Melinda Quivik 9/8/25 Melinda Quivik 9/8/25

On Keeping the Listeners' Attention (A Guest Post)

It’s challenging to hold our listeners’ attention when we have only limited information about them. There are several strategies that will help you engage your listener from start to finish no matter how well acquainted you are with the nuances of their day-to-day lives.

Lisa Cressman 9/1/25 Lisa Cressman 9/1/25

Too Many Sermon Ideas? 3 Ways to Find Your Message Fast

When there are so many potential themes, ideas, characters, and overlap with our world, it can be impossible to know where to start! Here are three strategies to try when you feel stuck because you have TOO many ideas—with a specific process for each.

Shaundra Taylor 8/25/25 Shaundra Taylor 8/25/25

The Invaluable Role of Writing [Your Sermon] (A Guest Post)

By wrestling through your draft to the point of absolute clarity, you'll build trust with your listener. Because they'll be able to see for themselves—rather than take your word for it—how you reached the conclusion you preach. And this trust will enable them to BELIEVE the Good News you've offered because you've shown, beyond question, how that Good News appeared in the text, what it means, and how its implications matter to their lives now.

Lisa Cressman 8/18/25 Lisa Cressman 8/18/25

This ONE Question Will Keep Your Sermon on Message

My brother is a journalist who has written longer than I have preached. He now teaches journalism at a university. When I was getting ready to teach seminary homiletics the first time I asked him a question that plagues writers of any ilk: "How do you teach writers not to wander and stay on message?"

I thought that since he's a writing professional and educator he would tell me the "secret:" the right set of questions that any author needs to prevent verbal self-meandering.

His response?

"That's what editors are for."

Thanks a lot, Big Brother!

Per last week's post, yes, that is exactly what editors are for. But without an editor what can preachers rely on instead? A very simple question with three principles.

Lisa Cressman 8/11/25 Lisa Cressman 8/11/25

Tough Passage? Preach What the Gospel Says (Not What You Wish it Said)

Sometimes the principalities and powers of this world need to be named because they are in need of God’s redemption. However, if we name the same principalities and powers every week people will tune out the urgency. Instead, help people hear the context and need for God’s redemption revealed by the text itself. Let people wrestle with angels through questions posed— without giving answers. Then trust God will convert any willing heart to love Jesus most.

Lisa Cressman 8/4/25 Lisa Cressman 8/4/25

4 Steps to Build a “Study Hall” for Efficient, Effective, & Sacred Sermon Prep

We may not be students at the moment, but we still face deadlines, major projects, and of course, preaching happens at a certain time every week

What I’ve learned since I was an undergrad is that study halls don’t have to be inside a library, and they become a lot more meaningful when we design them to be not only productive, but sacred.

Lisa Cressman 7/29/25 Lisa Cressman 7/29/25

The Power of Approaching the Text with a Beginner’s Mind

There is power in approaching the text as a beginner because we experience the Good News, and then we share it with others so they experience the Good News! We can help our congregations experience this power, too.

Lisa Cressman 7/21/25 Lisa Cressman 7/21/25

Preaching Change? Remind us who we are

Perhaps there is no greater reason we fear changing our minds than this one: it causes us to question our character, the very definition we have of our “selves.” When we suggest during a sermon that change is needed, the listener hears that that they are not as good as they see themselves. Whether we intend it or not, they hear that we as the preacher—and by extension, God—see their character as lacking. How do we preach change without suggesting a character assassination?

Lisa Cressman 7/14/25 Lisa Cressman 7/14/25

Disaster after Disaster: How to Preach So Listeners Don’t Tune Out

When natural disasters, political crises, and social injustices occur week after week, compassion fatigue can set in. What are we to do in the face of overwhelming need? Preachers can help their listeners avoid becoming numb, irritated or unresponsive, though. Read on to find out how.

Lisa Cressman 7/7/25 Lisa Cressman 7/7/25

5 Steps to Simplify Your Sermon Prep When You Get "Lifed!"

When life throws chaos your way, prepping a sermon can feel overwhelming. And it is if you prep the same way you always do. But with a simplified process, you can write a solid sermon in less time that will leave your listeners pondering the Good News.

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