Derek Morris

The importance of prayer for the preacher, the hearers, and the community: An interview with Alvin VanderGriend

I was taught to pray from childhood. My parents encouraged me to pray when I got up in the morning and when I went to bed at night. They led us in prayer before and after each meal. I am deeply grateful for what I learned about prayer through my Christian upbringing. Some important foundations were laid. But there was a lot about prayer that I didn’t know. I didn’t know that prayer was all about relationship, a love relationship with God. I didn’t know that I had to ask for spiritual blessings in order to receive them. I didn’t know what a difference intercession could make.

Sequence preaching: How to design and prepare an effective sermon series

Here’s a way to incorporate drama into the sermon in a way that church members will find refreshing.

Is streaming video a reason to stay home, watch church services, and avoid the crowds? Or does it actually have benefits?

Many preachers view preaching as simply a time to speak. They fail to recognize that effective preachers need to listen attentively to their listeners. Every listener provides valuable feedback during the sermon, and wise preachers will learn to listen attentively to this feedback in order to connect more effectively with their congregation.

Two great preachers discuss the importance of preaching, preparation for preaching, and making an appeal at the end of the sermon.

A five-step process to leaving your notes out of the pulpit. (But you’ll still need to write a manuscript!)

Preaching involves more than spoken words. Nonverbal communication can make or break your sermon.

A well-known speaker and author shares his passion for ministry to youth.

An interview with Luis Palau

Derek J. Morris interviews Charles D. Brooks.

How to successfully hold a preaching calendar, and how it can and will benefit you.

An interview with Barry Black, chaplain of the United States Senate.

A viable plan for using our congregations in the act of sermon creation

An interview: Practical principles for effective public speaking

An interview with Thomas H. Troeger

Interview: The value of and approach to exposing biblical doctrine in the pulpit.

The bottom-line essentials in preaching.

An interview with Dr. Thomas G. Long.

An interview with Henry H. Mitchell by Derek J. Morris.

Using congregational feedback to improve preaching

An interview with Haddon Robinson on effective preaching

Ravi Zacharias gives tips on reaching the secular minds of today.