Apparently, it’s just one of those long-standing Christmas traditions. More people will come to services this Christmas than at any other time of year. And the majority of those people will not come back for another 12 months. Is this inevitable? Do we simply shrug and accept it as a sad reality? Or is there […]
Will They Come Back Next Week? – The Challenge of Preaching at Christmas Read More »
Baptisms are frequently a time when people come to church who do not normally do so. How can one preach in such a way that their attention is caught by the explanation of what is going on, and they want to come back to learn more? This sermon uses the image of the Christian life
Baptized into the School of Jesus Read More »
Most churches identify themselves as friendly communities. Yet the experience of a first-time visitor is often one of confusion, embarrassment and even alienation. John Bowen helps us think through the steps by which we can make that first visit a positive one, so that a visitor will feel confidence to return, to explore the reality
From Visitor to Disciple: Eight Ways Your Church Can Help Read More »
Many church members are not enthusiastic about outreach and evangelism simply because they do not understand the nature and calling of the church. This booklet offers 14 sermon outlines and two sample sermons on different aspects of the church, from the origins of the church in the Old Testament via leadership, gifts, community, sacraments, mission,
Preaching the Church\’s Mission Read More »
If a newcomer with no church background came to our church this Sunday, how do you think they might respond to the preaching? Would they say (a) “Well, I’m sure it’s of interest for those who like that sort of thing, but I’ve got better ways to spend my Sunday morning”? Or (b) “Wow, this
Preaching in the Presence of Guests: Evangelistic Preaching Today Read More »
Evangelistic Preaching Today John Bowen If a newcomer with no church background came to our church this Sunday, how do you think they might respond to the preaching? Would they say (a) “Well, I’m sure it’s of interest for those who like that sort of thing, but I’ve got better ways to spend my Sunday
Preaching in the Presence of Guests Read More »
How can the average priest or pastor use movies in ministry? This article offers some practical pointers. Previous generations might have used a flannelgraph to illustrate a sermon for children. Any generation in any culture can teach by telling a story, as long as it is appropriate for the culture. But for our postmodern, postliterate
Using Movies in Teaching and Preaching Read More »
First of all, I should state that my main interest in this subject is the atonement in evangelistic preaching. By that, I mean preaching whose intended audience is those outside the Christian faith; I mean preaching whose primary intention is to teach, intrigue, draw and challenge the hearers to open their minds and hearts to
Preaching the Atonement Read More »