Preaching is fundamental to the life of a healthy church - and always has been. It brings the Word of God to life, and helps people to see the truth of the Gospel.

My team and I just finished our latest Discipleship Pathway class, Preaching on Purpose by Reuben Munn, pastor and teacher. I’m excited to be sharing a resource to upskill both new and experienced preachers in our unique kiwi context, and I’m so glad we invited Reuben to be a part of it. His passion for homegrown, Bible-based, Spirit-filled sermons radiates from his presentation. He already teaches practical courses on preaching and pastoring at Laidlaw College, but he sees Discipleship Pathway playing an important role in helping to raise preachers across Aotearoa.

"I have a real heart for a renewal of Biblical preaching in our country," he told me after we launched the class.

"Sometimes, because of the globalised context, we can get our preaching context from all around the world. But there is nothing like preaching that comes from our context."

"I hope we can raise up preachers in New Zealand who are equipped to passionately and faithfully speak the Word of God."

Preaching on Purpose is more than a lecture on how to structure a 3-point sermon. It is on purpose: learning to be intentional every step of the way. Reuben breaks down the process of ruminating in the Scripture, developing solid exegesis, figuring out your core message, and communicating that message clearly and powerfully. He’s hopeful that it will inspire and encourage those who have never given a sermon, equip new preachers with some fundamentals, and even help those who have been preaching for years to take the next step and grow in their gifting. "Sometimes we just need an injection of freshness in our preaching and a renewed sense of importance in this ministry. Wherever people are, I hope that there is something in this course that can challenge and inspire them."

I think we’re both looking forward to the fruit that will come from Reuben’s work. In a world rife with all kinds of brokenness, preaching God’s Word can help ground us in what is real, true, and beautiful.

"In a secular context like New Zealand, it’s important for people to have a strong sense of truth and ways of making sense of the world,’ Reuben said. ‘There is an urgent need for churches to step forward and offer a better story."

Whether you are a seasoned preacher or just starting out, Preaching on Purpose is an excellent resource for improving your sermon preparation and presentation. I invite you to take up Reuben’s invitation to take the next steps in your preaching journey. Like all Discipleship Pathway classes, it’s free - so go sign up!