THE RESEARCH TEAM

Are you interested in helping with research that will make teaching sermons more engaging, memorable, true and Christ-exalting?

The Research Team may be the place for you!

There is only so much time that a teaching pastor is able to spend on research, so in order to increase the quality of sermons, we would like to invite others to join in and expand how much research is able to go into sermons at Essential.

Need some more details about what this Team will be doing?

The Research Team will be specifically looking for input in the following categories:

  • Historical background 

    Was there anything going on in the historical context that the original hearers of the Bible would have understood that we in America in 2023 wouldn’t catch?

  • Original Languages

    Is there anything in the original languages that we may be missing in our English translation?

  • Christ as hero

    How does this Scripture or text exalt what Christ has done for us or who He is?

  • Illustrations

    Any visual aid used to drive home a point.  Examples:  word picture, metaphor, personal story, physical stage prop, meme, etc.

  • Memorable phrases

    Example:  If another teacher was preaching the same passage or topic, was there a phrase that was still in your mind after the sermon was over?

  • Humor

    So many of our topics at Essential are heavy and emotional topics.  There are time when adding humor can keep skeptics engaged in material they may not agree with

  • Engagement of the congregation

    Any way to get the congregation involved such as “give someone a high five” or “raise your hand if you….” or “shout ____if you know”, etc.

  • Life Application

    What specific next step or life application could be given from this Scripture or topic?

    Skill preferred:

When all research is combined, the teaching team plans to spend about 15-20 minutes reviewing all inputs to see if any research can be utilized in the sermon.  Therefore, the ability to be focused and concise in 2-3 sentences will be important.

If you are interested in joining The Research Team, please fill out and submit the information below!