Preaching Coaching

I view preaching as a craft. This means it involves a mixture of artistry and technical know-how. Just as a potter must not only be creative, but also understand how to work and fire clay, preachers need technical skills in addition to gifting and inspiration. What I focus on in my coaching is helping preachers develop the technical skills needed to effectively communicate the message God lays on their hearts.

Coaching Practices

There are four components to my coaching method. They are designed to help preachers make concrete and meaningful changes to their preaching.

Setting Goals

I work with preachers to set managable goals specific to their current growth needs.

Targetted Feedback

I provide preachers with feedback on recent sermons, focused on their current goals.

Practical Instruction

I explain not only the theory, but the skills and strategies needed to make improvements.

Workshopping

I do preliminary work with preachers on upcoming sermons, looking at how to put lessons into practice.

Preaching Values

While I believe in helping preachers set and achieve their own goals, my preaching values will inevitably shape how I coach. So here is a brief overview of my preaching beliefs and priorities.

1. Biblical

A sermon should be rooted in and derive its authority from a particular passage of scripture. The preacher's goal should be to stay as close as possible to their text and all its details.

2. God-Centered

God should be the subject of every sermon. Not us and what we must do. Not abstract concepts and ideas.

3. Gracious

Sermons should move from law and trouble towards gospel and grace, and not the other way round.

4. Clear

A sermon should have one idea, which is states directly and develops thoroughly.

5. Relevant

Sermons should bridge the gap between the Bible and our world, helping God's people apply God's Word.

6. Embodied

Preachers must speak with conviction and integrity.

The Phases of Crafting Sermons

I believe in helping preachers achieve their goals by them helping work through the four phases of crafting sermons. This allows them to address their goals in a way that is comprehensive, systematic, and practical. Those phases are:

Rev. Dr. Ryan Lawrence