sermon?
A gospel-centered sermon is an approach that focuses on magnifying Christ and his Gospel message while aiming to reach both non-believers and believers, thereby creating a “double impact.” Let’s break down this concept further:
Gospel-Centered Preaching: At its core, this approach prioritizes the Gospel, which is the good news of Jesus Christ. The message revolves around the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing the salvation and transformation that can be found in Him. Gospel-centered preaching aims to keep Jesus and His work at the forefront of every message.
Double Impact: This term signifies the dual purpose of the preaching. It seeks to impact two main groups of people:
a. Non-Believers: The first impact is on those who have not yet come to faith in Christ. The Gospel message is presented in a way that is accessible and understandable to individuals who may not be familiar with Christian terminology or concepts. The objective is to introduce them to Jesus and invite them to accept Him as their Savior and Lord.
b. Believers: The second impact is on those who are already followers of Christ. The preaching is designed to edify, challenge, and encourage the faith of believers. It helps them grow in their relationship with God, deepen their understanding of the Gospel, and equip them to become committed disciples of Jesus.
In essence, Gospel-Centered Double Impact Preaching recognizes that the journey of faith involves different stages. It begins with introducing people to Christ, moves on to nurturing their faith as they become followers of Christ, and ultimately empowers them to share the Gospel and disciple others. This approach acknowledges the diverse needs of both non-believers and believers, tailoring the message to serve each group effectively.
What is purpose of a gospel-centered sermon?
At the core of preaching lies a straightforward yet profound objective: to exalt Christ. This aim goes beyond simply leading individuals to faith; it also involves guiding them to actively engage in the Great Commission. They, too, become agents for spreading the Gospel and nurturing new disciples.
When we faithfully communicate the wonderful news of Jesus Christ, we serve as conduits through which the Lord draws people to Himself and instigates a transformation within their hearts. The ultimate aspiration is for our audience to evolve into disciple-makers themselves, a mission we are committed to facilitating through our preaching. It is a tremendous source of joy and privilege to partake in God’s mission to fulfill the Great Commission, extending far beyond the borders of Harare, Zimbabwe.
Reflect on these passages:
Romans 10:13-15: For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:9-10
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ will not be emptied of its effect. For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved. 1 Corinthians 1:17-18
How to prepare a Christ-magnifying, gospel-centered sermon.
Personal Preparation
It’s within personal preparation that the distinction between a compelling Gospel message and an academically challenging talk comes into focus. While we firmly believe in the promise that the Lord’s words never return to Him empty, it’s essential to recognize that a significant portion of God’s influence during a sermon is contingent upon how attuned we are to the Holy Spirit during our preparation.
Consider this: We might be grappling with personal challenges such as weariness, relational conflicts, a sense of spiritual inadequacy, or even the burden of unconfessed sin. These are elements that can cast shadows over our preparation and, in turn, our delivery. The critical aspect here is to bring these concerns before the Lord. Allow Him to intervene, provide healing, bring restoration, infuse us with fresh energy, and grant us peace. These moments of connection with God are pivotal in ensuring that our messages are not mere words but vessels for His transformative power.
While perfection is an unattainable goal, it’s worth acknowledging that the journey can be arduous, as illustrated in Ephesians 6, where we are reminded of the spiritual battle we face. But the pursuit of a personal relationship with Jesus is the cornerstone of enhancing the effectiveness of our preaching. By nurturing this relationship, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide, empower, and inspire us, making our sermons truly resonate and ignite change in the lives of our listeners.
In essence, personal preparation extends beyond the study of scripture and message crafting; it involves a continual connection with God to ensure that we are vessels through which the Holy Spirit can work powerfully. It is in these moments of personal engagement with our faith that we find the strength to overcome obstacles, amplify the Gospel message, and witness the transformative impact that God intends for our preaching.
Church Context Preparation
As we prepare to deliver our message, understanding the context of our church community and the people we aim to reach is vital. Here are some insights into this preparation:
Personal Style and Approach: It’s important to recognize that every preacher has their unique style and approach to preparation. What works for one may not work for another. Therefore, these are not rigid rules but valuable guidelines that can be adapted to your personal style.
Prayer for the Congregation: One foundational element of church context preparation is prayer. Taking the time to pray for the individuals who will be attending the service is a powerful practice. Seek the Lord’s guidance in preparing their hearts to receive His word. Remember that the harvest is indeed plentiful in your city, and as you focus on the spiritual need, the Lord often stirs up excitement and passion within you to meet that need.
Understanding the Community: To effectively engage with your congregation, it’s essential to delve into the world of those in your context. This involves gaining insight into the demographics, needs, and challenges of your local church community. While these details may evolve, it’s important to keep them in mind when crafting your sermon.
Demographics: Consider the diversity within your congregation. What age groups, cultural backgrounds, and socio-economic statuses are represented? Tailoring your message to resonate with this diversity is key.
Challenges and Struggles: Be aware of the unique challenges and struggles your congregation faces. Are they predominantly young families, professionals, or retirees? What issues, whether personal, societal, or spiritual, are they grappling with?
Relevance: With this understanding, you can ensure that your message is relevant to the lives of the people in your congregation. Examples and illustrations that relate to their daily experiences and concerns will help your message connect on a deeper level.
Your goal is to make the Gospel message not only accessible but also impactful in the lives of those in your church community. By taking the time to understand and relate to their world, you can craft sermons that resonate with their hearts and address their needs, making the message of Christ truly transformative and applicable in their lives. This is where the essence of church context preparation lies, helping bridge the gap between God’s truth and the reality of your congregation.
Passage Preparation
Passage Preparation is a multifaceted process that encompasses prayer, thoughtful selection of translations, in-depth knowledge of the book’s context, exegesis, and hermeneutics. It’s a quest for a profound understanding of the passage that will enable you to convey its original meaning and relevance to your congregation. This meticulous preparation ensures that your sermon is firmly anchored in Scripture and effectively bridges the gap between the ancient text and the lives of your listeners.
Prayerful Approach: The preparation process should always begin with prayer, prayer, and more prayer. Seek divine guidance and ask the Lord to reveal His intentions for the passage you’ll be addressing. Before delving into commentaries or studying the text itself, connect with God to discern His message for your congregation. Prayer sets the tone for a sermon infused with spiritual depth and purpose.
Bible Translation: While there are numerous excellent translations available, opting for a more literal version like the CSB, ESV, NKJV, or NASB is advisable. These translations strike a balance between remaining faithful to the original text and ensuring readability in English. While other translations can offer unique perspectives, they are often best used to complement your primary text rather than serving as the main source.
Scripture Context: Understanding the broader context of the book from which your passage is drawn is essential. Consider questions like:
-Who wrote this book, and under what circumstances?
-When was it written, and what historical context surrounded it?
-Why was it written, and what was the author’s intended message or purpose?
-What are the key themes or focal points of the book?
Exegesis and Hermeneutics: These terms might seem daunting, but they are fundamental to accurate interpretation and application of the text. Understanding the distinction is key:
Exegesis: This is the meticulous and comprehensive study of Scripture aimed at discovering the original, intended meaning of the author. It is primarily a historical task, requiring an exploration of the text in its original context.
Hermeneutics: Hermeneutics deals with how to apply the text’s original intended meaning to our lives today. It is the process of bridging the gap between the historical context and the contemporary application. In essence, it involves making the ancient text relevant and meaningful for your audience.
Additional Resources: Ensuring that you properly interpret the text is paramount. Utilizing study bibles, commentaries, and systematic theology books can provide valuable insights. Books like “How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth” are highly recommended. Online resources like Got Questions, Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, and more can serve as valuable references to deepen your understanding of the passage.
Sermon creation
Sermon Creation is the art of transforming the insights gained from scripture and passage preparation into a well-structured and engaging message. The process is broadly made up of the following elements:
Thorough Passage Study: Before crafting your sermon, immerse yourself in the passage you’ll be addressing. Reading it twice and taking your time are essential. This deep dive into the text allows you to grasp the nuances and subtleties within the scripture.
Identify Key Points: While reading, make rough notes of the elements that stand out to you. Keep in mind the central theme or “big idea” of the passage. What is the message that the author intended to convey? These key points will serve as the foundation of your sermon.
Consider the Flow: Examine the passage for its natural flow. Does it follow a chronological order or a logical progression of thought? Understanding the passage’s structure will help you decide whether to follow the sequence of the text or select key points for your sermon.
Simplify Complex Concepts: Scripture may contain challenging or intricate words and concepts. As a preacher, it’s your role to make these accessible to your audience. Consider if there are terms or ideas that need further explanation to ensure everyone can understand the message.
The Power of Storytelling: Stories are powerful tools for connecting with your congregation. Both Jesus and Paul utilized stories to convey deep theological truths. However, it’s essential to emphasize that the text should dictate the story, not the other way around. Ask the Lord if there’s a personal story or a recent event in the world that can help your audience relate to and engage with the passage.
Create a Rough Outline: Structuring your sermon is crucial. A typical outline includes the following sections:
Introduction: Begin with a captivating story or a current event that introduces the main idea of the message. This serves as a hook to capture your audience’s attention and set the stage for what’s to come.
Main Points: Typically, a sermon includes 3-5 main points that can be applied to the lives of your congregation today. These points can be drawn directly from the passage and should ideally include examples or short stories to illustrate and reinforce your message.
Conclusion: Conclude by reverting back to the main idea and purpose of your preaching. Summarize the key takeaways and provide a sense of closure to your sermon.
Response: Not every message will call for a specific response, but as the Lord leads, consider how you can guide both non-believers and believers toward a response. This could involve an altar call, a call to prayer, or a challenge to apply the sermon’s teachings to their lives.
In essence, Sermon Creation is the bridge that connects the wisdom gleaned from scripture to the hearts and minds of your congregation. It’s the art of taking biblical truth and shaping it into a message that is engaging, relatable, and spiritually transformative. It’s a process that requires creativity, prayer, and a deep understanding of the needs of your audience.
Practical aspects of preaching
You’ve prepared your sermon, and now all that’s left is to actually deliver it. Paying attention to the following details can significantly enhance your ability to communicate the Gospel and connect with your congregation.
Dressing Smart: Your appearance communicates respect for the occasion and the audience. While the specific dress code may vary depending on the culture and context of your church, it’s essential to present yourself in a way that conveys reverence for the message and the importance of the occasion. This could range from a formal shirt and trousers to a smart-casual outfit. Closed shoes and avoiding shorts are good guidelines, but the key is to be respectful and considerate of the expectations of your congregation.
Verse Accessibility: Never assume that everyone in your audience knows Bible verses. To make the message more inclusive and accessible, inform your congregation that the verses you refer to will be displayed on a screen or provided in printed materials. This ensures that both regular church attendees and newcomers can follow along and engage with the scripture being discussed.
Speaking Pace and Clarity: It’s natural for nerves to influence your speech rate, often causing you to speed up. To counter this, consciously speak more slowly and clearly than you think is necessary. This measured pace helps your audience absorb and process the content. It also conveys confidence and allows you to emphasize key points effectively.
Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact is a critical aspect of engaging your audience. It conveys authenticity and builds a connection with your congregation. To maximize this impact, be intentional about looking at different areas of the room. Avoid focusing solely on one section or individual, as this can make others feel excluded. Make an effort to connect with people across various parts of the congregation.
Explaining Difficult Words: Not all members of your congregation will have a deep understanding of theological terms or complex concepts. As a preacher, it’s your responsibility to ensure that everyone, including skeptics and non-believers, has clarity on the passage and message. If you encounter challenging words or ideas, take the time to provide clear explanations or examples to make the content more accessible.
Summary
Gospel-Centered Double Impact Preaching is a powerful and transformative approach to preaching that focuses on magnifying Christ and His Gospel message. It aims to reach both non-believers and believers, creating a “double impact” by introducing people to Jesus and nurturing the faith of those who already follow Him. This concept recognizes the diverse stages of the faith journey and tailors the message to serve each group effectively.
The purpose of preaching is to exalt Christ and guide people to actively engage in the Great Commission, where they become instruments for spreading the Gospel and nurturing new disciples. This approach ensures that the Gospel remains at the forefront of every message and that the audience evolves into disciple-makers themselves, fulfilling the Great Commission far beyond the borders of their local community.
Practical preparation for effective preaching involves personal preparation, church context preparation, passage preparation, sermon creation, and practical aspects of delivering a sermon. These steps help preachers connect deeply with their audience, ensure scriptural accuracy, and present the Gospel in a clear and engaging manner. Paying attention to these practical details can significantly enhance the impact of the message on the congregation, making it both accessible and transformative. You may want to learn more about developing habits in your preparation.
We hope this resource proves to be a helpful tool when preparing for your next preach.
