EPISODE · Jun 28, 2026 · 33 MIN
Tips for Young Preachers
from Reformed Thinking · host Edison Wu
Deep Dive into The Archer and the Arrow: Preaching the Very Words of God by Phillip D. Jensen and Paul Grimmond - Tips for Young PreachersThe provided text outlines seven practical tips for novice preachers aiming to develop their craft and faithfully communicate biblical truths. First, young preachers must always strive for excellence. Since preaching is the central purpose of a church gathering, designed for the salvation of souls and the edification of the church, it always demands maximum effort. While congregations accustomed to expository preaching might forgive an occasionally dull sermon, establishing a new preaching style requires exceptional delivery and thorough preparation.Second, it is normal for recent seminary graduates to deliver somewhat dry or boring sermons, as their minds are often filled with academic concepts and Greek phrases. However, the authors argue that it is preferable to begin with heavy, theologically rich content rather than shallow messages, which can leave a preacher with nothing substantive to say after a few years. Third, preachers must determine their optimal sermon length by seeking honest feedback from trusted congregation members to ensure they can maintain the audience's attention effectively.Fourth, while commentaries are useful tools, they can stifle a sermon if overused. Preachers should spend more time reflecting directly on the biblical text rather than addressing academic debates that are entirely irrelevant to the people sitting in the pews. Fifth, sermons should be structured around the logical units of a biblical book rather than arbitrary chapter or paragraph divisions, allowing the Bible itself to dictate the message.Sixth, inexperienced preachers should initially focus on larger slabs of Scripture. This practice helps prevent them from projecting their own agenda into the text, whereas accurately preaching on just one or two verses requires significantly more expertise. Finally, while establishing the priority of expository preaching is essential, young preachers should avoid unnecessary conflicts over secondary church issues. By genuinely loving and caring for their congregation without making unnecessary changes, preachers build the vital trust required for their biblical leadership to be embraced.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerWorship Music: https://suno.com/playlist/3a498d0f-c90e-4981-8aa7-59834e7239f7https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730
What this episode covers
Deep Dive into The Archer and the Arrow: Preaching the Very Words of God by Phillip D. Jensen and Paul Grimmond - Tips for Young PreachersThe provided text outlines seven practical tips for novice preachers aiming to develop their craft and faithfully communicate biblical truths. First, young preachers must always strive for excellence. Since preaching is the central purpose of a church gathering, designed for the salvation of souls and the edification of the church, it always demands maximum effort. While congregations accustomed to expository preaching might forgive an occasionally dull sermon, establishing a new preaching style requires exceptional delivery and thorough preparation.Second, it is normal for recent seminary graduates to deliver somewhat dry or boring sermons, as their minds are often filled with academic concepts and Greek phrases. However, the authors argue that it is preferable to begin with heavy, theologically rich content rather than shallow messages, which can leave a preacher with nothing substantive to say after a few years. Third, preachers must determine their optimal sermon length by seeking honest feedback from trusted congregation members to ensure they can maintain the audience's attention effectively.Fourth, while commentaries are useful tools, they can stifle a sermon if overused. Preachers should spend more time reflecting directly on the biblical text rather than addressing academic debates that are entirely irrelevant to the people sitting in the pews. Fifth, sermons should be structured around the logical units of a biblical book rather than arbitrary chapter or paragraph divisions, allowing the Bible itself to dictate the message.Sixth, inexperienced preachers should initially focus on larger slabs of Scripture. This practice helps prevent them from projecting their own agenda into the text, whereas accurately preaching on just one or two verses requires significantly more expertise. Finally, while establishing the priority of expository preaching is essential, young preachers should avoid unnecessary conflicts over secondary church issues. By genuinely loving and caring for their congregation without making unnecessary changes, preachers build the vital trust required for their biblical leadership to be embraced.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerWorship Music: https://suno.com/playlist/3a498d0f-c90e-4981-8aa7-59834e7239f7https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730
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Tips for Young Preachers
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