9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Preaching for Jesus
Thank God there aren’t any videos of my first sermons. They were so bad that I wanted to crawl under a rock. Seriously, this isn’t false humility—it’s just the truth. I couldn’t wait to get off the stage. I was so caught up in judging myself that I forgot to enjoy the process. For two solid years, I’d cry after every sermon and dramatically tell my husband I was done preaching. If I hated it that much, surely it wasn’t God’s plan, right? Nope. I was just crumbling under the pressure as God molded me into His voice. Let’s just say I did not have confidence in my preaching. It was the best training ground, but it sure wasn’t easy.
My husband, Joel, kept reminding me I was too hard on myself as more speaking requests came in. I hesitated, but deep down, I knew God had called me to speak for Him. As I traveled the country, speaking at churches, conferences, and retreats, I picked up some hard-earned lessons.
Joel kept reminding me that I was too hard on myself as more speaking requests came in. I hesitated, but deep down, I knew God had called me to speak for Him. As I traveled the country, speaking at churches, conferences, and retreats, I learned some hard-earned lessons. These lessons helped me gain confidence in my preaching.
9 things I wish someone had told me before I grabbed the mic for Jesus:
- Google Isn’t the Holy Spirit: Trust God first in your sermon prep.
- Editing Is Your Friend: Don’t cram everything into one sermon.
- Nerves Don’t Mean You’re Not Called: Nerves disappear after you start.
- Guard Your Pre-Mic Space: Protect yourself from distractions and negativity.
- You Will Say Something Dumb: It’s okay. Learn and move on.
- Cool Doesn’t Change Lives: Focus on the message, not your image.
- The Audience Is on Your Side: They want you to succeed.
- Reps Over Time: Practice makes progress.
- Have Fun: Be yourself; authenticity breeds trust.
Preaching is a privilege and a process. If you feel God has called you to speak, join us at The Echo Weekend. Let’s build your confidence together.
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned in preaching?? Comment below!
I didn't come from a ministry background, but when I married my husband in 2010 with an Interior Design degree from LSU and no seminary training, he welcomed me into the ministry. In 2012, a prophetic couple told me that I had the anointing of Lydia, and God wanted to use it to funnel millions through the Kingdom by starting online courses and classes. At this time, I had NO dream or even thought of Let’s Echo, but I received the word from the Lord.
Today, I'm witnessing that prophetic word coming true. You are a prophetic word fulfilled and a dream come true!
The Preacher Girl Club empowers women to use their voice for Jesus through our online coaching community, practical courses, and leadership resources. Our members collaborate, speak at each other's events, write content together, and start ministries side by side.
