Sometimes, when I’m done preaching through a book of the Bible, the “completed” series feels more like an episode of This Old House. Meaning there are some cracks to fill.
My approach through the years has been to preach through books of the Bible, but without being exhaustive (and hopefully not exhausting!). In other words, I keep the pace of the series moving by keeping my preaching portions each Sunday as large as the genre allows, short of feeling like I’m skimming over important material.
It’s a judgment call every preacher makes. Some very effective preachers spend years on a book that I determine to cover in a fraction of the time.
However, that means I will often follow-up a series on let’s say, Revelation, with what I call a Post-Revelation mini-series. I am counting on those post-book series to fill in the cracks.
So, while you’re preaching through a book of the Bible, record some of the areas where you’ve said to your parishioners: “I wish we could devote more time to this.” Use the post-book series to do that.
You’ll find that the post-book series will allow you more time to develop a detailed exposition of critical doctrines. You will have already dealt with the context and rudimentary understandings of the doctrine. Now you can fill in some of the cracks to create a smoother finish.
I find this approach helps me keep the original sermon series through a book moving along without sacrificing the necessary nuancing some doctrines may require.
Preach well for the sake of God’s reputation in the church and in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:21).
Randal
This is such an awesome idea! I’m actually doing Revelation right now, and have said what you mentioned in your post more times than I can remember, and I’ve only done seven chapters so far! I’ve made a note to myself to remember to do a post- series when done. Thanks!
I hope you get to try the post-series mini-series in your setting. Revelation is perfect for that. As always, thanks for spending time in the blog and keep up the good work of faith.