Christ-Centered Preaching
Several years ago, before I’d heard of Bryan Chapell and Christ-Centered Expository Preaching, a friend kindly asked me how Jesus was the center of all my sermons. About a year after that, the same question was asked by another friend. I shared that if one believes Christ, trusts Christ, and truly worships Christ, then he will preach Christ. Although areas of Scripture are difficult to connect to Christ, preaching from the Scriptures should always point to him because he says, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39, ESV).
What is Christ-Centered Preaching?
According to Bryan Chapell, expository preaching “discloses where every text stands in relation to Christ.” This can get lost amid the hard work of exegesis and homiletics. For the text to be truly exposited by a preacher, the pastor must discover it and, in the sermon, unveil its meaning and how it points to or reveals Jesus.
The sermon should be presented in the context of the passage, including the Fallen Condition Focus: “the human brokenness or need highlighted in the text—and shows how God's grace, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, addresses it” (Chapell). A congregation left in a state of shame is one whose preacher has abused it. Instead, this begins the redemptive trajectory found in Christ-centered preaching. The whole sermon is on a trajectory to reveal how God addresses the fallen human condition through Christ.
What challenges exist in Christ-Centered Preaching?
First, the biggest obstacle in Christ-centered preaching is the preacher. Whether it’s a busy week that absorbs sermon preparation or lethargy, it is tempting to take a shortcut by not thinking too deeply and shoe-horning Jesus into an otherwise non-Christ-centered message.
Second, preaching a single verse or a couple of verses can be a real challenge. Although unnecessary for true Christ-centered Expository Sermons, I like to move slowly. As I write this, we are in our twentieth week in Genesis, and I will complete chapter 3 this Sunday. However, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you’ll find God rewards you and your congregation with rich meat from his Word. Taking one’s time through the beginning of Scripture is arduous but an incredible adventure filled with joy and hopefulness amid the creation, chaos, and covenants of God and his people.
Third, hardness of heart can be a real challenge. At times, you might feel as though you and your congregation have grown and are ready to move on. The bad news is that you aren’t as grown as you think you are. The good news is the Good News. At times in preaching, you feel as though you’re stuck in a rut and you’re seemingly preaching the same thing. Brother, preach Christ and him crucified. By the Spirit, God will use your Christ-centered preaching for his glory in bringing many sons and daughters into the Kingdom while building up those already taking up residence.
What are the benefits of Christ-Centered Expository Preaching?
Each week is a reminder of my fallen nature and need for repentance. As I begin reading the text for the week, I often read it 40-50 times because I preach such short passages (Again, this isn’t a Chapell feature but an Erik bug). Typically, this reading happens on Monday morning, and the first question I like to ask the Lord is to reveal how this passage directly addresses me. How does it reveal my sin, shame, and despair? What is God doing or saying to the original audience, and how does that impact me, personally? I’m a firm believer that if a pastor hasn’t cried over his own need for this sermon, then the homily, no matter how eloquent, will fall short. You must be confronted with the Word to be conformed by it.
You and your church will receive a deeper understanding of how all things point to Jesus. Most of your congregants haven’t wrestled with Genesis 1:1 and how it is through Jesus that all things were made. Imagine exploring how Genesis 1:1 and John 1 are connected and reveal the Triune nature of God as he created all things and continues to sustain them. What about the moment when Adam is removed from the Garden of Eden? This Sunday, we learn how “the sword that once turned every way to keep us out will one day be sheathed in the side of Christ–the woman’s Seed.” and how “When Jesus cried, “It is Finished,” the cheribim laid down their arms, the veil was torn, and the “Do Not Enter” sign was replaced by “Welcome Home.”
Weekly, the text moves our hearts to a greater love for the Lord. Each nook and cranny, jot and tittle of Scripture points to Christ. You simply need to look for him. He isn’t Waldo in a striped sweater. Nor is the act of preaching an effort to find God hiding in the text. It’s akin to mining for gold. You know it’s there, but sometimes you struggle to see it at first glance. However, the Spirit guides us, and God rewards our efforts to seek him. When you discover how God reveals Christ in an otherwise obscure passage, it is like winning the lottery when you didn’t even know you purchased a ticket.
How has Christ-Centered Preaching impacted me?
I’ve been more focused on my studies. A robust Christology is important to every pastor and theologian, even if theologians have unduly drawn criticism in our circles. You can grow in your Christology through the works of many Church Fathers and key figures, such as Augustine, Athanasius, and Aquinas. However, a more natural method is to search for him through the Scriptures–that’s what our forefathers did as well! At times, it is easy for our minds to drift away into the clouds of planning church functions and meetings. The distractions of the world, including good things, can creep into our minds amid prayer and study. However, as I’ve focused more on Christ, I’ve become more focused on my studies.
I’ve become more hopeful. They say a congregation can only go as deep as its pastor. I don’t know if this is true. However, at a recent elders' meeting, we discussed a radical cultural change in our church. From an older and tired group of people, we’ve grown younger and more energetic. There is a growing hope among everyone. Why? Although I’ve always considered myself a Christ-centered preacher, I’ve put greater effort and attention into refining my skills. It’s made more hopeful and expectant, which continues to impact my congregation. Praise God! How can I not be optimistic when each week God reveals how he restores and redeems every part of my life and the lives of those he saves?
How can you learn more about Christ-Centered Preaching?
Bryan Chapell’s Christ-Centered Preaching is an excellent resource. Earlier this year, I decided to work through the book section by section, implementing one component each week. Allowing me to truly wrestle with core concepts–that weren’t far off from my own principles–afforded me the chance to ease into a new routine of preparation.
You have a unique opportunity because in 2026, the Ministry Training Institute will roll out a revamped preaching course called Christ-Centered Preaching. This course is rooted in the Biblical Interpretation course, which is part of the Ministry Year course sequence. If you are interested in improving your preaching, your knowledge of Scripture, and your further equipping for ministry, you can apply today!
