Communication and Preaching
7 Easy Ways to Ruin an Otherwise Great Sermon, Message or Talk (And How to Fix It)
If you’ve ever spoken to an audience, tried to motivate a team, or if you prepared messages almost every week like many of us do, you’ve probably wondered what makes for a great talk. In fact, you’ve probably asked questions…
One Single Word Every True Leader Embraces…That’s Far Too Easy To Abandon
There’s a single word every true leader uses regularly, that far too many leaders abandon early into their leadership. In fact, the more successful you become, the more tempted you will be to abandon it. Others abandon it too. Leaders…
5 Things That Give Pastors A Bad Name With Unchurched People
I have a heart for unchurched people and am always trying to find a way to build bridges and tear down barriers. But I feel like telling people I’ve served as a pastor or founder of a church almost automatically…
Why Most Churches Greet You Like It’s 1999
So, by now, your church is streaming online, has an email list and is all over social. Almost every single church is. Here’s the question though. When you welcome people to your church during your in-person services, do you still…
Why Easter Doesn’t Usually Connect with Unchurched People (And How to Change That)
Chances are there will be far more people attending your church this weekend than normal. And chances are a good number of them normally don’t go to church. What’s so sad is that many unchurched people will walk away from the…
Why All Future Leaders Will Be Great Conversationalists
Sometimes there’s a revolution going on, and you can sense it, but you can’t quite name it. Almost every leader is caught in one of those moments right now. How you lead—and how you need to lead to be relevant—is…
Some (Free) Practical Advice on How to Preach Better Sermons
If you’re like me, this week I’m working on my next message and beginning to plot out another series for a few months down the road. It’s a labour of love. And yet so many preachers are, well, let’s say…
5 Keys to Writing a Talk You Can Deliver Without Notes
As we wrap up our three part series on speaking without notes (Part 1 was on why you should give your talk without using notes and Part 2 was on how to give a talk without using notes), let’s bat…
Three Ways to Create A Sense of Urgency When You Communicate
So you want people to listen when you speak? Who doesn’t? As I outlined in my last post, one of the reasons effective leaders get a response when they communicate is because they establish a sense of urgency. If there’s…
Why People Don't Respond When You Talk to Them
Next time you’re on a plane, watch what happens when the flight attendant reviews the emergency procedures and safety information. Answer? Not much. Most people are tuned out, dozing, reading or otherwise distracted. I’ve always felt for flight attendants. I’m…
Is Your Preaching Helpful? – An Assessment Tool
Thanks for the dialogue these past seven days on preaching. Had to add one more thing. My goal as a preacher to give messages that help people make the link between God and life. I want it to help. But…