How Effective Sermons End

by Ben Awbrey; Alex Montoya

Publisher:

Resource Publications

, 2022

Overview

Extremely rare is the preacher whose preaching could not be improved substantially by readdressing his sermon conclusions! Moreover, a sermon conclusion marks the typical preacher’s greatest need for improvement in his preaching. This most significant element of a sermon has been championed for its importance in a sermon and yet the conclusion is trivialized in, if not omitted from, the preaching of sermons. Whether textual, topical, or expository in preaching methodology, the typical preacher has a greater understanding and better implementation of everything else related to preaching in contrast to what is understood and done in concluding sermons. Much is not done, and much more is not understood to conclude sermons with clarity, strength, and persuasiveness.
How Effective Sermons End provides a comprehensive approach and thorough examination of the sorely needed and long overlooked instruction regarding that most vital of all elements of a sermon--the sermon conclusion. This book fills the existing void in homiletical pedagogy about concluding sermons, a void that prevents preachers from reaching their full potential of effectiveness in the ministry of preaching the Word of God. The pathway of better preaching is knowledge and skill to effectively conclude sermons and this book floods that pathway with light.

Praise for How Effective Sermons End

‘Now what?’ ‘Are there “ways

——Galen K. Cooper, senior pastor, Oak Ridge Baptist Church

If you want to preach with power and effectiveness then you must consume the wisdom of this book. This monumental work is for preachers of every experience level. Awbrey’s approach has transformed my preaching and increased my joy in this sacred task. I will be sharing this book with every preacher I know.

——Cody Busby, senior pastor, South Shore Baptist Church

How Effective Sermons End is a must read for anyone seeking to improve their sermon preparation by improving on a key component of the sermon, namely the conclusion. This book will open your eyes to the importance of the sermon conclusion and provide the necessary tools to finish effectively.

——Orvin Feliciano, senior pastor, Jones Road Baptist Church

I love this book! Awbrey offers a deep dive into the purpose, motives, and power behind the sermon conclusion. He not only challenges the preacher to think differently about the conclusion but also provides practical instruction to equip any preacher to elevate the conclusion to be the high point of the sermon. I believe this work will create a new breed of preachers who serve God and their congregations better by concluding well.

——Joey Lang, lead pastor, Grace Baptist Church

How Effective Sermons End begins by likening poor conclusions to a disease. If this illustration were a reality, Awbrey’s work would be an essential part of the cure. This book provides a helpful academic treatment of the sermon conclusion while simultaneously encouraging the preacher to develop the heart of a true pastor by concluding his sermons effectively. Are your sermon conclusions suffering? Awbrey’s ‘prescription’ will be sure to help!

——Andrew Bosak, pastor, First Baptist Church Savannah

Product Details

• Title: How Effective Sermons End
• Authors: Ben Awbrey, Alex Montoya
• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 476
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781666740202, 9781666740196, 1666740195, 9781666740189, 1666740187, 1666740209
• Resource ID: LLS:9781666740202
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2026-02-22T02:43:03Z

About the Authors

Ben Awbrey is senior professor of preaching at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. Before coming to Midwestern, he taught preaching at The Master’s Seminary in Panorama City, California. He is the author of How Effective Sermons Begin and How Effective Sermons Advance. He has been the preaching pastor of churches in Oklahoma, Louisiana, California, and Missouri. How Effective Sermons End completes a three-volume examination of the formal elements of a sermon—sermon introduction, sermon structure, and sermon conclusion.