There are three things I use EVERY TIME I prepare a sermon. Not sometimes, but every time…
#1 Blue Letter Bible
This site has the best lexicon and original language search tools that I have found for free! Every message is built on The Holy Word of God not a Holy Topic and BLB is a fantastic tool for all pastors and church leaders.
#2 Etymology Online
The origin of words is in every study session I complete. Often, the word’s origin will clarify new truths for the listener. Try it and I promise you will quickly be addicted.
#3 A Team of People
Every sermon I preach has been saturated in the prayer and contribution of others from my team. Many of the best ideas are from a person that has never spoken at Brand New Church. One day I packed up my ego (most of it), and realized the greatest songs are often co-written. Lone Ranger had Ton-to, Batman had Robin, and you need a group that supports the creativity of your sermon preparation.
What do you use? What tools would contribute to this list to make me better? Comment below!
Dan (Leadership Freak) says,
Shannon,
Thanks for this post. Love that you suggest free resources. I guess I need to put Logos in mothballs.
I had a chat with Brandon Cox who recommended you. I bought your book and followed you on twitter.
I wonder if we might chat sometime. I tweet as @leadershipfreak.
Best regards,
Dan
on 27 August 2010 / 11:12 AM
Shannon O'Dell says,
Love to connect…contact Tammy.Satterwhite@brandnewchurch.com and we can set up a chat time! God bless your ministry!
on 27 August 2010 / 1:28 PM
Brad Ball says,
I use youversion.com on my computer or iPhone. For N.T. I use Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament by Rienecker. It is gives some good information on the text. Just want to say thanks for your book. It has been a great help. I am for the first time in a rural area in 18 yrs of ministry. I have been there for 14 months and God has been working. God has given me a vision for a uniquely different service because we are out of space. Need your prayers and any advice or wisdom you could give asa we travel in unchartered waters.
on 27 August 2010 / 8:18 PM
Shannon O'Dell says,
I am praying for you Brad! Great stuff!
on 28 August 2010 / 5:55 AM
chuck salser says,
Great list of resources, I have used studylight.org for years, lots of good resources on the the site.
on 14 September 2010 / 5:28 AM
Shannon O'Dell says,
Thank you Chuck!
on 14 September 2010 / 5:33 AM