Podcast
The Preaching Matters Podcast
Hosted by Dr. Alan Carr · EN
Welcome to The Preaching Matters Podcast. Preaching Matters is a weekly podcast about expository preaching, sermon preparation, preaching tips, and the art and science of homiletics.
Our episodes discuss preaching and sermon preparation in a refreshing, engaging fashion. We discuss all matters related to preaching because Preaching Matters.
Reach out to Alan Carr at alancarr@gmail.com. The Preaching Matters Podcast is a ministry of Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org).
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
154 - He Made The List
Mar 23, 202500:34:34Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn the episode, I am sharing a sermon I preached recently at Calvary Baptist. It is a sermon the life of Samson. It stirred my heart to think that a man a flawed as Samson would be listed along with the other wonderful Old Testament saints. Samson was a mess, but he made the list.If you like this sort of episode, let me know and I would be happy to do more. If you did it better, which wouldn't be too hard, send me what you produced. I would be honored to learn from you.Support the showSubscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.Contact me at alancarr@gmail.com.The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)
Transcribe →153 - Achieving Simplicity in Preaching
Mar 6, 202500:29:54Tap to summarizeSend us a textIt is easy to preach over the heads of the people in the pew. As preaching, we want to preach the truth, but we should also desire to preach the truth in simple terms everyone can understand. In this episode, I want to explore a booklet entitled Simplicity in Preaching by J.C. Ryle. Bishop Ryle does a tremendous job of teaching how to preach simple sermons.If you would like to obtain a copy of this book, you can do so by using the links below.1. Banner of Truth has this booklet for $2.70. https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/booklets/simplicity-in-preaching/2. This website makes the .PDF available free of charge: http://www.onthewing.org/user/Ryle%20-%20Simplicity%20in%20Preaching.pdfDo yourself and your congregation a favor. Get this booklet, read it, and put it into practice in your preaching.Support the showSubscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.Contact me at alancarr@gmail.com.The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)
Transcribe →152 - Preaching Amid Pain And Suffering
Feb 20, 202500:28:59Tap to summarizeSend us a textWe are all aware of the reality pain in life. This episode reminds us there is hope for us amid the main and suffering of life. I hope to encourage preaching to remain faithful when life falls apart around you. You can preach even when you heart, body, and mind are under assault.Support the showSubscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.Contact me at alancarr@gmail.com.The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)
Transcribe →151 - The Struggles Of Preparing Weekly Sermons
Jan 30, 202500:28:24Tap to summarizeSend us a textPreachers who prepare new sermons on a weekly basis can find themselves overwhelmed by the process. In this episode, we will discuss 10 struggles faced by preachers who prepare sermons weekly. 1. The Weight of Spiritual Responsibility2. Time Constraints and Competing Demands3. The Pressure of Creativity and Originality4. Scriptural Interpretation and Theological Complexity5. Engaging a Diverse Audience6. The Emotional Toll of Preaching7. Maintaining Relevance in a Rapidly Changing World8. The Risk of Routine and Complacency9. Balancing Transparency and Authority10. The Role of Feedback and AccountabilityThe struggles of preparing weekly sermons are as diverse as the preachers undertaking this task. From the spiritual weight of representing God’s voice to the practical challenges of managing time and engaging a diverse audience, the process is both demanding and deeply rewarding. Despite these challenges, preachers persevere, driven by their calling and love for the people they serve.By acknowledging and addressing these struggles, clergy members can find ways to navigate the demands of sermon preparation with grace and resilience. This may involve seeking support from colleagues, engaging in ongoing education, or carving out time for rest and renewal. Ultimately, preaching is not just a duty but a sacred privilege—an opportunity to touch hearts, transform lives, and witness God’s word’s enduring power.Support the showSubscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.Contact me at alancarr@gmail.com.The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)
Transcribe →Podcast Update
Jan 18, 202500:03:19Tap to summarizeSend us a textThis is an update about the podcast. I haven't been able to record the past two weeks because of a fall that resulted in me breaking my back. I am in considerable pain but doing well. I hope to be back in the studio this coming week with a fresh episode. Thank you for listening, and thank you for your prayersSupport the showSubscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.Contact me at alancarr@gmail.com.The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)
Transcribe →150 - Tips For Effective Sermon Delivery
Jan 2, 202500:38:37Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn today's episode, we discuss some ways we can improve our sermon delivery. You can have a well-designed, well-prepared sermon and have it lose its effectiveness because of poor sermon delivery. We have all been there, but if we will integrate a few simple changes into our preaching, we can improve our delivery in astounding ways. I have never met an honest preacher who says he cannot improve his preaching. We can all get better at what God has called us to do. Let me know what you think.Support the showSubscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.Contact me at alancarr@gmail.com.The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)
Transcribe →149 - Some Thoughts About Expository Preaching
Dec 26, 202400:34:09Tap to summarizeSend us a textIt is no secret that I love expository preaching. I love to hear expository sermons. I love to prepare them. I love to preach them. I believe they are the essential, non-negotiable diet of a healthy church. In this episode, I will (once again) discuss why I believe this is true. Let me know what you think.Support the showSubscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.Contact me at alancarr@gmail.com.The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)
Transcribe →148 - Murdering Your Darlings
Dec 19, 202400:29:17Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this episode, we talk about murdering our darlings. What does that mean? It means we need to be brutal with our sermons in the sense that we cut out of them any word, phrase, sentence, paragraph, illustration, story, etc., that does not need to be there. If it doesn't help the sermon progress toward its intended goal, it needs to be removed. Listen along and let me know what you think. Support the showSubscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.Contact me at alancarr@gmail.com.The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)
Transcribe →147 - Preaching Christ At Christmas
Dec 12, 202400:33:50Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this episode, we discuss the challenges and blessings of preaching Christ at Christmas. There are only so many texts that speak about the Lord's first advent. But in those few passages, there is a wealth of theological truth. Every year, we have the privilege of preaching the birth of Jesus. We need not approach the Christmas season with fear. We can approach the season with confidence, knowing the Bible contains a vast repository of spiritual truth related to the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. This truth can transform December from being a time of wondering what we will preach this year into a time of how will I preach everything I have already seen. Support the showSubscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.Contact me at alancarr@gmail.com.The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)
Transcribe →146 - The Struggles Of Preparing Weekly Sermons
Dec 5, 202400:36:21Tap to summarizeSend us a textPreaching is a difficult task. It stresses the mind, the emotions, and the body. But preaching is a privilege. Learning to manage the stressors related to preaching will help us build longevity in the pulpit. This episode will explore some of the struggles preachers face on a weekly basis. Support the showSubscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.Contact me at alancarr@gmail.com.The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)
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