Preaching the Word

Preaching is not giving a fine speech on a religious topic. It is letting God speak to his people through his Word, explained faithfully and carried into the lives of those who listen. That is why whoever preaches carries a great responsibility and, at the same time, a great privilege.

This course is designed for those who preach or teach in the local church, for those who have just begun and for those who want to grow. You do not need extraordinary speaking gifts: you need a prepared heart, a serious method and plenty of practice.

In the first module we will reflect on the purpose of preaching, on the marks of an effective message and on the character of the messenger. We will also see how communication works: who speaks, who listens and what can get in the way of the message.

In the second module we will walk the road from the text to the pulpit: choosing the passage, studying it with the three steps of the BereaWay Method (receive, examine, connect), meditating on it and giving it a clear structure.

In the third module we will learn to use illustrations, to write and preach the message, and finally to evaluate it in order to improve.

Like the believers in Berea, those who listen also “search the scriptures”: our task is to preach in such a way that every message passes that test.

What you will learn

• Understand the biblical purpose of preaching and the responsibility of those who proclaim the Word
• Choose a text and study it with the BereaWay Method before preaching it
• Build a well-structured expository, textual, topical or narrative message
• Communicate with simplicity, effective illustrations and attention to the audience
• Evaluate and honestly improve your own preaching