Preaching Notes

Josh Harris is doing preachers everywhere a service by creating website called Preaching Notes that contains examples of sermon notes that preachers take with them into the pulpit. So far he has examples from Mark Dever, Mike Bullmore, C. J. Mahaney and Ray Ortlund, Jr., with more to come.

I really like this idea because young preachers often struggle in this area. I realize that this is sort of “inside baseball” stuff that may not interest those who don’t preach on a regular basis. But it’s very fascinating to study what these noted pulpiteers actually take with them into the pulpit. You can even get a sense of the different personalities by studying their sermon notes

Over the years I’ve gone through various phrases—from taking only brief notes to a full manuscript to using no notes to taking a page or two with me into the pulpit. I think the rule is, Take as much as you need to effectively deliver that particular sermon. And don’t worry if it’s a lot or a little—or none at all. What we want is to hear the word of the Lord.

I commend Josh Harris for creating this website and look forward to seeing sermon notes from many other contemporary preachers.