In this episode of The Word Shared, Tanya Stead and Mark Woods discuss the importance of vulnerability in preaching. They explore how personal stories can enhance sermons but also highlight the risks involved in sharing personal experiences. Mark shares insights from his own ministry, emphasizing the need for preachers to connect with their congregations while maintaining a focus on God. The conversation culminates in reflections on the nature of sermons and the impact they can have on listeners.

Key takeaways

• Vulnerability in preaching can create deeper connections.
• Personal stories should point beyond the preacher to God.
• Sermons are fundamentally about God, not the preacher.
• Careful consideration is needed when sharing personal experiences.
• Illustrations in sermons should illuminate biblical truths.
• Preachers must balance personal experiences with congregational needs.
• Humility is essential when addressing real human situations.
• All sermons have value, even if they don't resonate with everyone.
• The heart of preaching is about connecting with the audience.
• Every sermon is an opportunity for God to speak through the preacher.

If you'd like to purchase the issue of Preach magazine that Mark has read from, then please visit www.preachweb.com/issues and choose Vulnerability in Preaching (Issue 15)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:24 Personal Stories in Ministry

04:25 Vulnerability in Preaching

19:14 Bible Month Philippians

20:39 Reflections on vulnerably sharing stories

AD: Pre-order your copy of Bible Month Philippians from our website: Bible Month Philippians

Sharing God's Word effectively, faithfully and truthfully. Inspiring conversations for those called to preach and lead with faith.

In this episode, Ian Buchanan, CEO of the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust (LWPT), sits down with Tanya Stead, editor of Preach magazine, for an inspiring conversation about preaching and sharing God’s Word. Together, they reflect on their favourite issues of Preach, offer encouragement to preachers, and explore what it means to grow spiritually while leading a congregation.

Want to learn more about the work of LWPT? Watch this video: LWPT Overview
Feeling led to support their mission? You can donate here: Donate to LWPT

Preach magazine is a quarterly publication that brings together a range of voices around a central theme. Each issue tackles either cultural topics shaping the 21st century or delves deeper into Scripture, offering fresh insights and encouragement for sharing God’s Word effectively, faithfully, and truthfully.

Discover more about Preach magazine here: Visit Preach

Welcome to The Word Shared! A podcast produced by the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust and Preach magazine.

In this introduction, Ian and Tanya share the hope for this podcast. They'll share what the podcast content will be and who they hope will tune in and listen.

You'll listen in to conversations between church leaders about preaching and sermon preparation and how to lead well. We'll also talk about how to share God's Word in whichever context we find ourselves in. We'll listen to prominent voices from the UK and some further abroad about theological ideas, and faithfully interpreting Scripture.

We hope that this podcast will be an encouragement to anyone; church leader, lay reader, minister, pastor, small group leader, home group leader, bible study, book club, pastoral care, or those who are moved to share the Word of God - as he has instructed us to in Matthew 28:19-20. Amen.

If you'd like to find out more about who the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust is and what we do, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omeNFG_671Y