How to Plan a Preaching Calendar

by

Impact Conference Breakout Session // February 20, 2025 // Shandon Baptist Church

Don’t succumb to the weekly stress of figuring out what to preach next. Discover how to create a long-term preaching plan that is faithful to God’s Word and mindful of your church’s calendar.

I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. – Acts 20:27

Why It’s Important

  • You’re called to declare the whole counsel of God.
  • You’re in danger of limiting your worship leaders.
  • You’re failing to create synergy in churchwide efforts.
  • You’re missing opportunities to plan coordinated applications.
  • You’re potentially stressing yourself out.

How to Prepare

  • Meditate on the Scriptures daily for your soul’s sake (Josh. 1:8; Ez. 7:10).
  • Refuse to be a disconnected shepherd (Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:2).
  • Learn to stay in step with the Spirit (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:25).
  • Keep consistent records of what you’ve preached (1 Thess. 3:10; Titus 1:5).
  • Pray for the church’s continual spiritual growth (2 Cor. 13:9; Col. 1:9).

How to Plan

#1. EVALUATE: What is the overall spiritual health of the church?

Shepherd God’s flock among you – 1 Peter 5:2

  • Is there a dangerous drift?
  • Is there a widespread weakness?
  • Is there a cultural concern?
  • Is there a promising possibility?

#2. EXAMINE: What part of the Bible speaks to that best?

Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15

  • Plodding through the Scriptures prepares you for purposeful preaching.
  • Preaching through books of the Bible shows your members how to study.
  • Prioritize expository preaching, even in topical series.
  • A shepherd’s soapbox can appear as targeting twists of the Scriptures.

#3. ESTIMATE: How many weeks will it take to preach through that?

Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” – James 4:15

  • Don’t agonize over details in your first draft outline.
  • Determine when to use others’ guides as a checkpoint. 
  • Script an ideal plan without worrying about how long it will take.
  • Mark asterisks beside passages that could be condensed or expanded.

#4. ENVISION: When is the best time of year to address it?

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.  – John 16:13

  • Utilize a marked calendar with important holidays and pivotal events.
  • Incorporating a holiday within a series widens your freedom.
  • Don’t schedule a series that builds when attendance is sporadic.
  • Use a planning system that allows you to adjust the timing easily.

The Holy Spirit is as powerful in the study as in the pulpit.

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