I don’t claim to be a great preacher or a teacher of the Word of God, or even good enough to be writing this post myself. However, I have been burdened for young leaders out there who have been struggling to minister from the word after years of knowing and walking with God. If you are one of them, Apostle Paul has a word for you. He says, “Our speech and our message are not supposed to be just plausible words of wisdom, but the demonstration of the Spirit and of power “(1 Corinthians 2:4 ESV) What he means to say is that all of our eloquent words, methods and techniques will fall flat if it is not born, breathed and sustained under the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Here are 7 basic steps that I hope you’re inspired to follow as you prepare to stand before a congregation, no matter how big or small they are.
1. Read through thoroughly.
One of the greatest mistakes Christians commit in the battle field of their lives and ministry, is trying to fight without getting skilled with the sword, which for us, is the Word of God. Don’t you remember how Jesus was well-versed with the scriptures at the age of 12 (Luke 2:41-51)? That was an essential key to victory in his public ministry among the masses, and private ministry among his disciples. As a minister of the word, it is essential for you to know the Scriptures well. Spend a considerable amount of time, money and effort into reading, listening and studying the Word and about the Word. This should continue irrespective of a preaching appointment.
2. Expound on the texts.
Once you select a particular passage (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) to preach or teach from, study the context properly. Take time to read the chapters before and after the passage just in case you are not familiar with the context. One of the greatest blunders one can commit would be to preach things out of context. One possible tool to help at this point, would be to study the root meaning of key words, names and phrases in the selected passage to grasp what the writer meant in the original language.
3. Draw your inferences.
Every passage of the scripture is divinely inspired and is written for a reason. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent and equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 ESV) Once you have studied the text well, you need to find relevant points that will serve to teach, reprove, correct and train the body of Christ. Write down your inferences and key points from the passage you are dealing with.
4. Find relevant examples.
In accordance with the highlights or the key points in the message, find fictional narratives, real experiences, stories or testimonies to illustrate your point. Jesus taught in parables. It becomes much easier to communicate when you have good, and if possible, real examples to back your message up. Whenever you come across an incident or a phenomenon that could illustrate your message, note it down for future reference.
5. Generate Practical Applications.
At times, examples and stories are not enough to drive your point through. You need to bring out the practical application of your inferences into everyday living. For eg: Jesus is alive! So what? What does it mean to me on a daily basis? What am I supposed to do? What should I avoid? Generate practical applications do not always give a complete A-Z guide to your congregation. Allow them enough space to come up with their own applications and practices. As a preacher, your duty is to just feed them the appetizer. They will get their main course through the week, as they learn to walk with God and depend more on him.
6. Examine Yourself First.
The moment you have your sermon ready, spend time examining yourself. This is what Apostle Paul says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV) The reason he could ask the people so boldly to follow or imitate him, was because he had been following and imitating Jesus himself. Make it the foundation of your sermon. Examine your life in the light of the word you are about to preach first, before you share with or preach it to others.
7. Inspire and Challenge!
This is what you are called to do on the pulpit with the help of the Bible you hold in your hands, and the Holy Spirit by whom you should be led, every moment of your sermon, with every word you speak! You are not called to discourage, demotivate or condemn people, you are called to edify, encourage and inspire them to go forward. Challenge your congregation to a higher standard of living for God and His divine purposes for their lives. Pray that every listener be inspired to take their walk with God one notch higher after the ministry of the word.
Do you face other challenges in teaching the word of God? Please let us know by leaving a comment here. We would be more than glad to help you with it.
wow..the post spoke to me…:)
Priji nice post da.. God bless you!
Thank you Deeps, blessed to know that!
Heylo Blessen. Thank you, Remain Blessed!
Praise God
A very helpful post pastorji… as iam a preacher, it guided me of how to make sermons to change people’s life. once again thank you again patorji for the wonderful post.
God bless uuu pastorji…
You are welcome Sonu,
God bless your ministry and all your efforts to bring glory to His name!
how to win people for Christ
Yes I am a young pastor.and need help in teaching .the church is not big a small group of people.I like history .I live my bible.I never gone to bible school.don’t plan either.pray for me.thank you god bless you and yours.
Hi Rolando,
God will surely give you the grace. Please email me at [email protected] and we would be glad to do everything possible to help you with the same. Blessings and regards,
Priji
Hi Pastor, i just lack courage to stand before people to minister, words vanishes anytime i stand to minister and my mind goes blank, advise?
Hello Pastor Priji, I am not a Pastor, Nor a Prophet. But I like to Study the Word of God and Witness to People about how God Could Make them Better People. My Passion is the Word of God and Study It. But Please keep in Mind I am only 16 Years of Age, Can You Give me Some tips to help me Witness to People about God’s Love and Grace. Amen
Victor:hallo pastor i recieved the Lord Jesus,now i find myself really struggling to pull back as i used to be during my ealy days with God….i really miss the relationship i had….please help me rise again.i love the Lord and working under the influence of the holy spirit
Oh! i find this very interest, Jeremy Silwal! one thing is needful here, stick to your bible, not reading as usual but study, be serious with it. 2 Tim. 2:15 and also do what is in Joshua 1:8. You are blessed. Amen
I find it hard to memorize the word and quote it as it is. I would say the word by explaining not quoting as it is.
I need help. Ps priji
Great piece..really helped
God bless you.
I find it difficult to teach the word of God
This is Good for me because I am an aspiring teacher of the word
More of God’s grace and mercy upon u sir
This is a wonderful word
Thanks allot sir
May God continue to be with you sir. Please sir, I will need your prayer support, for me to be able to memorize and quote the word of God aright when ministering. I also need prayer for the grace of God not to speak out of point/topic.
It is my first time to teach Gods word tommorow..jan 31 2021
And I was a little bit scared…so Im asking for a prayer of annointing…let God be the one to give me wisdom.I dont know yet what I am going to yeach help.me pleas
God bless u
This very interesting sir,
I really appreciate ur guide line on teaching the word of God
When preparing sermon I get inspired words and write them. But when ministering on stage I I not coming like to me like when am preparing. Please help me.
Am inspired by the holy Spirit when preparing samon easily than when ministering on stage
Good morning. How do I become a deep teacher of the word.
Very helpful but there is a place i am facing a great challenges as a minister, which i will like to relate with you sir, i am always surprise preaching and teaching the word of God to people but there is nothing to show for it, no sign of change or repentance in the life of the people whereas during preaching/teaching they will be touch by the message, some will even leave with moody state. What will i do in this kind of situation?
Wao ,I have learnt a lot through your teaching,more anointing, Sir.
For sure I want to be a good preacher but I miss some skills. Let me know in order to be a good preacher, especially for the word of God what to start with and what to end with. Help me God
I tend to speak loud when I preach. I have a loud voice. But when preaching, should I decrease my volume? What do i do?
Plus, I’d love to preach calmly, easily, but I feel that I don’t have enough to go through a sermon.
I tend to speak loud when I preach. I have a loud voice. But when preaching, should I decrease my volume? What do i do?
Plus, I’d love to preach calmly, easily, but I feel that I don’t have enough to go through a sermon.
Share more on foundation for those who are beginners in teaching the word of God.
Thank GOD i came across this now,
Thank you so much sir
Thank u do God bless you
thanks god bless u i am a young man who love to teach the world of God and this 2weeks i started teaching in my church but is not easy for me i need help
Hi,am pastor Daniel am pursuing Theology and I want to start a ministry though having a challenge of finances if there is any way you can help I will appreciate so much.
Thank you man of God. May the Lord continue to bless you with wisdom, knowledge, discernment, discretion understanding and insight in all things…in Jesus Christ name…Amen…
Am greatiful for the guidance