I’m Ahead!!
It’s official. I am now 3 weeks ahead on my sermon preparation.  This means that 80-90% of my messages are done for the next 2 Sundays and I am currently working on the message 3 weeks out. Perry Noble and Andy Stanley both advocate this method of sermon preparation.Â
So I worked ‘overtime’ for about 2 weeks to get ahead and now I’m ahead and already I am realized the benefits. Additionally, Greg is pretty excited because he can find music, songs, and other creative elements a lot easier with 2 weeks notice than 3 days notice!!
Being ahead is (so far) doing the following:
- Marination. Ideas have longer to soak into my brain and heart. I can read and listen to more material related to the message topic and get better ideas and illustrations to make communicating easier.
- 911. When an emergency or crisis happens in my life or in the church, I am better able to respond without having to sacrifice my study, prayer, and preparation time.
- Creative Process. We are now planning services that are 2 or more weeks out. We can pay more attention to the details. We can work through songs, transitions, videos, etc. a whole lot easier and as a result be more ‘excellent’ on Sunday morning.
- Holy Spirit. Being ahead gives God a greater window to speak to me. I used to prepare mostly on Wednesday and Thursday and then review the message on Friday. Now the message is done in the same amount of time but God still has 2-3 weeks to continue to speak to me about the message.