Three Relations of Biblical Preaching

Preaching is not, or at least it should not be, a “one-size fits all” type of endeavor. Preaching should have variety, not just in content, but in its total package. The cultivation of intentional variety will likely improve most preaching calendars in the local church. Or to put it differently, if the only thing different about your sermon from week to week is the text and the content, you may be depriving your flock of great opportunities for spiritual growth.

Here, I suggest three relations of biblical preaching to encourage pastors to consider some of the different ways you can preach. A given message will likely choose one from each category, though it may involve two (or rarely more).

Preaching as it relates to the text:

1. Topical
2. Textual
3. Textual-Topical
4. Expository*
5. Lectio Selecta
6. Lectio Continua
7. High Altitude
8. Low Altitude

*Expository as a method of preaching is different than expository as a method of handling a text. The main text (or texts) of a sermon should always be handled in an expository manner, even if the sermon itself is topical or textual. Supporting texts or illustrative texts may not necessarily be handled expositorily, though one should exercise great care here.

Preaching as it relates to the theme or focus of a message:

1. Theological/Doctrinal/Catechetical
2. Ethical/Pastoral/Topical
3. Biographical
4. Apologetic
5. Evangelistic

Preaching as it relates to the presentation or delivery:

1. Inductive
2. Deductive
3. Declarative
4. Dialogical
5. Pragmatic
6. Narrative
7. First Person Monologue