A Nervous Preacher
E.A. Johnston courageously shares how God empowers even the most nervous preacher to boldly proclaim the Gospel, trusting in His strength rather than personal confidence.
In this heartfelt sermon, E.A. Johnston shares his personal journey of overcoming fear and nervousness in preaching, recounting his first experience ministering in a prison. Drawing from Luke chapter 10, he encourages believers to trust God's empowerment rather than their own abilities. Johnston's testimony inspires listeners to boldly step into ministry with faith and courage.
Full Transcript
Let's just sing that together. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Let's sing that through one more time together.
Amen. Amen. Please be seated.
People ask me if I had many opportunities to preach before, and I said, no. As a matter of fact, I had only preached on one occasion, and that was in a prison. I was led, me and another man, to this penitentiary, and we were led to this room where 50 convicts were.
And then the guard left and left us in there. Along with the convicts, I was preaching out of Sound 40. I was literally in the armpit of this prison preaching on the pit, the Monterey Clay.
And I can tell you, I looked at those rapists and thieves and murderers, and I must confess to you, I was as nervous with that group then as I am with this group today. But, well, let's get down to business. Our text can be found today in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Introduction with a familiar worship song
- Acknowledgement of nervousness in preaching
- Personal testimony of first preaching experience in prison
-
II
- Description of the prison environment and audience
- Reflection on fear and reliance on God
- Transition to the biblical text in Luke 10
-
III
- Exploration of the message in Luke 10
- Encouragement to trust God in ministry
- Application of faith over fear in preaching
Key Quotes
“I looked at those rapists and thieves and murderers, and I must confess to you, I was as nervous with that group then as I am with this group today.” — E.A. Johnston
“I was preaching out of Sound 40. I was literally in the armpit of this prison preaching on the pit, the Monterey Clay.” — E.A. Johnston
“People ask me if I had many opportunities to preach before, and I said, no.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Trust God’s strength when you feel inadequate or fearful in ministry.
- Step out in faith even when facing intimidating circumstances.
- Remember that God can use anyone, regardless of their past or nervousness, to share His message.