See theme

I used to preach primarily stand-alone messages. I enjoyed the freedom and adventure of unfettered wandering through the vast reach of Scripture, and my Pentecostal preaching tradition is built on the presupposition that the Holy Spirit leads the preacher to proclaim just what the congregation needs that week. But through the years I have learned the Holy Spirit is supremely organized. He knows what we need this week, next week, next month, and next year. He is not limited to a single style, nor is his anointing limited to a single weekly message. Series now dominate my preaching landscape.

But I've learned that preaching a subject for several weeks or months is a very different thing. A series must be started well and sustained well. Here are the ground rules I have developed for planning, launching, and finishing an effective series.

1. Name it

If you want people to get on board, it's always helpful to announce your destination. A name is always a primary connecting point. Power to Change Your Life leaves no doubt as to its purpose. Ephesians 2, Sermon 4 leaves the listener disengaged.

Advertising slogans, television series, popular movies, and song lyrics offer an immediate connection for people. I often redeem a popular title and call it into the ministry. I think it's a great bonus to have your sermon title promoted by CBS, NBC, or Sony Records.

A word of warning: your series better live up to its billing. I wouldn't preach a series called Survivor, or Fear Factor, without strong infrastructure and imagery. If the title, Powerpoint, and music theme are stronger than the message, you've got a problem. If your title requires lengthy explanation, it's probably a poor title.

2. Frame it

Unless you're in an extended series (beyond twelve messages), create a thumbnail outline for each message before you launch. Without that framework, you risk running out of fuel in the middle of the journey.

Early in ministry I determined to preach a Sunday night series on the twelve disciples. I framed the first several messages (Peter, John, and Andrew) and assumed I would find an adequate supply of material for the other messages as I got to them—a faulty assumption. After five weeks I quietly abandoned the series (Bartholomew proved to be my undoing).

When I have outlines in hand, I turn a critical eye, looking for balance and sequence. I pay special attention to the weaker messages, giving extra effort to illustration, imaging, and conclusion.

The framing process in a series should leave you with the same results as the framing process in a new house. Doorways, hallways, and rooms should be clearly defined. I never want to enter a series without identifying the exit point. What have we learned along the way? What made each room memorable?

Take special care to ensure that each message can stand on its own. In an increasingly mobile culture it is unreasonable to think that people are going to go ten for ten on Sunday mornings. For this reason, published outlines are always a good idea.

3. Contain it

Stay on message. The best preachers in the world leave you wanting more—not less. Crafting series involves sifting vast amounts of material. Unless you keep a sharp focus, your series might fall prey to the rabbit trail syndrome. Keep notes on all the good stuff you find along the way. It might not fit the series, but you'll find a good use for it down the road.

Make sure you deliver what you promised, whether it is Five Fatal Attractions or Twelve Steps Beyond Twelve-Step Programs.

4. Sustain it

When you have done your homework, be careful to keep your personal enthusiasm for the series at fever pitch. Hard work in the text will generally induce an elevated temperature. Like manual labor stimulating the heart rate, the tireless pursuit of a text excites the soul. A series makes you dig deep. Prayer takes what is warm and makes it hot. Ask God to illuminate his Word, especially in the middle messages.

5. Rate it

The finish line in a series calls for a personal inquisition. Did the messages answer the theme? Did you hit all announced ports of call? Did you finish with a trumpet call or a whimper? Did the series grow you as a preacher? The joy of a completed journey should be savored—if only until Monday morning.

David Crabtree is senior pastor of Calvary Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, and author of There's Hope for Today devotionals.