What to expect and how to prepare for a trial sermon — the specific, high-stakes moment of preaching to a congregation considering hiring you.
A trial sermon carries a different kind of pressure than a normal Sunday — you're being evaluated, the congregation is forming a first impression, and there's usually only one shot to get it right. This guide is a focused, practical guide to that specific moment.
Inside: what a trial sermon weekend typically involves beyond just the sermon itself, choosing a text and message that represents you well without trying too hard to impress, handling the informal conversations and meals that matter as much as the sermon, and managing the nerves of a genuinely high-stakes preaching moment. Specific and practical. Available in print (8.5×11, binder-ready) and digital (6×9, phone-optimized) formats.
What to expect and how to prepare for a trial sermon — the specific, high-stakes moment of preaching to a congregation considering hiring you.