Helping Johnny Read

Good reading habits are essential for good preaching. Reading is a part of our life and our calling. Here are a few ideas to help you cultivate good reading habits.

The first thing I would recommend is to slow down when reading the Scriptures. A tendency for those of us who have been believers for many years is that we become so familiar with certain passages that we gloss over them without really looking closely. A close, slow, and deliberate reading of the Scriptures helps to open up the text in new and fresh ways. But in addition to reading the Bible, preachers should cultivate the habit of reading other helpful materials as well.

Dr. Jeff Arthurs recommends that preachers map out their reading and follow a schedule. Dr. Scott Gibson encourages his students to read widely as they seek to grow as people. Read the paper or a news magazine regularly. Read good storytellers such as Tolkien, Rowling, and Gresham. And certainly read in the areas of biblical studies and theology.

This might sound overwhelming to you, but if you will set aside 20 minutes a day you can read approximately 20 books each year.

Why can’t Johnny preach? One reason might be because Johnny does not read. Know the Scriptures! Know your world! Know your craft!

What are you reading or have you read that has helped you as a preacher and that would benefit others?