Hershael York

How do you plan your sermon series? Do you go for topical or exegetical/book-by-book series (or at least chunks of biblical books)? Does it really matter? We think so. This week one of our favorite preachers (and he's a professor too!) Hershael York downloads his wisdom on why your preaching bread and butter (or eggs and grits) should be a long labor of loving exegetical sermon series. (And to create some discussion, check out last week's skills article—"The Case for Topical Sermon Series.") Hershael builds a solid case for his position. Read the whole thing, but make sure you read the last question where Dr. York lists his five quick tips for planning and preaching an exegetical sermon series. We'll give you tip number five for free: "Love. Love the Lord, love the people to whom you preach, love the Word, and love preaching."

Abby McHugh

Then check out this moving, personal, and textually-rich sermon on Maundy Thursday from a new PreachingToday.com contributor, Abby McHugh. You may see her name listed as the Director of Sanctuary, the College & Young Adults Ministry at Menlo Church's website (where John Ortberg hangs out), but Abby has her own distinct preaching voice. I love the way she weaves her personal stories throughout the exegesis and keeps pointing to Jesus. This is a rich sermon for Holy Week or for any Communion message.

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: Challenger Engineer Still Regrets Launch that Killed Seven
• Featured Video: Our Stories: This mini-movie explains that when we are at our weakest, that's the very place we get to tap into the strength of God.
• Featured Sermon: "Maundy Thursday: It's About You" by Abby McHugh
• Featured Skills Article: "The Case for an Exegetical Series" by Hershael York

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

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