Sermon series selection

On the agenda for my first staff meeting in a few weeks is helping to select the sermons for the rest of the year. As a result, i spent today wondering about the topic.

Primarily, the only issue is... What does this community of faith need to hear from God? How do they need to be encouraged? Where do they need to grow in obedience?

As a planning strategy you need to begin with the past. What have you do over the last few years? Has anything been overlooked or needs to be revisited?

Is there a balance in the revelation of the Godhead? Have all members of the Trinity been equally represented?

Is there a balance in the genres of the scriptures? Have you preached on the Old Testament narratives, Old Testament major and minor prophets, Old Testament wisdom, the Gospels and the Epistles. Have you just focused on the preachers favourite passages or books?

Has there been a balance of exegetical (verse by verse study) and thematic topics?

Have you equipped the church in apologetic and evangelistic techniques so they are sure what the gospel is and how Christianity is defendable?

Looking into the future, you can plan with the church calender in mind, building into and upon the church seasons. Flow into Advent and the Christmas season with an Old Testament prophet. Flow from Pentecost into a series on Spiritual gifts.

Be aware of the church specific events. Plan with church anniversaries, baptisms/confirmations and, importantly, staff holidays in mind.

Also, the length of each series should be carefully prepared. A new series shouldn't begin when a large portion of the congregation are away on holidays nor extend/compres a series beyond what is appropriate.

Finally, you could always go with the prescribed lectionary readings... At least for some of the time.

Or... You could ask some trusted people in the congregation what they want to/need to hear and take that into account...