In Depth:  Martin Salter

the pastor's toolkit

Martin Salter

One of the things that all communicators need, if we're serious about getting better, is good feedback. We need the help of others to sharpen our gift and improve our craft. Often others are better placed to be able to spot things we do well and the things that need work.

But receiving feedback can be painful. Sitting down in a room with others, often when we’re feeling vulnerable, isn’t always something we’re keen to embrace.

the pastor's toolkit

Martin Salter

I wonder what your favourite resources are in preparing a talk? Perhaps it’s a particular commentary series; or maybe a favourite preacher you like to listen to? Perhaps you have a piece of software which helps you dig deeply into the Biblical text.

Over the years I have discovered a resource that consistently helps me in preparing messages that really connect. You won’t find it on a bookshelf, and it can’t be found on the web. The good news is the resource is free and easily accessible, if you can spare a little time.

the pastor's toolkit

Martin Salter

‘Just preach the word brother’, said the older preacher to his young apprentice. The younger man had expressed a desire to mature in the craft of communicating. The older man gently but firmly implied this was a waste of time – perhaps even an ungodly way to think about preaching.

The older man’s concerns are not unfounded. Preachers are not called to be stand-up comedians, slick rhetoricians or uber-charismatic vision-casters.