Send us a text

Manuscripting sermons is a practice that divides preachers, but when done intentionally, it can become a powerful tool for ministry. The benefits might be more significant than many preachers would imagine.

In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast, we explore sermon preparation with pastor Taylor Burgess, who shares his journey with manuscripting and how it serves his growing congregation of about 1,300 people across four weekly services.

What drives a preacher to manuscript their sermons? When might it be most beneficial? How does it impact consistency across multiple services? We tackle these questions and more through our conversation.

There are strategic advantages of writing sermons word-for-word and those advantages may be more or less significant depending on your context for ministry.

Whether you manuscript or prefer a different approach, this conversation offers insights on leveraging written preparation without sacrificing authenticity. Because at the end of the day good preaching is good preaching, regardless of how many notes you bring to the pulpit.

Learn more about The Preaching Lab: https://faithfruit.link/hqawj1f

Discover all of our free resources: https://faithfruit.us/podcast-links

Additional questions about this topic? Email us at info@faithfulandfruitful.com.

Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.

Send us a text

The intersection of faith and sexuality remains one of the most challenging conversations in modern Christianity.

While some argue the church is overly focused on these issues, the reality is that God's design for gender and sexuality appears on the very first pages of Scripture.

But what does the Bible actually teach about these vital topics?

In this episode of Preaching Through Podcast, we explore the biblical foundations of gender and sexuality, diving into crucial questions that shape our understanding:

• What does Genesis reveal about God's design for men and women?
• How should pastors approach these tough topics from the pulpit?
• What should be the response to personal stories and experiences that run counter to God's Word?
• How can we maintain biblical truth while showing compassion and understanding?

We'll also examine practical approaches for teaching on gender and sexuality, from preparing your congregation through advanced communication to partnering with parents and creating space for meaningful dialogue. Learn how to navigate these essential conversations with both clarity and grace, even in an increasingly hostile cultural climate.

The goal isn't to avoid difficult conversations, but to understand how God's design for gender and sexuality reflects His goodness and wisdom. We touch on both the challenges and opportunities these topics present for modern ministry.

These conversations don't have to divide our churches. When approached with humility, biblical wisdom, and pastoral sensitivity, teaching on gender and sexuality can help people discover the freedom and flourishing found in God's good design.

Connect with Seth Troutt
Follow Seth on X
Read articles by Seth

Mentioned Resources
"Unwanted" by Jay Stringer
"The Case Against the Sexual Reformation" by Louise Perry
Curt Thompson's books:
- "Soul of Desire"
- "Soul of Shame"
- "Anatomy of the Soul"
Podcasts:
- "The Adam Young Podcast" (specifically "Where We Find Ourselves")
- "Being Known" podcast with Curt Thompson

Related Episodes
Preaching Through Tough Texts
Preaching Through A Sermon Calendar

Learn more about The Preaching Lab: https://faithfruit.link/hqawj1f

Discover all of our free resources: https://faithfruit.us/podcast-links

Additional questions about this topic? Email us at info@faithfulandfruitful.com.

Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.

Send us a text

Is controversy something to avoid in the pulpit? Not necessarily. In a world increasingly hostile to biblical truth, pastors must learn to navigate countercultural convictions with both grace and clarity.

This episode unpacks a seven-week series addressing core Christian beliefs that challenge modern cultural assumptions. The series covers seven key countercultural convictions:

• Love - Redefining biblical love as self-sacrifice rather than self-fulfillment
• Jesus - Affirming His exclusive claims as the only way to God
• Bible - Establishing Scripture's divine authority in an skeptical age
• Gender - Understanding God's design for male and female
• Sex - Upholding God's intent for sexuality within marriage
• Salvation - Embracing God's role in saving sinners
• Vulnerable - Caring for the marginalized with authentic engagement

The conversation explores how to structure difficult conversations, establish foundational truths before addressing controversial topics, and maintain a winsome approach without compromising biblical conviction. Rather than throwing red meat to the base or avoiding tension altogether, this framework demonstrates how to engage contentious issues in a way that models Christ-like communication for the congregation.

Whether you're considering a similar series or simply wanting to better understand how to address countercultural truth from the pulpit, this episode provides practical insights for preaching biblical convictions in an increasingly post-Christian world.

Mentioned Resources
Countercultural Convictions Sermon Series
Countercultural Convictions Series Guide
Ironwood Church Doctrine (Website)

Discover all of our free resources: https://faithfruit.us/podcast-links

Additional questions about this topic? Email us at info@faithfulandfruitful.com.

Preaching Through is powered by Faithful & Fruitful, leadership resources for pastors so they can have a faithful and fruitful ministry over the long-haul.