Preparing to Preach

Preacher Preparation Begins with the Whole Person Bruce E. Shields reflects on the lasting influence of a preacher’s character and argues that sermon preparation must include personal and spiritual preparation. Drawing from Phillips Brooks and practical ministry experience, he encourages preachers to pray, hear the text personally, study deeply, and offer the sermon as worship. A preacher’s character often leaves a deeper lasting impression than any single sermon. Preachers should prepare both the message and the whole person who delivers it. Prayer, personal engagement with Scripture, scholarship, and worship are essential to faithful preaching. By Bruce E. Shields Who is

March 4, 2009

Mark A. Taylor

News & Updates Christian Standard Updates

To Keep, to Share, to Teach

Christian Standard announces a downloadable baptism resource collecting recent articles and interviews on baptism for churches to use in teaching, outreach, and discussion.

July 27, 2008

Bruce E. Shields

Church Life

Lessons Learned from Christ’s Church

Bruce E. Shields reflects on ordinary congregations, faithful mentors, grief, generosity, and mission, showing how Christ’s real and often messy church teaches wisdom no classroom can fully provide.