Chuck Sackett

Anytime the preacher says, “Look again at verse 5. The word there means…,” the audience moves their attention to Scripture. They learn that in Bible Study, as in any other endeavor, words matter. Let’s say the preacher says something like, “Remember, there were no chapter divisions when this was written. When Paul said, ‘If you […]

A few months before I retired, a newcomer stopped me in the lobby to chat. He wanted to know if we purchased our sermon series. For him, they all seemed to be well-developed, logical, and fit within the overall worship context each Sunday. When I shared that we created all our own material, he responded, […]

In The 21st Century Pastor, David Fisher discusses when he moved from rural Goldendale, Washington, to historic Park Street Church in downtown Boston. The move forced him to acknowledge the significance of location. He asks the question, “Do you know where you live?” Fisher implies that too few preachers actually “know their address.” I remember […]

Some might justifiably argue that this article should have preceded the previous one (“You’ll Never Know if You’ve Arrived if You Don’t Know Where You Are Going”). You might ask, “How can you know where your congregation should be in a year if you don’t know the values that determine such decisions?” After all, all […]

The first question I ask when teaching my Doctor of Ministry course is, “What do you want your congregation to look like in a year?” Followed by, “For what do you want your congregation to be known within the local community?” The consistent reply to those questions is blank stares. My dumbfounded reply to the […]

Preachers have unique opportunities to develop stronger disciples while also enhancing the quality of their preaching. It often feels as if we must choose between two essential activities in order to get everything done that calls for our attention. Employing the sermonic process as a disciple-making tool accomplishes both, reducing the guilt we often feel […]

What is expository preaching? Rather than a particular method or style, expository preaching is a theological/philosophical approach to preaching which makes a text of Scripture central. Expository preaching builds from discerning a text’s pericope, exegeting it, discerning its form and intent, and exploring appropriate application. Nearly half a century ago, preaching students were introduced to […]

Recently I’ve been led to believe I’m an expert at almost everything. I receive multiple requests each week to evaluate my doctor, my treatment by the wait staff, how well the clerk did at Staples, whether my mechanic was friendly and competent, was my order filled correctly, and on and on and on. I know […]