Preaching is for pastors, right? Wrong. I know, the whole idea is kinda weird because seminary degrees and theological training seems like necessary requirements to talk about God and divinity and all things spiritual. But the more I learn about Jesus, the more I realize that–though degrees and academia are great–a willing heart and dedicated follower is all that is needed to spread some Jesus truth around.

Last week I had the privilege of heading to the land down unda’ for work. Australia is known for their beautiful skies, koalas, and hot bodies beaches. Yes, beaches.

But it wasn’t a leisure trip entirely. Sandwiched between meetings and trainings, I had the honor of attending the Colour Conference in Sydney. [Think of Disneyland, seminary, Broadway, and splash of Bollywood and that pretty much sums up the conference.] It was truly one of the most amazing gatherings I’ve been to.

I’ve spoken about women’s ministry and Church quite a bit before, but this event just goes to prove that femininity can be celebrated, wisdom can be learned, and hearts can STILL be calibrated in the beauty of believers who are willing to lean in and press hard for Jesus. Even if you’re in high heels. Amen.

One of the most moving sessions was a panel discussion on the Word [<—–That’s Christianese for bible]. A panel discussion of brilliant thinkers and communicators was led by the ever-fierce Bobbie Houston. There were names that I could mention and you would be able to recognize, but at the end of the day, the man who left an indelible mark on my heart and mind was Robert Fergusson. You might not have heard of him, but let me tell you something: I can’t forget him.

He doesn’t have a website, he’s not on Twitter, he’s not a Christian popstar, but he radiates Jesus and is brilliant. Trust, this man has got it GOING ON!

I was reading in Acts this week and realized that there are hosts of brilliant men and women in the early church who did amazing things. But one of the most prolific men in the New Testament was Paul. How do we know this? Because we have writing to prove it and tangibly solidify his word through external sources. Without writing the Acts down, how else would we know what crazy-awesome-cool things were accomplished?

I’m a word nerd and I firmly believe that if we don’t write down what God is doing, we will lose the amazingness of God and the faithfulness of his word. 

So in honor of my bible boyfriend Paul, I’m going to be sharing with you the notes I jotted down from my new BFF Robert. [He doesn’t know I exist, but in my head he texts me witty things and I respond with dorky theological quips. Because, you know, we tight.]

Using John 4, Robert breaks down two major segments:

1. Four Ways to Prepare to Preach
2. Five Ways to Preach Effectively

Grab your journals and take these notes down because everybody is a preacher. And by everybody I mean errrrybody! We are called to preach the good news so you might as well be fabulous doing it.

Four Ways to Prepare to Preach

Check out John 4:4-42 for the contextual background. But for now, take note:

1. Jesus knew the Father’s will. 

• In verse 4 it states that Jesus had to go through Samaria. Historians and bible scholars all agree that there were alternative routes to Galilee, as most Jews avoided Samaria. But scripture says he had to.
• Was this compulsion by God? We know Jesus spent lots of time praying and communicating with His father and when we do the same, it will inevitably lead us to knowing God’s will and identifying people who are in need of a word… the Word. 

2. Jesus knew people.

• In verse 13-14 we read that Jesus knew what she was looking for. She came looking for water, but she was really looking for a savior. He knew that. 
• All through scripture Jesus knew the needs of different people in various situations.
• The paralytic man needed his sins forgiven. The blind man needed to see. The hemorrhaging woman needed healing. As Jesus knew people intimately and connected on a tangible need, we must also know people and read where they at spiritually.

3. Jesus knew scripture. 

• In verses 19-20 the Samaritan woman get uber spiritual and references the spiritual history of the location where they were. 
  
• Jesus immediately knew what she was referring to and came back with a prophetic word of truth.
• He couldn’t be sidetracked with theological differences. He knew 1. the will of the Father, 2. knew her heart, and 3. He knew scripture. Don’t mess with Jesus!
• When we are called to preach, don’t think your personality can take you farther than the Truth of God’s word. Know the word.

4. Jesus knew himself. 

• In verse 26 JC drops a mega bomb. He pronounces that He is messiah, the chosen one who was promised to come. 
• There was no messing around. Jesus was on mission. He knew it. He owned it. He rocked it out.
• When we know who we are–anointed–we can boldly preach the good news of Jesus.
• Anointed simply means chosen one. We are chosen to be conduits of the gospel. Know it. Own it. Rock it out.

Tomorrow I’m going to post how Rob broke down how to preach effectively in ONE sentence. No joke, he exigeted o.n.e verse and taught us how to preach. This man is bomb.com. F’real.  [All the bible nerds just drooled on their computer keys.]

In summary, if you want to prepare to preach, KNOW God’s will, KNOW people, KNOW scripture, KNOW who you are.

If you have more to add or questions to surmise, feel free to drop it like its hot. 😉

See you tomorrow!