When posting a message on Sermon-Coach.com, I try to avoid using personal illustrations. This isn’t because I feel they’re inappropriate. Rather, it’s because personal stories can’t easily be used by another person.
I especially like it when personal illustrations make the speaker the brunt of a humorous story. I especially don’t like it when the person preaching frequently presents himself or herself as always doing or saying exactly the right thing.
I’ve heard ministers use personal stories quite effectively. But they don’t write sermon starters for the benefit of other speakers.
The message I posted as Sermon Starter #204, “Retired Generals” is highly personal. I was recently asked to give a 15-minute devotional for the board of an international ministry. I sensed the Lord’s presence as I put the thoughts together. The subject was clear as was the desired response. I’m sure the “how to” and the “how long” were clearly understood by those present. Several of the board members thanked me, not only for what I said but apparently the Holy Spirit spoke as well.
The other day a minister friend read a copy that was on my desk and asked why I didn’t share it with others. After some consideration I decided to do so—in spite of the personal illustrations! If you wish, you can read it on my Sermon-Coach.com website, using the link below.
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Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about?
Or, if you’re someone who plans well ahead, have you asked yourself what you will preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon?
David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Saturday or Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions.
We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
