During my first semester in journalism school, a professor told the class, “You are reporters already, whether you realize it or not. Everyone tells stories and relays news. Some do it better than others.”

This is certainly true of those who preach and teach. After all, the gospel is news — literally, “good news.” How we report it matters.

My journalism and ministry backgrounds afford me a unique perspective on the intersection of these disciplines. I believe the former is instructive for the latter.

Applying good journalism standards can help preachers deliver messages that are relevant, credible, relatable, and complete.

Relevant

The beginning of a news article — the lede — contains the most newsworthy details, attracts attention, and drives the rest of the piece.

Pushing the most relevant, interesting, and consequential parts to the top makes the news accessible. In theory, a reader could glean the essential details just from the first paragraph.

When trivial matters get in the way of vital information, someone might say a reporter buried the lede.

Sermon outlines differ from news articles, of course. Yet preachers should give place of prominence to what matters most.

Reflecting on his ministry to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul said, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Topics, themes, and key points may change, but Jesus is always of primary importance.

When you preach, don’t bury the lede. Ask yourself during sermon preparation, If people remember only one thing, what should it be? How will this message move someone toward a new or deepening relationship with Christ?

Clearly state the big idea early and often. Show people how it connects to the redemptive story of Scripture. Give them opportunities to respond and practical steps for applying it to their lives.

Above all, keep the gospel at the forefront. In a world that desperately needs good news, nothing could be more relevant than the hope of salvation through Christ.

Credible

I once saw a cartoon of a reporter preparing to throw a dart. On the dartboard were labels like “government,” “business,” “technology,” and “medicine.” The caption said, “Today I’m an expert in … .”

While working for a daily newspaper, I reported on many issues that were beyond the scope of my expertise. To fill those knowledge gaps, I relied on sources. I attended meetings and legal proceedings, conducted interviews, asked questions, pored over documents, and took copious notes.

Honest and well-informed preaching reflects a commitment to God’s truth and builds credibility.

Like reporters, preachers wear a lot of hats. A theologian in the academy might spend years researching a small portion of Scripture. Meanwhile, congregants expect pastors not only to expound on the full range of biblical books, authors, time periods, and literary genres, but also to address such topics as marriage, parenting, finances, and mental health.

You can’t be an expert on everything. You can, however, follow Paul’s advice to Timothy: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Studying Scripture, consulting quality books and commentaries, seeking the Spirit’s guidance, and maintaining an inquisitive and teachable posture are part of the work of pulpit ministry. Honest and well-informed preaching reflects a commitment to God’s truth and builds credibility.

In an age when people can reach for a smartphone and immediately fact-check what they hear, it’s worth the effort to ensure even the smallest details are factually correct and faithfully delivered. Bad hermeneutics can be a stumbling block to the gospel, but so can an erroneous statistic or a misleading illustration.

To share the good news well, you must be a credible witness.

Relatable

Years ago, I reported on the dying freshwater pearl trade in Arkansas. In addition to interviewing jewelers who bought and sold the gems, I spent a day on the river with one of the last local pearl hunters.

Alone in a flat-bottomed boat, I watched the aged diver emerge from the river, his leathery hand clutching a dripping basket of mussels. Instead of scuba gear, he wore a large metal helmet with a hose attached — clunky technology from a bygone era.

This colorful character brought dimensionality to the topic. Most readers had little knowledge of pearl diving, but experiencing it through the old man’s eyes — and mine — made the story more relatable.

Preachers should likewise weave relatable human elements into their messages. The emotions, flaws, challenges, and triumphs of real people fill the pages of Scripture.

The gospel itself is the story of God entering our world in the flesh. Pentecostals have long utilized testimonies to highlight the Spirit’s ongoing work in the lives of individuals.

Include relatable illustrations in your sermons. Talk about experiences from your own life. With permission, share testimonies from the congregation. Use stories from church history.

Lean into the human aspects of Bible narratives. Describe Abraham’s anguish as he prepared to sacrifice Isaac and Mary Magdalene’s joy upon encountering the risen Lord.

Appeal to the struggles, longings, and realized hopes of believers through the ages to help people see themselves in God’s story of redemption.

Complete

One of the first rules a journalism student learns involves the “five W’s and H”: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.

In addition to these basics, a news story should answer, or at least acknowledge, the most obvious questions.

An astute reader might feel frustrated if there is a hole in the story — that is, missing information. Reporters anticipate what people will want to know so they can provide a complete account of the news.

Preachers should do the same. Be sure you’re covering the basics, such as the historical setting, background, context, author, and significance. Think about how the original audience would have understood the biblical passage. Then consider what questions your listeners will have.

For example, a sermon about divine healing might prompt someone to wonder why a loved one died of cancer despite praying and believing for a miracle.

There are no clear answers to this question. Nevertheless, you can acknowledge that some experience healing in this life while others do not. This is an opportunity to point everyone to the final redemption and ultimate healing to come.

No sermon can cover every issue. Yet by anticipating how people will think about and interact with the message, you can meet them where they are and guide them toward God’s complete truth.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify and respond to questions, needs, and concerns in the congregation.

As my professor said, everyone tells stories and relays news. But those who preach have the responsibility and privilege of sharing a story of eternal significance — the good news of Jesus. Reporting it effectively is the preacher’s task.

This article appears in the Winter 2026 issue of Influence magazine.