How many sermons have you preached? Ten? Fifty? A hundred?

If you’ve been preaching long enough, you know that there are tons of different ways to preach. You can do a one-off sermon or a sermon series. You can use a slideshow or not use screens at all. But out of all of these, which ones are the best?

In this episode, we rank the top 13 sermon strategies on a couple different criteria. We encourage you to use this list as a way to help you choose your strategy for your next sermon!

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Table of contents

• Ranking Sermon Strategies
  • Evaluating Sermon Strategies
  • Ranking System
• Top 13 Sermon Strategies
  • 1. Sermon Series vs. One-off
• Exploring Sermon Strategies
• More Resources on Sermons

Before we get into our list of the top 13 sermon strategy ideas, we should clarify exactly what we are basing all of these rankings on. Of course, all of these rankings are completely subjective; anything you preach out of God’s word with a pure heart can make an impact.

Even so, it’s good to know what we are looking at when discussing what makes a great preaching strategy, and what makes a bad preaching strategy. We’ll also include the 3-part scale we are using to rank each strategy.

Evaluating different sermon strategies starts with understanding your audience. Think about their needs, preferences, and spiritual maturity. Are they new believers, long-time Christians, or a mix?

Next, consider your message. Is it best shared through storytelling, teaching, or a mix? Match the strategy to the message. For example, a series works well for deep topics, while a one-off sermon fits special events.

Test how each strategy feels to you. Are you comfortable using visuals like slides or trying an object lesson? Consider time and resources, too. Can you prepare a drama or interactive segment in advance?

Gather feedback after trying a strategy. Ask your audience what they learned or enjoyed. Reflect on the sermon’s impact—did it inspire action or understanding? Adjust based on what works best for your congregation. With practice, you’ll find a balance that connects deeply with your audience.

Our ranking system helps us to rank sermon strategies based on their role in guiding believers. Strategies re grouped into three categories:

Now it’s time to get into our list of the top 13 sermon strategies. These strategies will be evaluated and put into one of the three ranking categories listed in the section above.

Let’s get into it.

A sermon series dives deeply into a theme or book over weeks, giving more time to explore complex ideas. One-off sermons focus on a single message for a specific moment, like holidays or unique events. Series build continuity, helping people connect messages, while one-offs offer flexibility for special needs. Both work well, depending on the goal and timing. Choose based on your audience and the story you want to tell.

Movie clips can bring sermons to life by connecting biblical truths to familiar stories. They grab attention, stir emotions, and help explain complex ideas in relatable ways. Choose clips wisely—keep them short, relevant, and appropriate for all ages. After showing the clip, tie its message to Scripture clearly. Be mindful of copyright rules and ensure the content supports your main point, not distracts from it.

Slideshow presentations can highlight key sermon points, Bible verses, or images that clarify your message. They help visual learners and keep people engaged. Make slides simple and easy to read, avoiding too much text or distracting designs. Use visuals sparingly to enhance, not overshadow, the sermon. Practice syncing slides with your speech for smooth delivery, and test equipment beforehand to avoid technical problems.

Preparing alone allows for deep focus, prayer, and personal reflection, while group preparation offers fresh perspectives and creative ideas. Collaboration can reveal blind spots or strengthen weak areas. Choose based on your style and message needs. Alone suits personal storytelling, while groups help with brainstorming themes or illustrations. Whichever approach, seek God’s guidance, and make sure your message stays clear and authentic.

Seasonal messages tie sermons to holidays or events like Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving. They connect Scripture to the season’s meaning, helping people reflect on their faith. Seasonal themes often draw more attendees, so use them to encourage deeper connections. Plan ahead, choosing topics that resonate with the season but also remain timeless. Keep the message fresh, even if covering familiar themes like the nativity or resurrection.

Object lessons use physical items to make abstract ideas easier to understand. For example, a mustard seed illustrates faith’s potential, while a mirror reflects self-examination. These visuals capture attention and help people remember key points. Choose items that are simple, relatable, and tied to your message. Avoid over-complicating the demonstration, so it complements rath...