If Your Illustration Causes You to Stumble, Sharpen It!

Kris BarnettGeneral, Kristopher Barnett, Sermon Illustrations

In the fall, some of my colleagues proposed a point-counterpoint theological debate for our blog posts at MinistryU.  Since several of my colleagues mined the depths of biblical and historical theology studies during their doctoral work while I simply spaded the surface exploring the practical theology of homiletics, I did not express any interest in getting involved.  Think about it, … Read More

Preach robust theology, so that in tragedy, you don’t have to…

Bryan CribbBryan Cribb, Church, Culture, Leadership, Preaching

Two years ago, a friend of mine from seminary experienced an incomprehensible tragedy. His almost two-year-old daughter—a surprise baby and their fourth child—began having seizures. A day or two later she died. A little girl—so full of life, so innocent—now dead and taken from her loving parents… As a father of three little boys—four, two, and four weeks old respectively—I … Read More

Defining Expository Preaching

Michael DuduitChurch, Michael Duduit, Preaching

  There are many definitions of expository preaching which have been offered over the years, but perhaps the most popular one among evangelicals is the definition of Haddon Robinson, from his book Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages: “Expository preaching is the communication of a biblical concept, derived from and transmitted through a historical, grammatical, and literary … Read More

Preaching with Purpose

Michael DuduitMichael Duduit, Preaching

Why do you stand in the pulpit? What is your purpose? The purpose of preaching is not to occupy time during the worship service. It is not to offer a little moral lesson or to suggest some interesting ideas for further thought. The purpose of preaching is to transform lives. The purpose of preaching is to make a difference – … Read More

Technology and Worship

Michael DuduitLeadership, Michael Duduit, Technology

One of the most significant trends in American church life over the past decade has been the dramatic expansion in the use of technology in the worship experience, particularly in what author Quentin Shultz calls “presentational technologies.” Walk into an American evangelical church facility built in the last 10 to 15 years and you may or may not see a … Read More