PulpitTalk - Volume 3

Fall 2004 - Doing Conclusions

All good things come to an end, even sermons. Through the evaluation of conclusions from the world of music, drama, and monologue, the Center for Preaching faculty will help you discover the impact of final words. Loaded with practical advice and multiple examples, this edition teaches you how to create memorable conclusions that bring your sermons to a "burning focus."

Varying your Conclusions

Remember that conclusions should always bring the sermon to a burning focus. Make sure that you end at the same time that your audience does.

You can add some variety to your conclusions by using some of the following methods.
- Review your main idea and major points.
- Use an illustration that applies the main idea.
- Quote a song or hymn that encapsulates the sermon.
- Include the audience in the conclusion either through prayer or through singing.

Sample Conclusions

Another way to improve your conclusions is to listen to how other preachers do them. Click on the sermon titles below to hear examples of conclusions from various preachers.

Joseph Stowell "Gone Fishin"
Tony Evans "Building on the Right Foundation"
Rod Cooper "Beholding the King"
John Ortberg "If you Want to Follow Jesus, You Have to Get out of the Boat"

Listen to an audio sample:
Introduction to Volume 3, Number 1
 

Winter 2005 - The Personal Life of the Preacher

Where do preachers go to nourish their own souls? How can preachers make sure that their souls are satisfied in the midst of feeding so many others? This issue of PulpitTalk tackles these and other important questions about the personal life of the preacher through interviews with Ken Swetland and Stuart and Jill Briscoe. Also featured in this issue is Derek Tidball. His sermon in the final segment is one that we think every minister of the gospel should hear.

Listen to audio samples:
Introduction to Volume 3, Number 2
Sermon Excerpt from Volume 3, Number 2

Further Resources
Preacher's Portrait by John Stott; Eerdmans, 1964.
Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon; Zondervan, 1979.
 

Spring 2005 - Illustrating Effectively

Most people don't remember the sermon's points but they are likely to remember the preacher's stories. We want to help you develop your ability to illustrate in a way that communicates biblical truth that your congregation won't forget. In this issue you will hear how some of the best storytellers use illustrations and what makes them effective. Tony Evans, Rod Cooper, and Gordon MacDonald are just some of the voices you will hear. You will also be challenged by Bruce Thielemann's lecture on the "Art of Illustration."

Listen to audio samples:
Introduction to Volume 3, Number 3
Sermon Excerpt from Volume 3, Number 3

Further Resources
Using Illustrations to Preach with Power by Bryan Chapell; Crossway Books, 2001.
 

Summer 2005 - Tough Topics: Homosexuality

As shepherds of the flock, preachers are called to preach the whole counsel of God. This means sometimes tackling difficult and sensitive issues. One of the more pressing cultural issues of our day is the issue of homosexuality and homosexual marriage. The Center for Preaching would like to help you think through this tough topic by giving you relevant biblical teaching as well as pertinent advice on how you can address this sensitive issue from the pulpit. On this issue you will hear a lecture from Dr. Jack Davis, discussions with pastors who have dealt with this in their own church, and an interview with a former homosexual.

PulpitTalk Subscribers: Read Bryan Wilkerson's sermon on homosexuality that was mentioned in this issue. "Beyond Will and Grace: Thinking Biblically about Homosexuality."

Further Resources
The Bible and Homosexuality at the Church's Crossroads by Robert Gagnon. Pastor's Builders Series- Audio Resource.