God has really been all over me lately to prepare myself for treaching (teaching and preaching together). When it comes to Bible translations for instance, I like using the KJV for studying and strengthening myself. But that translation is really best for those who already have a decent understanding of His Word. For treaching, I really prefer either the NKJV or NASB. So Friday I got a copy of the NASB version.
Today while I was out, I was led to go to our local Christian book store. I picked up 2 really great books: Nelson's Minister Manual (NKJV Edition) and 'The Star Book on Preaching' by Marvin McMickle. For those who don't know, the Minister's Manual covers weddings (formal, informal, general, 2nd marriage, informal/home, vow renewals), funerals (general, child/youth, accident, suicide, non-christian), dedications (child/infant, confirmations, buildings, home, groundbreaking, installation/consecration), and baptism & the Lord's supper. Included are suggested hymns, sample prayers and so much more including pastoral care and sample invitations to Salvation and Church Memebership. The star Book was written by a man who started preaching when he was 16. And over 40 years he preached and was a professor of preaching. It covers being Called to Preach, The Heart and Habits of the Preacher, Keys to an Effective Preaching Ministry, Preaching Styles and Forms, Sermon Design and Delivery, Planning a Sermon Series and Sermon Outlines.
These books seems to have a lot of helpful suggestions and ideas and should be great to help me lay the groundwork I need. I know that I won't have a standard church ministry to start with (but may have one later on) and therefore I feel that it will be even more important that I learn all that I can to become as effective as I can to affect as many as I can.
I don't know what is going to happen, but I have a feeling that very soon God is going to open the flood gates and drown me. I better know how to swim.
" Jesus did ... more