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The Power of Preaching: Crafting a Creative Expository Sermon
The No-Nonsense Preaching Manual Every Pastor Needs
The first book in the Kingdom Pastor’s Library from Tony Evans, The Power of Preaching will help you be faithful to the Word of God and preach with power and conviction. From the practice of preparation to learning to choose subjects wisely, this book offers you a preaching education from one of the most trusted and effective voices in ministry. It also includes important lessons
Bible study methods & expository preachingThe development and use of illustrationsThe cadence of deliveryLearn the essentials of preaching a powerful message from the gifted, veteran pastor, Tony Evans.
The Kingdom Pastor’s Library is a series of books that brings you a concise, complete pastoral philosophy and training from Tony Evans.
Faithful. Powerful. Practical. Become a Kingdom Pastor today.
The first book in the Kingdom Pastor’s Library from Tony Evans, The Power of Preaching will help you be faithful to the Word of God and preach with power and conviction. From the practice of preparation to learning to choose subjects wisely, this book offers you a preaching education from one of the most trusted and effective voices in ministry. It also includes important lessons
Bible study methods & expository preachingThe development and use of illustrationsThe cadence of deliveryLearn the essentials of preaching a powerful message from the gifted, veteran pastor, Tony Evans.
The Kingdom Pastor’s Library is a series of books that brings you a concise, complete pastoral philosophy and training from Tony Evans.
Faithful. Powerful. Practical. Become a Kingdom Pastor today.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2019
192 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Tony Evans
511 books517 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Evans Sr. is an American evangelical pastor, speaker, author, and widely syndicated radio and television broadcaster in the United States. Between 1976 and 2024, Evans served as senior pastor at the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.
Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Evans Sr. is an American evangelical pastor, speaker, author, and widely syndicated radio and television broadcaster in the United States. Between 1976 and 2024, Evans served as senior pastor at the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 11, 2020
A good book by an effective preacher. It is brief. But it is a good introduction to the basics of sermon preparation and delivery for a new preacher or Bible study teacher. Seasoned preachers and teachers will enjoy the helpful hints Evans gives from his own pulpit ministry.
June 1, 2024
A very helpful and short, yet thorough guide on expository preaching for a pastor. I wish I would’ve read this in college.
July 17, 2021
The Power of Preaching by Tony Evans is best described as a “pocket guide” to expository preaching. In this short book, Evans packs “a lot of punch” into a small package. Within the framework of the four chapters: 1. Foundation, 2. Organization, 3. Preparation and 4. Presentation, Evans attempts to equip the preacher to “bring the Word to the people” and “bring the people to the Word.” (Page 9)
In chapter 1 Evans talks about “the call” to preach. If one does not have a “call from God”, as well as a passion for preaching, then that person needs to pursue another profession. The pastor’s job is to engage people with the Word of God and move them closer to God. The pastor has failed in his role if he does not guide them to the Word. Something is wrong if people come week after week but never read their Bibles. The discussion of “Teaching Versus Preaching” was very helpful. On occasion I am tempted to do more teaching than preaching. I like the way Evans sums the subject up by saying “Biblical preaching seeks to persuade hearers to respond to the truth, not just inform them of truth.” (Page 37).
In chapter 2 Evans discusses the work that a preacher must put in if he wants to be successful. This includes being spiritually prepared through prayer and disciplined study. Creating a preaching calendar also helps the preacher from wondering what they will preach each week. After the topics are determined, you then begin to study the Scriptures. I like the idea of ending the study process with the introduction. As Evans says, “Determine your introduction last because until you have your message mapped out, you won’t know what you are introducing.” (Page 48) I’ll be trying that this week.
Chapter 3 is Preparation which involves biblical hermeneutics. Hermeneutics is the science and art of interpreting the Bible. Word studies are my favorite part of hermeneutics, but it doesn’t end at defining words. It becomes art when deciphering what the author is trying to say. This involves the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the preacher’s job to be open to the Spirit and the Spirit’s job to interpret, clarify and help apply the text.
Presentation is the final chapter and this has to do with application and relevancy. These are the necessary ingredients for transformation. As Evans says “irrelevant sermons…fall short of biblical preaching.” (Page 75). Early on in my preaching ministry, I purchased numerous illustration books and I filled my sermons with stories that would bring tears to the eye but weren’t focused on transformation. Today, my sermons use fewer illustrations and I am much more focused on relevance, application and transformation.
Although Evans’ book is by no means a comprehensive guide for expository preaching, it certainly accomplished the goal of equipping the busy pastor to pay attention to the relevant application of the sermon, to be attune to both the Word of God and the world because the world needs kingdom minded preachers who will call their people to be transformed into the image of Christ.
In chapter 1 Evans talks about “the call” to preach. If one does not have a “call from God”, as well as a passion for preaching, then that person needs to pursue another profession. The pastor’s job is to engage people with the Word of God and move them closer to God. The pastor has failed in his role if he does not guide them to the Word. Something is wrong if people come week after week but never read their Bibles. The discussion of “Teaching Versus Preaching” was very helpful. On occasion I am tempted to do more teaching than preaching. I like the way Evans sums the subject up by saying “Biblical preaching seeks to persuade hearers to respond to the truth, not just inform them of truth.” (Page 37).
In chapter 2 Evans discusses the work that a preacher must put in if he wants to be successful. This includes being spiritually prepared through prayer and disciplined study. Creating a preaching calendar also helps the preacher from wondering what they will preach each week. After the topics are determined, you then begin to study the Scriptures. I like the idea of ending the study process with the introduction. As Evans says, “Determine your introduction last because until you have your message mapped out, you won’t know what you are introducing.” (Page 48) I’ll be trying that this week.
Chapter 3 is Preparation which involves biblical hermeneutics. Hermeneutics is the science and art of interpreting the Bible. Word studies are my favorite part of hermeneutics, but it doesn’t end at defining words. It becomes art when deciphering what the author is trying to say. This involves the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the preacher’s job to be open to the Spirit and the Spirit’s job to interpret, clarify and help apply the text.
Presentation is the final chapter and this has to do with application and relevancy. These are the necessary ingredients for transformation. As Evans says “irrelevant sermons…fall short of biblical preaching.” (Page 75). Early on in my preaching ministry, I purchased numerous illustration books and I filled my sermons with stories that would bring tears to the eye but weren’t focused on transformation. Today, my sermons use fewer illustrations and I am much more focused on relevance, application and transformation.
Although Evans’ book is by no means a comprehensive guide for expository preaching, it certainly accomplished the goal of equipping the busy pastor to pay attention to the relevant application of the sermon, to be attune to both the Word of God and the world because the world needs kingdom minded preachers who will call their people to be transformed into the image of Christ.
August 4, 2019
***DISCLAIMER – I RECEIVED THIS BOOK FOR FREE FROM MOODY PUBLISHERS TO REVIEW***
In a short and simple book, Tony Evans explains how to craft a “Creative Expository Sermon.” In four chapters, Evan explains the foundation, organization, preparation and presentation of a sermon (pp. 13-86). This part covers a little over half of the book. In this section, Evans explains some basic bible interpretation terms (pp. 49-71). He also placed decent emphasis on relevance (pp. 73-84). That placement bothered me because the heretical “Seeker-Sensitive” movement places heavy emphasis on relevancy. People do not need relevancy as much as they need to hear about their need to repent and trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:1-10; Isaiah 43:11; Romans 6:23; Romans 3:23; John 14:6; Matthew 3:8; Acts 17:30; 2 Timothy 2:19).
The latter half (roughly) of the book consists of what Evans calls “preaching resources.” These resources include some “how-to” guides on creating a sermon, a master preaching calendar and a sermon outline (pp. 87-126). Evans promotes his own resources in the “Recommended Resources” appendix of his book (pp. 127-134). The second and final appendix of his book includes more promotion of himself in addition to a brief promotion of the “Kingdom Now” theology.
Overall, I found this book to be average at best. His sermon preparation has its emphasis a little off. Furthermore, his promotion of self via the repetitive promotion of his own resources reminds me of the wolves that Acts 20 speaks of (20:17-38). Considering his daughter Priscilla Shirer is a wolf and false teacher who flagrantly disobeys God’s Word with her preaching behind a pulpit (1 Timothy 2:9-15; 1 Corinthians 14), the self-promotion sadly does not really come as a shock. If you can find a resource on creating expository sermons that does not come from a self-promoter/hireling like Tony Evans, I would suggest you seek that book before this one.
In a short and simple book, Tony Evans explains how to craft a “Creative Expository Sermon.” In four chapters, Evan explains the foundation, organization, preparation and presentation of a sermon (pp. 13-86). This part covers a little over half of the book. In this section, Evans explains some basic bible interpretation terms (pp. 49-71). He also placed decent emphasis on relevance (pp. 73-84). That placement bothered me because the heretical “Seeker-Sensitive” movement places heavy emphasis on relevancy. People do not need relevancy as much as they need to hear about their need to repent and trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:1-10; Isaiah 43:11; Romans 6:23; Romans 3:23; John 14:6; Matthew 3:8; Acts 17:30; 2 Timothy 2:19).
The latter half (roughly) of the book consists of what Evans calls “preaching resources.” These resources include some “how-to” guides on creating a sermon, a master preaching calendar and a sermon outline (pp. 87-126). Evans promotes his own resources in the “Recommended Resources” appendix of his book (pp. 127-134). The second and final appendix of his book includes more promotion of himself in addition to a brief promotion of the “Kingdom Now” theology.
Overall, I found this book to be average at best. His sermon preparation has its emphasis a little off. Furthermore, his promotion of self via the repetitive promotion of his own resources reminds me of the wolves that Acts 20 speaks of (20:17-38). Considering his daughter Priscilla Shirer is a wolf and false teacher who flagrantly disobeys God’s Word with her preaching behind a pulpit (1 Timothy 2:9-15; 1 Corinthians 14), the self-promotion sadly does not really come as a shock. If you can find a resource on creating expository sermons that does not come from a self-promoter/hireling like Tony Evans, I would suggest you seek that book before this one.
January 4, 2019
The Power of Preaching is a brief tool laying the foundation for expository preaching and a guide for crafting sermons. Tony Evans offers a very accessible approach to the organization, preparation, and presentation of an expository sermon.
The strongest points in the book were the Organization and Preparation chapters. I think this book is a helpful little tool for those new to preaching or those considering an alternative approach to sermon preparation.
In speaking about Organization, Evans highlights how the seriousness of the task of preaching requires the preacher to have a plan to communicate and handle the Scriptures effectively. From the necessity of prayer to the helpfulness of a preaching calendar, Evans walks through an approach to the organization to increase the preacher's ability to communicate well.
In looking at preparation, Evans focuses much of his attention on putting in the work to rightly interpret and then communicate Scripture. In doing so, Evans offers a brief workshop in how exegesis and hermeneutics are to be applied in preparing a message.
Additionally, this book may be helpful in raising up the next generation of preachers. The book is accessible enough to be read by high school and undergraduate students. I would encourage pastors with young people who express a desire to preach to walk through this book with young people to help them understand what it looks like to rightly handle Scripture in the pulpit and in teaching.
**I received this book from Moody Publishers and NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
The strongest points in the book were the Organization and Preparation chapters. I think this book is a helpful little tool for those new to preaching or those considering an alternative approach to sermon preparation.
In speaking about Organization, Evans highlights how the seriousness of the task of preaching requires the preacher to have a plan to communicate and handle the Scriptures effectively. From the necessity of prayer to the helpfulness of a preaching calendar, Evans walks through an approach to the organization to increase the preacher's ability to communicate well.
In looking at preparation, Evans focuses much of his attention on putting in the work to rightly interpret and then communicate Scripture. In doing so, Evans offers a brief workshop in how exegesis and hermeneutics are to be applied in preparing a message.
Additionally, this book may be helpful in raising up the next generation of preachers. The book is accessible enough to be read by high school and undergraduate students. I would encourage pastors with young people who express a desire to preach to walk through this book with young people to help them understand what it looks like to rightly handle Scripture in the pulpit and in teaching.
**I received this book from Moody Publishers and NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2018
I am grateful to net galley.com and Moody publishers for an advance review copy of this book. This book is a very short book about a very important subject. The book itself (without the appendices) will take maybe an hour to read but the wisdom and insight gleaned from it will be incredibly useful.
The book starts with a brief introduction and explanation of what expository preaching is and moves very helpfully through perhaps what we might call a sermon week. There are tips on organisation and tips on preparation of the material. What i found to be the most helpful chapter was the chapter on presentation, as someone who has been preaching for over 10 years it was good to come back and think over my sermons and see if there is one clear goal and idea that could be identified.
This book is very down to earth, very practical with lots of helpful tips and appendices, it would be great for someone staring out in the pastoral ministry wanting to know what expository preaching was all about and was good for someone like me who has been doing it for a good few years as a reminder not to go into auto pilot but to stop and think as we come to writing sermons. A helpful book all in all.
The book starts with a brief introduction and explanation of what expository preaching is and moves very helpfully through perhaps what we might call a sermon week. There are tips on organisation and tips on preparation of the material. What i found to be the most helpful chapter was the chapter on presentation, as someone who has been preaching for over 10 years it was good to come back and think over my sermons and see if there is one clear goal and idea that could be identified.
This book is very down to earth, very practical with lots of helpful tips and appendices, it would be great for someone staring out in the pastoral ministry wanting to know what expository preaching was all about and was good for someone like me who has been doing it for a good few years as a reminder not to go into auto pilot but to stop and think as we come to writing sermons. A helpful book all in all.
April 27, 2019
The Power Of Preaching is the first book that Tony has released in the new The Kingdom Pastor’s Library series and it is both practical and inspirational in scope. On the practical side, Tony shares concise methodologies for sermon preparation, organization and presentation. If you need basic information on how to topics such as how to create a sermon, how to create a master preaching calendar, or have general questions about preaching, chances are what you are looking for is covered in this book!
Just as important, however, are Tony’s inspirational notes on how a pastor (or a pastor-to-be) needs to prepare spiritually be leading a holy life. Pastors should not only have a burning desire to communicate God’s truth but also to display God’s truth in their lives.
If God has called you to preach, be sure to include this highly recommended book in your pastoral library!
This excerpt is taken from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Just as important, however, are Tony’s inspirational notes on how a pastor (or a pastor-to-be) needs to prepare spiritually be leading a holy life. Pastors should not only have a burning desire to communicate God’s truth but also to display God’s truth in their lives.
If God has called you to preach, be sure to include this highly recommended book in your pastoral library!
This excerpt is taken from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
October 27, 2021
This book is the most hands-on manual for all things expository preaching. I got it on my kindle and now I am ordering the paperback coz I just love it that much. If you are a person that enjoys spending time in the Bible and then sharing the good news with others, this book will make tonnes of times better. Highly recommend.
May 25, 2019
This is a great resource for young preachers. And this book is full of great reminders for people who have been in ministry for awhile.
Lots of tips, direction, and insight for anyone who is teaching out preaching regularly.
Lots of tips, direction, and insight for anyone who is teaching out preaching regularly.
December 30, 2021
Great read
This was a wonderful and easy read, it was full of information that I will use to enhance my ministry. I am encouraged and inspired to do better and I believe that this book will strengthen my preaching and teaching.
This was a wonderful and easy read, it was full of information that I will use to enhance my ministry. I am encouraged and inspired to do better and I believe that this book will strengthen my preaching and teaching.
January 22, 2025
This book has helped and continues to help me with my ministry. I appreciate all the expertise he gives to us to help us further our purpose and calling here on Earth. His experience, for me, is unmatched along with his wisdom.
July 10, 2025
A tiny little book full of helpful advice on the purpose of preaching, the necessity for studying scripture so one can properly preach & teach the people, and includes guidelines, suggestions, samples, and other resources. Written by one of my top favorite preachers, Tony Evans.
February 27, 2020
I like learning from Tony Evans, but I feel this one was not made for a general audience, but aimed for those specifically in the ministry field.
October 15, 2021
Helpful guide for those who are interested in becoming better at the art of preaching. Definitely helps you think through the process and is a very easy read.
April 2, 2022
Simple but not simplistic. Short and sweet. He summarizes many preaching principles in such a different way that it was fresh and insightful to think about preaching in a new light.
July 21, 2023
I admire Tony Evans so much, and I really appreciated this short, helpful book on effective preaching. Recommended for anyone working on their preaching!
August 16, 2023
4.5 stars. From a leader, teacher and pastor of the Gospel. An excellent man of God. This is a wonderful resource.
August 20, 2023
Solid primer for learning to preach.
May 17, 2024
Well organized details and a good checklist for preaching.
August 22, 2024
Who would have thought that a very short book in preaching would be so valuable?!
November 2, 2025
Excellent introduction to the fundamentals of expository preaching.
March 7, 2019
A powerful preaching shares the secrets behind the power. In view, Tony Evans is one of the best preachers today, so anything he shares on preaching is worth a listen. In this book, he provides a foundation for preaching, talks about the importance of putting the time in strategically to do it, and then goes into the nuts and bolts of preparation and presentation. For me, there is nothing particularly new in anything he has to say, apart from the importance of making the Bible relevant to the contemporary audience using, as much as possible, of down-to earth practical illustrations. What he does very well is take what many others have said in a more academic way and written in terms which are simple and understandable. A Super book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews