The Christ-Centered Preaching Course

Preaching must be Christ-centered rather than man-centered because the gospel is not about human ability, success, or moral improvement, but about the person and work of Jesus Christ. When sermons focus primarily on human effort, felt needs, or self-help, they may inspire temporarily but ultimately lack the power to transform hearts. Christ-centered preaching proclaims who Christ is, what He has accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection, and how all of Scripture points to Him. This keeps the glory where it belongs—on Christ—while reminding both preacher and listener that true hope, salvation, and spiritual growth come not from ourselves, but from Him alone.

Christ-Centered Preaching in the Ministry of the Apostles

The apostles consistently proclaimed Christ as the heart of their message, understanding that the gospel’s power rested not in their authority or eloquence but in Jesus Himself. From the beginning of the church, their preaching focused on who Christ is and what He accomplished. Peter’s sermon at Pentecost centered on Jesus’ life, crucifixion, resurrection, and exaltation, declaring that God had made Him both Lord and Christ. Rather than promoting themselves, the apostles pointed their listeners to the risen Savior as the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Throughout their ministries, the apostles preached Christ as the only source of salvation and hope for humanity. They emphasized repentance and faith in Jesus, making clear that forgiveness of sins and new life come through Him alone. Whether addressing Jews familiar with the Scriptures or Gentiles new to the faith, the apostles adapted their approach without changing the message: Jesus Christ crucified and risen. Their sermons consistently called people not to admire moral teachings, but to trust in the living Christ.

Even in suffering and opposition, the apostles remained unwaveringly Christ-centered. They rejoiced in being counted worthy to suffer for His name and continued to preach Christ boldly despite persecution. Paul summarized this commitment when he declared that he resolved to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The apostles’ example shows that faithful preaching is not about drawing attention to the preacher, but about magnifying Christ so that He alone is seen, trusted, and glorified.

Why Study the course?

To keep Christ at the center of every sermon

The course helps preachers ensure that Jesus—His person, work, and glory—is the focus of every message rather than moralism, self-help, or man-centered themes.

To preach Scripture faithfully and redemptively

You will learn how all of Scripture points to Christ and how to preach any passage in a way that is biblically sound and gospel-rich.

To grow in theological depth without losing clarity

The course provides seminary-level instruction that deepens theological understanding while remaining practical and accessible for weekly preaching.

To strengthen the spiritual impact of your preaching

Christ-centered preaching does not merely inform or motivate—it transforms by pointing hearers to the finished work of Christ and the power of the gospel.

To avoid common preaching pitfalls

The course equips preachers to move beyond man-centered applications, shallow moral lessons, or disconnected biblical talks.

To learn from seasoned pastoral experience

Taught by Jason Burns, drawing on 35 years of preaching, the course blends academic insight with real-world pastoral wisdom.

To serve your congregation more faithfully

When sermons are Christ-centered, congregations are fed with lasting truth, anchored in grace, and led to deeper worship and obedience.

The Cost of Course

A Christ-centered preaching course equips students with foundations that will serve them for years in ministry. Rather than focusing only on sermon techniques, the course trains students to consistently interpret Scripture through the lens of Christ, ensuring their preaching remains faithful, gospel-driven, and theologically sound. This approach helps future pastors develop sermons that nourish the church, guard against moralism or shallow application, and keep Christ at the center of every text. Over time, these skills shape a sustainable preaching ministry marked by clarity, depth, and spiritual fruitfulness.

The Christ Centered Preaching Course

$49.99

In the Christ-Centered Preaching course, Jason Burns brings 35 years of preaching experience to deliver top-tier seminary-level teaching—at an exceptional value.

The Christ-Centered Preaching Course

Outline of the course

The Significance and Elements of Preaching
The Obligations of the Sermon — Focus, Unity, and Application
The Priority of the Text — Tools, Rules, and Principles for Expository Preaching
Components of Exposition — Explaining, Illustrating, and Applying
The Process of Explanation — Preparing and Presenting Biblical Truths
The Process of Explanation — Developing Effective Outlines for Preaching
The Pattern of Illustration — Using Stories and Imagery to Enrich Expository Preaching
The Practice of Application — Making Biblical Truth Personal and Practical
Introductions, Conclusions, and Transitions — Crafting Effective Speech Elements for Impactful Preaching
A Redemptive Approach to Preaching — Reflecting God's Grace and Glory
Developing Redemptive Sermons — Reflecting Christ’s Work in Every Text
A Philosophy of Delivery and Dress — Communicating with Authenticity and Confidence
A Philosophy of Style — Communicating God's Truth with Authenticity and Impact
Methods of Preparation and Presentation — Crafting Impactful Sermons
Methods of Presentation — Effective Strategies for Delivering Sermons
Divisions and Proportions — Structuring Effective Sermons and Messages
Wedding and Funeral Messages — Principles and Practices for Effective Spiritual Communication
Funeral Messages — Principles and Practices for Conveying Gospel Hope and Comfort
Evangelistic Messages — Principles and Practices for Effective Outreach
Reading Scripture in Preaching — The Art and Importance of Effective Scripture Reading
Proclaiming God’s Word in Every Situation — A Call to Courageous Evangelism
Pastoral Care and Preaching
The Pitfalls of Preaching — A Biblical Study on Pride, Sexual Immorality, and Laziness
Persecution and Criticism of the Preacher — A Biblical Deep Dive and Practical Encouragement
The Call and Gift to Preach — Biblical Foundations for Effective Ministry
The History of preaching
The Importance of a Prayer Life for the Preacher
The Use of Commentaries in Sermon Preparation — Biblical Wisdom and Practical Guidance
Jesus’ Example as a Preacher — A Biblical Study of His Preaching Life, Method, and Message
The Preaching of the Apostles Peter and Paul — Lessons for Preachers
Stephen’s Sermon in Acts: A Model for Preaching
The Life of John Calvin as a Preacher — Lessons for Preachers Today
The Importance of a Balanced Life for Preachers — Nurturing Body, Family, and Spirit
Assignments, Workshops, and Resources for a Course on Christ-Centered Preaching
Advice for Teachers of Christ-Centered Preaching

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Outline of the course
- The Significance and Elements of Preaching
- The Obligations of the Sermon — Focus, Unity, and Application
- The Priority of the Text — Tools, Rules, and Principles for Expository Preaching
- Components of Exposition — Explaining, Illustrating, and Applying
- The Process of Explanation — Preparing and Presenting Biblical Truths
- The Process of Explanation — Developing Effective Outlines for Preaching
- The Pattern of Illustration — Using Stories and Imagery to Enrich Expository Preaching
- The Practice of Application — Making Biblical Truth Personal and Practical
- Introductions, Conclusions, and Transitions — Crafting Effective Speech Elements for Impactful Preaching
- A Redemptive Approach to Preaching — Reflecting God's Grace and Glory
- Developing Redemptive Sermons — Reflecting Christ’s Work in Every Text
- A Philosophy of Delivery and Dress — Communicating with Authenticity and Confidence
- A Philosophy of Style — Communicating God's Truth with Authenticity and Impact
- Methods of Preparation and Presentation — Crafting Impactful Sermons
- Methods of Presentation — Effective Strategies for Delivering Sermons
- Divisions and Proportions — Structuring Effective Sermons and Messages
- Wedding and Funeral Messages — Principles and Practices for Effective Spiritual Communication
- Funeral Messages — Principles and Practices for Conveying Gospel Hope and Comfort
- Evangelistic Messages — Principles and Practices for Effective Outreach
- Reading Scripture in Preaching — The Art and Importance of Effective Scripture Reading
- Proclaiming God’s Word in Every Situation — A Call to Courageous Evangelism
- Pastoral Care and Preaching
- The Pitfalls of Preaching — A Biblical Study on Pride, Sexual Immorality, and Laziness
- Persecution and Criticism of the Preacher — A Biblical Deep Dive and Practical Encouragement
- The Call and Gift to Preach — Biblical Foundations for Effective Ministry
- The History of preaching
- The Importance of a Prayer Life for the Preacher
- The Use of Commentaries in Sermon Preparation — Biblical Wisdom and Practical Guidance
- Jesus’ Example as a Preacher — A Biblical Study of His Preaching Life, Method, and Message
- The Preaching of the Apostles Peter and Paul — Lessons for Preachers
- Stephen’s Sermon in Acts: A Model for Preaching
- The Life of John Calvin as a Preacher — Lessons for Preachers Today
- The Importance of a Balanced Life for Preachers — Nurturing Body, Family, and Spirit
- Assignments, Workshops, and Resources for a Course on Christ-Centered Preaching
- Advice for Teachers of Christ-Centered Preaching