Preaching God’s Word to God’s people is a serious task—one that requires preparation and prayer. We’d be hard-pressed to say all there is to say about effective preaching, but the practices and tips below will help you begin to find the sermon preparation rhythm that works best for you.

There are two main types of sermons: topical and expositional.

Topical sermons explore a biblical word or concept and help listeners apply … Examples of topical sermon series themes include missions, giving, and prayer.

Expositional sermons walk through biblical passages step-by-step—often verse-by-verse. Expositional sermon series often focus on entire books or extended passages of the Bible, such as 1 John, the Sermon on the Mount, or Psalms.

Once you’ve chosen your sermon passage or topic, the real fun begins.

The most important part of sermon preparation doesn’t happen behind a desk or a computer. It happens on your knees. Once you’ve prayerfully chosen the topic or passage, spend time reading and praying through it on your own. The best sermons come when we know the material on a heart level, not only a head level.

Commentaries are useful to help you understand how other respected preachers have understood your chosen topic. While other books can cover specific topics more in-depth, commentaries focus on biblical passages. They’re one of the most helpful tools in a pastor’s toolkit.

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Looking at words used in the original languages helps you understand the verses a little more clearly. Even if you don’t know the difference between a jot and a tittle, you can find tools to help you explore each word’s original meaning better.

Commentaries are useful to help you understand how other respected preachers have understood your chosen topic. While other books can cover specific topics more in-depth, commentaries focus on biblical passages. They’re one of the most helpful tools in a pastor’s toolkit.

Sermon Starter Guide

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Learn how to use the sermon started guide

One pastor (and probably others) recommends thinking of a specific person or handful of people in the congregation who will hear a sermon, and writing the sermon with them in mind. That’s one great way to love the people you’re sharing God’s Word with.

Another way to care for God’s people as a preacher is to use relevant illustrations and quotes to help listeners grasp the text’s meaning. Just make sure the majority of your church will understand your illustrations and quotes. For example, a mostly female audience may not follow your meaning if you’re using an analogy from a war movie.

No matter what tactics you use as you write your sermon, the important part is knowing your audience well.

You’re not writing a sermon for people to read—it’s for people to hear. So how do you preach winsomely, clearly, and truthfully?

Once the prep is done and the sermon is preached, it’s time to share your sermon online. Posting your sermon on your church’s podcast and website aren’t just to give you a storehouse of sermons to come back to. They’re also valuable for prospective church visitors and devoted members who missed part of your sermon series.

In the end, the best sermon preparation is the one that works for you, your family, and your church. What tips can you put into practice right away?