8 Hours or Less: Writing faithful sermons faster Paperback – May 2, 2017

Whether delivering sermons, Sunday School lessons, or some type of presentation, "8 Hours Or Less" is a great title for anyone needing insights for how to prepare a message. While targeted more for preachers, anyone can benefit from the book. Around 150 pages, the title addresses such topics as:1. 3 things that a sermon is not.2. 5 things that make a faithful sermon.3. 6 steps for creating a simple and effective sermons frame.4. Reasons why we don't let people help us prepare for a sermon.5. Tools for effective introductions.8. Tips for making effective introductions.9. 3 ways to end a sermon on a bad note.10. Suggestions for a good sermon close.11. 4 features of explaining a biblical text.12. 5 precautions for using illustrations in our message.13. Spiritual warfare seems to be the greatest on Sunday morning.The title smoothly transitions from topic to topic and is a very helpful read and will be a helpful future reference. Recommended. I was given a review copy by Moody Publishers in exchange for a fair review.

I didn’t really have a sermon preparation process. This book, while I can’t do everything mentioned, has gave me a preparation and process I can do each week and I know how much time to block out.I also can say that Ryan is writing from his heart. I sense he is absolutely trying his best to help Pastors become better. This will be a book I go back and re read again and again to help me become a better preacher and if you are a Pastor I would recommend this to you!

Excellent process for writing sermons faster. I was impressed that he wanted to help people write faithful sermons faster, not cut corners and spend less time writing a sermon. I found the process helpful and the timings very helpful. Any preacher will prepare better and more intentially by reading this book.My only critique is that his one example of a good sermon frame (the big idea and three points) didn't seem like the point of the text in Luke 1. I can see that it would preach but it seemed more human focused than Luke's theological point. But it's a minor thing. The book is worth your time and money.

I've read a ton of preaching books, and most of them leave me just as confused as before. The genius of this short, easy to read, wonderfully written little book is in the process it shares. It's transferable to many (if not all) teaching styles. Ryan comes back to the centrality of scripture and the holiness of the preaching vocation early and often. This is definitely not a "motivational speakers toolkit". This book is an invaluable resource that I will come back to over and over again, and I will keep several copies on my bookshelf to give away to any aspiring preacher of the word. This is simply a must have!

I'm a 50+ hour businessman and feel called to preach. I have on occasions been able to, but I felt overwhelmed with the amount of time I put into the sermon. After reading this book I have a clear way to be faithful in a sermon and reduce sermon prep. If you are a bi-vocational pastor I highly recommend you get this book! I also would say get this book even if you are full time and have time to devote because you can save time in prep to love and serve Jesus' congregation.

This may be the most practical and helpful book on preaching I've ever read. Don't let the idea of 8 hours put you off. The process Ryan describes is excellent, regardless of the time limits you choose to adopt. I wish I had these insights years ago.

A good book with helpful insights into preparing your sermon. The most helpful part about this book is the suggested structure to your week to prepare you sermon. Most of the other things you'll have already learned, but the structure of your week is a great benefit.If you are a new preach or would simply like to improve your sermon preparation process this book is a great resources. Don't come to it expecting a treatise or thorough theological discussion, that isn't it's purpose. The purpose is clear and concise "Help you prepare faithful sermons in 8 hours". While I don't know if 8 hours will be feasible, I do believe the overall structure he suggests will greatly improve my sermon preparation process.

I enjoyed that this is an easy read that got to the point and gave the points Great content. Thanks