Preaching Tips and Techniques

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Communication is Key

“Brother Jed is one of the best communicators that you will have the opportunity to hear,” University of Oklahoma political science professor, April 9, 2014.

“You had them eating out of your hands,” remarked Jimmie Lewis, Boise State, Idaho, May 8, 2014.

"Brother Jed you are a great showman!" –Paul Tarantino, executive producer, Red Desert Media, April 23, 2014.

by Cindy Smock

   “Never man spake like this man,” replied the officers when the Pharisees demanded to know why the men had not arrested Jesus as they had been ordered. (John 7:46)


   At times we are threatened with an arrest that never happens. Often we are not sure why but we like to think it may be for the same reason that the Pharisees’ agents refused to arrest Jesus. We do know that often the police seem as captivated by our message as the students. Jesus was the Great Communicator and we want to pattern our ministry after His.

  June 6, 2014 Bro. Jed finished his 41st year of preaching to college students with 37 weeks of ministry in the 2013-2014 school year. To honor his faithful service I would like to review keys to Bro. Jed’s effectiveness in communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ to four generations of youth.

1)Must be filled with the Holy Spirit.

A man’s primary goal in preaching must be the glory of God. Then one can say as Paul, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” (I Cor. 11:1) It is the Holy Spirit that produces a self-confidence that captivates listeners. The Holy Spirit gives the minister a tone of voice that commands the attention of sinners. Jesus instructed, “He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is Arizona State Universityin him.” (John 7:18)

2)Must have a genuine love for lost souls and a passion to see men reconciled to their Creator.

 It is important to have sincere interest in the lost person. It is disheartening to see that the only time some Christians witness on campus is when they oppose the preaching. Bro. Jed can be in dialogue with a serious inquirer only to be interrupted by a Christian student bent on instructing the preacher on approach or doctrine and totally ignoring the lost soul.

3)Must disturb the conscience of the listeners…

Use language that brings conviction like “fornication” and “drunkenness.” Make it personal by commanding listeners to repent. Leave the pious platitudes at home. Speak to their hearts (will/motive) by making it clear that they are guilty college studentsrebels deserving of hell. People can see through phony love but will respect the man of God who is not afraid to use both edges of the sword of God’s word. Jesus said, “The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.” (John 7:7)

4) Keep a sense of humor and at times have fun with the listeners...

... but at the same time refrain from trying to be cool, hip or one of them. Look beyond the facades of the hecklers and never take their reactions personally. As Ronald Reagan used to say, “Don’t take yourself too seriously.” Be willing to be the butt of jokes and to be hated. Be ready to be considered a fool for Christ’s sake and to suffer ridicule for His name. Count it all joy!

5)Keep it real!

It is the preacher’s job to bring the Old Book alive to a new generation addicted to an electronic world. Humor, drama and satire are gifts from God and necessary tools of the minister. The Bible is written in black and white, the preacher’s University of Coloradojob is to put it in 3D Technicolor. Teach Biblical principles that apply to every area of life and all the current issues of our day. “Judge not according to appearance but judge righteous judgment.” (John 7:24)

6)Bring audience to a reasoning stage.

Once conviction of sin is present the goal should be to bring hearers to a listening, teachable mode. Be ready to shift gears and give a reason for the hope that is within you. Here knowledge of the Bible, sound theology and skilled apologetics are helpful to reveal the truth of Christianity and hope of Jesus Christ. I often introduce my husband as the best apologist of the faith that I know. My favorite memory of him will always be seeing the sun fade on the horizon as an old fellow sits in his chair on the campus lawn surrounded by 20 students listening to him explain the necessity of the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ.


   We are always working and seeking the face of God to improve our communication skills. In the heat of the battle, mistakes can be made…if so, we humble ourselves before God, regroup (as Sis. Pat says) and do better the next dayReasoning Stage. There is always room for learning, improving and being a wiser soul-winner. We will remain faithful witnesses and prayerful communicators until “all flesh see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6).

 

 

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