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How do I preach the gospel? What if I’m not good at it? As messengers of the good news of Jesus Christ, we all need to start somewhere. Whether it’s leading a devotional in a small group, volunteering as a Sunday School teacher, or sharing your testimony at an outreach event—these are places to grow your skills and practice preaching.
I’ve been consistently preaching for a year. I’m getting my reps in with writing and delivering sermons, and I’m grateful to my church for the opportunity. If you’re like me, you might feel a bit foolish as a beginner preacher—but don’t let this discourage you. Here are three lessons learned after one year of preaching.
1. Writing sermons is not romantic, and preaching is not glamorous
The first lesson I learned is that writing sermons is not romantic, and preaching is not glamorous. We sometimes romanticize writing the sermon. We imagine a clean desk with a typewriter or ink and looking out of a window into a beautiful world. But I write on my laptop whenever I get the chance. I write at the library. I write on my lunch break. When it’s finally time to preach, half of the congregation is sleeping. Or I get sick. Or there are technical difficulties. It’s very humbling. It’s a privilege, but it’s not romantic or glamorous.
2. The preaching moment comes and goes
The second lesson I learned is that the preaching moment comes and goes. It’s hard for me to accept this. I spend much time crafting the sermon. But the preaching moment is short, and it doesn’t seem like a big deal after. We greet each other and catch up. We get lunch and move on. We don’t often see immediate fruit from the labor of preaching. As God’s Word takes root, we see lives changed over time. But for the most part, the preaching moment comes and goes.
3. God works in the preacher as well as in the hearers
The third lesson I learned is that God works in the preacher as well as in the hearers—maybe even more so. And I think this makes sense because I’m studying the passage and writing the sermon, so it’s in my head and it’s in my heart. It’s humbling to know that God would still have much to teach me as I’m getting up to preach. I’m not getting up on stage and proudly thinking I have something to say. God is constantly teaching and showing me that I must apply his word to myself—more than I need to get up and preach.
Preaching that Pleases God
You cannot know God just by being wise, being smart, being clever, or by any other way that the world offers you. The gospel of Jesus, the most glorious news in the entire world, the truth that can save us from hell, and the message that can restore our relationship with God–is found in a book. God gives us shepherds to study and speak about it. That’s what God wants to use to save his people.
Preaching is important. Preaching is powerful. If you are new to the pulpit, I hope that you are encouraged. While I might feel foolish as a beginner preacher, I’m learning to proclaim the seemingly foolishness of the gospel. Please pray for me as I pursue preaching that pleases God.
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. (1 Corinthians 1:21)