The Wordwell Blog
Insights for better preaching.
Practical wisdom on sermon content, congregation engagement, and preaching intelligence.
What Your Sermon Calendar Is Missing: A Framework for Intentional Preaching
Most pastors plan their sermon calendar around series ideas and seasonal themes. But without data on what you've actually preached, you're planning in the dark.
Read more →AI and the Pulpit: Safeguarding Theology While Embracing the Tool
AI can transcribe, summarize, and generate content faster than any intern. But it doesn't have a theology. Here's how pastors can use AI wisely without letting it shape what they teach.
April 3, 2026 · By Micheal SmithThe Pulpit Still Matters: Why Preaching Is More Important Now Than Ever
In an age of podcasts, short-form video, and AI-generated content, the weekly sermon remains the most formative communication channel a church has. Here's why — and how technology can sharpen it.
April 3, 2026 · By Micheal SmithThe Biblical Blind Spot Problem: What You're Not Preaching
Most pastors gravitate toward the same 15-20 books over a decade. We analyzed 500+ sermon libraries and found patterns that surprised even veteran preachers.
March 24, 2026 · By Micheal SmithWhy Your Congregation Forgets 90% of Your Sermon by Monday
Research shows listeners retain less than 10% of a spoken message after 48 hours. Here's how written reinforcement changes that.
March 17, 2026 · By Micheal SmithFrom Audio to Action: A Pastor's Guide to Sermon Repurposing
Your Sunday message can become Monday's devotional, Wednesday's small group guide, and Friday's family conversation. Here's the framework.
March 10, 2026 · By Micheal SmithStudy Guides That Actually Get Used: 5 Principles
Most church study guides collect dust. The ones that don't share five traits — and none of them involve fancy design.
March 3, 2026 · By Micheal SmithHow Theme Tracking Makes You a More Intentional Preacher
When you can see that you've preached on grace 14 times this year but justice only twice, your sermon calendar starts writing itself.
February 24, 2026 · By Micheal SmithThe Case for Sermon Notes (Even If Nobody Asks for Them)
Your congregation may not request sermon notes, but the churches distributing them see measurably deeper engagement. Here's the data.
February 17, 2026 · By Micheal Smith