I don’t know any experts on this matter.

Every pastor I know does their best to use their gifts to build the Kingdom of God. None with even an ounce of humility would claim to have perfected what we’re known best for: spoken ministry.

Sermon prep and preaching are as much a matter of a pastor’s personality as they are of technique and learned skill. Some will disagree with that statement, but go write your own blog.

Here are a few insights I’ve learned from over three decades of Spirit-filled spoken ministry.

1. I believe I’m led by the Holy Spirit.

This is a matter of simply following Christ in prayer and His Word. If I do that, He shouldn’t have to smack me over the head, strike me with lightning, or speak audibly from His Throne Room. Supernatural revelation is always welcome and appreciated. But most often, my leaning toward a particular theme or a passage that keeps resurfacing in my mind or a subject that a staff member feels firmly about could very well be God’s Spirit directing my spoken ministry content.

A divine moment in which the Spirit highlights a passage, theme, or subject is always welcomed and appreciated. However, these happen most frequently when pursuing other leadings and leanings that seem good to the Holy Spirit and to us (see Acts 15 for more on this phrasing).

2. I’m not concerned with whether I’m preaching or teaching.

In my Pentecostal circles, preaching has been the historical focus. So much so that a Spirit-filled and Spirit-gifted teacher like myself was often made to feel inferior. I’m past that because of what the Bible says. The Great Commission passage of Matthew 28 focuses on teaching. The Ephesians 4 passage that lists spiritual gifts connects pastors and teachers. And the text of 1 Timothy 3:2 tells me that a bishop (spiritual overseer) must be able to teach.

Colloquially, we believe all pastors preach. But here’s the biblical truth: If a preacher has no gift for teaching, he or she shouldn’t be a lead pastor.

Teaching is how discipleship takes place over time. My best preaching occurs when I simply settle in and allow the Spirit to work through me. Solid Spirit-filled preaching is declarative and inspiring (and I love it), and it should always include some teaching element that aims for life transformation.

Those less informed by Scripture think the difference between the two is volume and energy. I’m often the exception to that fallacy. Good preaching can happen by telling it and not yelling it. Good teaching can also be loud, insistent, and passionate.

Jesus went about teaching and preaching, and the Book of Acts shows the Early Church teaching and preaching. Let no man divide asunder what God has joined to build His Kingdom here.

3. I leave lots of wiggle room in my notes and outlines.

Yes, I believe the Holy Spirit guides my thoughts and gives me words to say as I type. But I also realize I can interrupt the process and insert too much of myself. Yet, I dare not enter any spoken ministry opportunity without some form of a plan.

My notes and outlines usually aim to present a problem or issue, teach biblical truth, and show how Christ’s followers can apply what the Spirit shows us. You might label me a 100% manuscript pastor if you saw my iPad. The reasoning is that many issues could confront my mind before I enter the pulpit on Sunday morning, and I might be less spiritually minded than I should be. When the unavoidable happens, I can lean heavily on what the Holy Spirit has helped me prepare.

I have left more wiggle room in the notes lately because I might be re-teaching the same content to my midweek Resurgence group. This enables us to dive deeper, ask questions, and satisfy our growing hungry souls.

However, what I love about wiggle room is that I’m not bound by my notes. While I might follow the outline, I’ll teach and preach whatever the Holy Spirit illuminates in the moment so He can reach whoever He’s dealing with. I’m convinced that the Holy Spirit has better sermons than I do, and I’m just a vessel that serves to glorify our Savior.

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There’s so much more I could say. I’d like to share my thoughts on using humor and illustrations, how God used Sunday School teaching to set me up for pastoring, and a few other things. But I’ve got to close this tab and return to sermon prep because Sunday is right around the corner.

If you’ve enjoyed this content, I’d appreciate it if you shared it. You never know how much encouragement it could provide for another pastor.

Lastly, any reader with a spoken ministry has my respect. Good preaching done Sunday after Sunday is hard work and taxing on your soul. Let me know how I can help you, and pray for you.