Narcissism

Most of us know the famous line about how preaching involves the "communication of truth through personality." But is it possible to take that in the wrong way? Is it possible that my sermons are too much about me? Those are the questions explored by Dr. A. J. Swoboda in this week's skills article—"Get Over Preaching Narcissism." It is part of our new preaching skills series, —"Honing the Craft: 10 Takes from Behind the Pulpit." A. J. writes, "[As a preacher], I'm learning to not begin with myself. To not begin where I am. To not begin with what I need to say. I'm learning to begin where the church is and where God is." He raises some great food for thought—and prayer too.

As we continue to walk the spiritual journey to Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, check out our new sermon illustrations and sermons. This week's sermon by Charles Price, "God's Power in Unexpected Places," has some wonderful thoughts and illustrations about the folly of the cross, or how God's power shows up in the least likely place on earth—the cross.

This week to help you in your preaching efforts we offer the following:

• Preaching Skills Article: Get Over Preaching Narcissism by A. J. Swoboda
• Featured Illustration: Jewish Woman Hears of the Suffering Yeshua
• Featured Sermon: God's Power in Unexpected Places by Charles Price

In Christ,

Matt Woodley
Managing Editor, PreachingToday.com
mwoodley@christianitytoday.com

Matt Woodley is the pastor of compassion ministries at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois.