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PASTOR GENERAL'S
REPORT
TO THE MINISTRY OF THE
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
VOL.6, N0.44
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
Preparing Quality Sermons
NOVEMBER 16, 1984
Most reports from the various Feast sites have now come in. We've had doz
ens of comments on the many outstanding sermons and sermonettes at the
Feast this year! I want to congratulate you men on the fine job you've done
in helping to make this such a superb holy day season. Our dedication to
God--allowing Him to use us as tools in His hands--is really the key to mak-
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1ng the Feast the best ever each year. As we grow in the knowledge of God,
understanding His purpose and plan more each year, having a better grasp of
His truth, and drawing closer to Him, the Feast is always bound to be the
"best ever."
One thing to keep in mind as we get back to our regular responsibilities
after the Feast is that we all need to continually work at keeping our ser
mons at a top-notch level. We all know how difficult and seemingly impossi
ble it can be to thoroughly prepare scintillating, moving, exciting, power
ful and helpful sermons week after week. But that is the goal we should al
ways be striving for.
Perhaps we can allow the Feast to be the motivation needed to really dig in
and put added life, enthusiasm, interest and meaning into all our sermons.
I constantly receive comments from brethren about the valuable and helpful
messages they are hearing in their local congregations. We certainly want
to keep that up, knowing how easy it can be to let all the pressures of
other ministerial responsibilities crowd out the time we need to prepare
truly meaningful and worthwhile sermons.
Following are a few pointers that will help you to keep preaching high qual
ity sermons throughout the year.
1. Remember that sermon preparation is of major importance to your effec
tiveness as a pastor (this includes sermons and sermonettes by associ
ate pastors and assistants) and therefore must be given the necessary
priority in your schedule.
2. Always be on the lookout for sermon resource material. Take time to
regularly read a newspaper and/or newsmagazine. Occasionally view an
educational TV program. Be aware of new books on social topics, in
ternational relations, etc. (You don't necessarily have to thoroughly
read such books to be aware of what is being discussed in them.) These
habits will help you have current and factual examples to use in your
sermons, thus adding to the impact of your messages.
3. Don't stray from the Bible. The Bible should always be the foundation
and center of our messages. God has called us to teach His Word, not
our own ideas or thoughts. Don't allow some book, article or other
outside source to be the central theme of a message. Let such material
serve only as an example or illustration of the basic Biblical message
you are giving.