Teach and preach not simply to share information but to equip all the believers for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:11-12).

• Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you prepare your messages.
• Balance expository book studies to meet needs in general that a pastor is not aware of, and topical messages to deal with current interests, needs and requests.

For new churches, cover the essential basics in your teaching before preaching series of messages on specific books or themes. These essentials include:

• the commands of Christ and His apostles,
• the "one anothers,"
• the ministries that the New Testament requires for a church, which correspond to the fourteen Section titles in this menu.

New speakers should start with story telling--relate the historical Bible narratives--until they:

• master eye contact with the people
• can speak in a natural tone of voice
• think with the people they are talking to, rather than developing an artificial speaking style.

Find in Ephesians 4:11-16 several purposes of preaching.

Find in the book of Ezekiel several examples of powerful messages and apt illustrations. What was Ezekiel urging the people to do? Describe how we might use similar illustrations and messages today for the same purpose.

T&M Student Activity Guide page 26b

For planning for preaching, sermon preparation and delivery, and working from application to action by the people, Leadership Handbooks of Practical Theology, edited by James Berkeley, Volume 1, sections 4 - 9.