Last Sunday I tried to hit a home run with my sermon. And I have to say, I was getting close. I had a strong introduction, a good grasp of the text (and it was a tough one—2 Chronicles 26), a simple big idea, a clear outline. But then my conclusion and application seemed to veer into foul territory. I think I had folks but then lost them.

I mention this story because most preachers I know want to hit a home run—maybe even a grand slam—every week. After over twenty years of preaching, here's my advice: treat the text well, love your people, and preach in the power of the Holy Spirit every week (there's really no excuse for not doing those three things), but then leave the results to God. No sermon is perfect. Every sermon is a learning opportunity. Every time you step into the pulpit you're just like the little boy in John 6 who offered Jesus his five small barley loaves and two small fish. So keep growing as a preacher, and keep offering your little-fish sermons to the One who can really feed the multitudes.

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

• Skills Article: How can pastors speak to the complex issue of homosexuality? An interview with Dr. Wesley Hill
• Featured Illustration: Famous Astronomer Who Accepted Christ
• Featured Sermon: Resurrection Hope for Every Day by Wesley Hill
• Video: Smart

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.