{"id":31281,"date":"2022-09-10T15:24:11","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:24:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/5-tips-for-effective-preaching-during-difficult-seasons\/"},"modified":"2022-09-10T15:24:11","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:24:11","slug":"5-tips-for-effective-preaching-during-difficult-seasons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/5-tips-for-effective-preaching-during-difficult-seasons\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for Effective Preaching During Difficult Seasons"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ben White photo – Unsplash<\/div>\n

By Steven Blake<\/em><\/p>\n

One of the disciplines I have in my walk with God is to listen to some of the great preachers of our day.<\/p>\n

One of my favorites to listen to is David Jeremiah. His messages are always encouraging, challenging, and timely.<\/p>\n

I recently finished listening to his \u201cSheltering in God\u201d series, which brought me great encouragement in these trying days.<\/p>\n

It made me think about how we as ministers are handling this time where the church and the world are experiencing a difficult season\u2014in both a corporate and an individual sense.<\/p>\n

How are we demonstrating encouragement from our pulpits? Here are five practices\u2014and I\u2019m sure there are more\u2014that have come alive for me in these recent days.<\/p>\n

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1. Preach a biblically positive series.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Notice I didn\u2019t simply say a \u201cpositive series\u201d but rather a \u201cbiblically<\/em> positive.\u201d I\u2019m not referring to feel-good, itching-ear messages, but ones that encourage and challenge the believer in their daily walk.<\/p>\n

During a difficult season which affects us all in some way or another, the church needs to be a refuge for the weary. I\u2019m currently preaching a series on heaven.<\/p>\n

What I\u2019ve discovered is that it\u2019s not only an encouragement for the congregation, but that it has lifted my spirits as I focus on the future reality waiting for me.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s comforting it also challenges us in our walk and witness to a world that needs the assurance of the hope we have.<\/p>\n

2. Preach without an ax to grind.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I don\u2019t know if you\u2019ve noticed but with all that is happening in our culture\u2014the pandemic, civil unrest, and the coming elections\u2014frustration levels are higher than normal. At times this causes consternation where it might not in other seasons.<\/p>\n

Words and opinions can be said from anxious hearts which may not be pleasant to hear. I recall on one occasion a church member made the comment, \u201cIt\u2019s okay for me to get angry but not you because you\u2019re a minister.\u201d<\/p>\n

We too, as preachers of the gospel, are experiencing the same pressures others are feeling.<\/p>\n

Our response, however, is to never use the pulpit as an opportunity to speak against those who might irritate or anger us. We need to always demonstrate love to those we shepherd.<\/p>\n

Pray for those rather than preach at ones who might be your proverbial thorn in the flesh for that week. The Holy Spirit can do a much better job of conviction than any ill-timed words you might speak from the pulpit.<\/p>\n

3. Remind them of the promises of God.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I truly love God\u2019s promises. I’ve seen it claimed there were over 5,000 promises of God in Scripture. I\u2019ve never counted them all myself, but I know there are thousands.<\/p>\n

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See also  8 Ways to Persevere in Ministry<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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You don\u2019t need to read far in Scripture to find a promise God has made. The amazing truth is that God isn\u2019t like man.<\/p>\n

He always keeps His promises. He never goes back on His Word. I attempt in most every sermon to bring remind our church of a promise God has made to His children.<\/p>\n

The fellowship you shepherd needs to hear of God\u2019s promises, especially during difficult seasons. It brings hope, peace, and comfort in an otherwise unstable world.<\/p>\n

4. Assure them of God\u2019s character.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We all need assurances at times. The difference in our preaching is our assurances are not in ourselves, but in the attributes of God.<\/p>\n

As we deliver the Word of God may it always be immersed in the character<\/em> of God.<\/p>\n

Share with them that because God is holy He will one day judge evil.<\/p>\n

Remind them that because of His love, nothing can separate us from God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).<\/p>\n

Dwell on His faithfulness to us; no matter the storms of life His faithfulness wins in the end (Romans 8:28).<\/p>\n

You get the idea. The more we direct our church\u2019s attention on God\u2019s attributes the difficulties in life will pale in comparison to His greatness.<\/p>\n

5. Tell your church frequently of your love for them.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

How often does your congregation hear the words, \u201cI love you\u201d from the pulpit? These three simple words can disarm fears, frustrations, and anxieties.<\/p>\n

Every time I tell my church I love them I see the smiles come across the congregation as if a wave of joy just hit every seat.<\/p>\n

As believers, we\u2019re the hands and feet of Jesus and when we genuinely demonstrate love to our congregation it displays that we are truly His disciples.<\/p>\n

As ministers it\u2019s a reminder to them that as their shepherds our leadership is best manifest in our love for them.<\/p>\n

No doubt you can share other practices that could help many of us. If you have an opportunity share some of the principles you\u2019ve placed in your preaching ministry, do so in the comments section.<\/p>\n

As you preach the Word faithfully do so with a shepherd\u2019s heart that conveys the love of our Chief Shepherd.<\/p>\n

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Steven Blake<\/h2>\n

@stevenblake<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Steven is the pastor at First Baptist Church in Bloomingdale, Ga. He is married to DeLynn, and they are the proud parents of three daughters and 11 grandchildren.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n