As preachers and teachers, we need to earn the interest of our listeners rather than assume they are interested. I realize the word “earning” may not qualify as one of your favourite words. Afterall, we preach a gospel of grace.…
Category: Tips for Teachers
When You Feel Like Quitting: Learning from Jeremiah
The prophet Jeremiah wasn’t a quitter, but there were days he wanted to quit. Read what he lived through over the course of his forty-year ministry and you will understand why he wanted to resign. God gave him one of…
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What Preachers and Teachers Can Learn from Baseball Players
Even if you don't follow baseball (or if you gave up on the Blue Jays this season), there is still something you can learn from baseball players. Especially if you are a preacher or teacher.
Tips for Teachers: Helping People Feel Loved as You Teach
I vividly remember a comment a young woman made after hearing a guest preacher at our church. As she left the service she asked me, “Why does that preacher hate us?” Now, I knew the man who was the guest…
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Learning from the Prince of Expositors
Most of us who preach know about Charles Spurgeon, the man they call the “Prince of Preachers”. I suspect many of us don’t know about one of Spurgeon’s contemporaries, Andrew Maclaren. Maclaren was called the “Prince of Expositors.” He’s credited…
Summer Special for Preachers
Summer is a great time to get some much needed rest. It can also be a time to be refreshed and refueled. This summer, we are making Rick's Noticeably Better Preaching course available at a special summer rate. The Noticeably…
Dealing with Criticism as a Preacher or Teacher
Preachers can count on being critiqued. In some ways, it’s only fair. Preaching, by its very nature, takes place in a public forum. And going public with our thoughts—even when seeking to exposit God’s Word—opens us to public response. Since…
Is Anyone Listening?
Just because we are talking doesn't mean anyone is listening. That's the harsh reality that faces all of us who preach or teach God's Word. So how can preachers and teachers do a better job of helping their listeners stay…
Tips for Teachers (Getting Free From Your Notes)
If you are a teacher or preacher, you know the challenge of breaking free from looking at your notes as you teach. You probably would admit that, ideally, you'd like to be less tethered to your teaching notes. Yet, you…
Tips for Teachers (Tension holds attention)
From time to time, we’ll offer some practical tips for those engaged in teaching or preaching God’s Word. Our hope is to provide helpful insights on how teachers/preachers can grow in their effectiveness in communicating God’s Word to others. Here’s…