What "type" of sermons do you preach?

For many years, I have ministered in all 6 methods of preaching a sermon.

My strongest forte would be numbers 1,3, and 4

 

I have used them all... I like to keep them guessing what type I am going to use...

But mainly, topical, and expository....

 

I usually always preach an expository sermon. I usually preach through books of the Bible (Matthew in the AM, Galatians in the PM). I take small bites at a time, and go over them in pretty good detail. Matthew is going to take FOREVER, so I plan to break it up with some brief topical series from time to time.

 

Expository with an occasionaly topical series thrown in, but done in an expositional fashion.

 

2 & 3. Even if a sermon comes across as topical, it is actuall a #3.

My preaching is along the lines of teaching. I try to bring forth some truth that many have never looked at or considered. I have found that the level of biblical ignorance is extremely high and rising. Most only know what they ahve heard in sermons, and much of that is not accurate.

My wife and I can be a bit dounting for a pastor. I usually don't say much about what is preached, but my wife will ask the pastor (privately, of course) to clarify a point or explain why he has the position he gave. She's not trying to challenge him, but she is trying to find the truth from the bible. She was taught a lot of things "from the bible" that are not in the bible, and she wants to be sure that that is not happening to her anymore.

Nothing wrong with topical sermons, but I have heard way too many whose topics were more about pet peeves than what the bible had to say about something. Sorta goes back to my wife's situation. Not implying anything ere, boys... I figure those here aren't the "rare back and spit it out, picked out a verse during the choir, let know what I think about this" type of preacher.

 

I'm always expository. Occasionally, it may take the form of a topical sermon or biographical sermon, but always expository. I can't remember who said it, but these distinctions have more to do with delivery or form than composition. I agree. For instance, the only difference between textual and expository appears to be the size of the passage in most homiletics works.

 

I usually preach expositional messages. Most frequently I use a propositional approach. I have been trying to use an inductive method more frequently. I also enjoy using a narrative approach occasionally. Most recently, I have preached through the book of Hebrews. There was not much opportunity for a narrative approach in that particular book.

 

Most often, it is expository or textual. Often, the textual is related to the expository series that I'm working on. Also, the expository lesson can also end up being a good topical lesson. However, the biographical (or gegraphical or historical) things, in my opion, can be used to enhance a sermon, but often leaves something lacking when used by itself. Rarely do I use any sort of a personal testimony (either first hand or second hand), except as a way to accentuate something that is in the sermon.

 

I tend to preach expository messages usually, though I do topical and textual messages at times, depending on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the needs of the congregation. At least, this is what I did when in full-time pulpit ministry or serving as an interim Pastor.

JDale