Free resource for youth pastors:

CBSM 6 Year Preaching Plan (doc)

I’m considering the possibility of changing up the preaching schedule here at CBSM.  And some people say Baptists never change!  When I came here 2 years ago, I started preaching biblical theology (through the whole Bible) on Wednesday nights and systematic theology (through all Bible doctrine) on Sunday mornings.  Since then, we have stopped teaching systematic theology on Sunday mornings to put more emphasis on discussion, fellowship, and life-application by having our small groups on Sunday morning center around conversations on Wednesday night’s message.  So, for the last year I have been just preaching through biblical theology (the storyline of Scripture). 

I’ve definitely been noticing our lack of systematic theology and doctrine lately.  I do believe that biblical theology is most important as we must understand the unfolding storyline of the work of God, the gospel in all things, and the person and work of Christ as the focus on the Father.  But systematic theology is important to because an understanding of doctrinal truths helps teens interpret the storyline correctly as to how it points us to Christ and applies to our lives.  So as we’re nailing the storyline, I want us to be thinking through systematic theology as well. 

So what we’re going to do is try it out.  I’m going to go through a doctrine about 2 or 3 times a year.  I’ll probably hit the doctrine for around 5 – 7 weeks.  So as you can see from the “preaching schedule file” above, I will preach a section of the storyline, and then take a break and spend a little time in a doctrine.  We’ll try it, see how it goes, see how the students respond, and see where God wants us to take it.  I hope this attached preaching schedule helps you think through more deeply what you’re preaching through, what you’re centering on, how you’re thinking ahead, and what you’re working toward in your student ministry to shape your students in the image of Christ Himself!