2. Preaching that is relational and pastoral
Church plants attract people carrying a mix of spiritual hunger, wounds, and uncertainty. A new church succeeds when people feel seen and shepherded. Preaching in the first year should feel less like a theological lecture and more like a pastor inviting people into the way of Jesus.
This means:
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Speak plainly, not academically.
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Use stories that reflect real life in your community.
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Address fears and hopes common to those joining a church plant.
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Pray for your people during sermon prep, not just after.
Your tone will shape the emotional culture of the entire congregation.
RELATED: Expository Preaching vs Topical Preaching
3. Preaching that is invitational
A church plant’s first year is full of guests, seekers, and spiritually curious neighbors. Preaching must consistently invite people to take a next step with Jesus, regardless of where they begin.
You do not need to end every sermon with a dramatic moment. But you do need to:
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Offer clear entry points to faith.
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Connect Scripture to lived experience.
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Remind people that Jesus welcomes the uncertain as much as the confident.
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Give simple, actionable responses.
Invitational preaching doesn’t pressure; it welcomes.
Additional Strategies for Preaching in the First Year
Use series that build identity
In the early months, consider sermons shaped around themes like:
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Why we gather
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What community means
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The mission of the church
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Everyday discipleship
These topics help new attenders understand what your church values from the beginning.
Address the real questions your people carry
Pastors in new churches often discover people wrestling with spiritual basics:
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How do I read the Bible?
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How do I pray?
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What does following Jesus look like in my work and relationships?
Tackle these directly. Your church will grow stronger when foundational teaching is both normal and accessible.
Be consistent in structure, tone, and message
Consistency builds confidence. In a church plant where everything feels new, dependable preaching becomes a steadying rhythm.
Preaching That Shapes a Healthy First Year Church Plant
The kind of preaching that works best in a first year church plant is preaching that builds trust, reveals Jesus clearly, and shepherds people toward spiritual maturity. It doesn’t have to be polished, but it does need to be rooted, relational, and invitational.
Your preaching in these early months becomes part of the church’s DNA. Lead with Scripture. Lead with grace. Lead with the gospel front and center.
As you plan your preaching for the first-year church plant, choose one area to strengthen: biblical depth, pastoral tone, or invitational clarity. Commit to it intentionally, and watch your church grow in health and unity.
