Planning Your Preaching: A Step-by-Step Guide for Developing a One-Year Preaching Calendar

by Stephen Nelson Rummage

This practical guide by an experienced pastor and preaching professor provides a systematic and proven method for planning a cohesive preaching ministry a year in advance. Long-term planning helps the pastor address areas of special need to the congregation, ensure regular preaching on key doctrines, incorporate holidays, and integrate biblical themes into the ongoing education of the congregation. Rummage shows the pastor how all preaching can fit into a plan that makes pulpit ministry the center of congregational maturity.

Genres: Christian

234 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2002

Reviews

[Sam Crosbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m concerned for the church whose pastor isn’t already on board with 80% of this.

It was generally helpful but not particularly insightful either.

[Andrew Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit outdated and, while I don’t fully agree with all of the author’s views on preaching, it offers valuable practical tips on planning your preaching. I don’t know of any other preaching book that covers that topic in any detail.

[Eddie J. Johnson, Sr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must-Have Resource for Bible Expositors

Stephen Rummage offers tremendously useful insight doctrinally and practically for effective and efficient exposition and proclamation of Script. Every preacher should have a copy of this treasure.

[Brian French]

The book is a decent primer on how to plan a calendar but besides giving the basis for planning, it doesn't give much more guidance than that. He suggests looking at many circles of information (term borrowed from Google+) to make a plan, including the Bible, community, your church calendar and liturgical calendar.

What Rummage is missing is the church responding to movements of culture, but the concept is sound. A good primer for introducing a communicator to week to week to week speaking.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear, very precise instructions on planning, preparing and delivering biblical, relevant sermons. His research into the history of the Christian pulpit makes the book interesting for readers. The suggestions for "getting it all done" makes the book a must read for pastors.

[Jarrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a more broad text on planning your sermons. It is a good accompaniment with a book that is more detailed or step-by-step (i.e., "12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching" by Wayne McDill).

[Wayne Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful guide to Pastor starting out his preaching ministry. For the experienced Pastor he will find suggestions and ideas to assist him in refining his skills for long-term sermon planning.