What does it look like to preach with purpose instead of pressure? This timely conversation brings clarity to the sermon planning process. Ben Borgman, Craig Etheredge, and Glenn Underhill step into the studio during Holy Week to tackle one of the most practical and pressing challenges pastors face: sermon planning.
But this conversation goes beyond calendars and content. It’s about how Jesus-centered preaching shapes a culture of disciple-making. With wisdom born from real ministry experience, the team shares honest struggles, personal stories, and practical insights that will inspire you to preach with purpose, not just fill the pulpit.
You’ll hear how Craig and Glenn walk through a Spirit-sensitive approach to sermon planning. From building a collaborative team and identifying key themes to shaping a year-long rhythm that meets cultural moments and addresses the real spiritual needs of your people, this episode offers a step-by-step look into the planning process.
Disciplined sermon planning isn’t about sticking to rigid routines. It’s about leading with intentionality, listening to the Spirit, and creating space for multiplication to take root week after week.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of preaching without a clear direction, or if you’re ready to align your message with the mission of Jesus, this episode will give you practical tools to lead, feed, and shepherd your people well.
Be sure to download the free Listening Guide to help you implement what you hear and begin building a sermon strategy that supports a culture of multiplication.
Overview:
- 00:00 Gospel Preaching: A Weekly Work
- 04:03 “Power of Preaching Explained”
- 08:11 Addressing Cultural Issues Biblically
- 11:35 Balanced Preaching Through Passage Focus
- 13:31 Creating an Annual Preaching Plan
- 16:56 “Addressing Family and Conflict Issues”
- 21:19 Preaching Strategy and Vision Planning
- 24:10 “Consistent Effort Yields Better Planning”
- 26:27 Annual Preaching Calendar Planning
- 29:27 Sunday Service Planning Grid
- 34:13 Support for Overwhelmed Pastors
- 35:30 Impactful Sermon Planning Insights
- 40:40 Preparedness for Personal Impact
- 42:48 Understanding Scripture’s Relevance and Application
- 47:28 “Faithful Guidance and Study”
- 48:34 Strategic Sermon Planning
Discussion Questions:
- Craig and Ben talked about the “privilege and work” of weekly preaching. How have you personally experienced the tension between the privilege and the pressure of regular sermon prep?
- What stood out to you about their emphasis on involving a team in planning and preparing messages? How might inviting non-preachers or laypeople into the process impact your own sermon prep?
- Glenn mentions the debate between topical series and preaching through books of the Bible. Where do you land on this spectrum, and why?
- The team suggested evaluating current cultural issues when planning annual preaching. Can you think of a time when your church’s sermon planning was shaped by what was happening in culture? Was it effective?
- Ben said, “I feel seen” when preaching is relevant to real life. What are some practical ways preaching can connect scripture to the everyday experiences of your people?
- The podcast outlined developing a year-long “preaching menu.” What would be the benefits and possible drawbacks of planning this far ahead in your ministry context?
- How do you balance planning/preparing sermons with remaining sensitive and open to the Holy Spirit’s leading?
- The episode encouraged post-series evaluation asking what was good, bad, missing, or confusing. How often do you—or your team—evaluate sermon effectiveness, and what’s your process?
- Craig listed questions for each sermon, like “What’s the main idea?” and “How does this passage magnify God?” Which questions do you find most helpful in your own preparation, or would like to start using?
- The hosts emphasized that disciplined preparation actually creates freedom for the Spirit to move. How could adopting some of these rhythms (yearly menu, creative meetings, rest time) create more spiritual margin and impact in your ministry?
