God created by His Word. He sustains all things by His Word. He’s given us His Living Word, Jesus, and now, He’s given us the written Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Therefore, whenever we hear the Bible, we’re to receive it as the very words of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Remind the church of these glorious truths.

As we begin a new year, allow me to encourage you to prioritize the Word of God in your ministry. Here are five suggestions for how to do this. The points in bold are from Listen Up! A Practical Guide to Listening to Sermons by Christopher Ash (with minor alterations).

1. Encourage the Church to Gather Regularly (Weekly) with God’s People to Hear the Word of God.

It’s important to assemble together! Together, we display the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10).

Gathering together also reminds us we’re not alone. When we’re together, we encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).

If we’re to edify one another, we must meet regularly, weekly. Help your people consider some reasons they’re inclined not to assemble with God’s people. Then encourage them to gather with the church each Lord’s Day.

At High Pointe Baptist Church where I serve as senior pastor, we still meet on Sunday nights. We purposely seek to present a balanced diet of New Testament (on Sunday mornings) and Old Testament (on Sunday evenings), or vice versa.

Whatever your church’s rhythm is for gathering, encourage your people to gather regularly. That gathering where the Word of God is preached is the one setting in which everyone hears the same Scripture at the same time.

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