12 Questions to Help Your Preaching in 2026
December 1, 2025
I recently had the privilege of leading a preaching seminar for South Georgia Global Methodist pastors on how we can preach even more effectively in 2026. During our time together, we practiced a guided journaling exercise. Several people asked for the journaling prompts, so I’m sharing them here.
I invite you to grab a pen and paper and reflect on the past year as you prepare for the one ahead. Take your time and move through these slowly. And if you discover something especially meaningful, feel free to share it in the comments.
Journaling Prompts
- Where have I experienced wins in ministry over the past three months?
- What are the biggest challenges I face in my church?
- What is something my church needs to hear in 2026?
- What are some ways I can share or communicate this message to my congregation?
- How is God trying to grow me right now?
- How might this area of growth shape my preaching or ministry?
- Is there a theme, passage of Scripture, or book of the Bible I sense God drawing me to?
- How can I protect and nurture my life with God even more intentionally in 2026?
- What is one piece of advice I would give to my younger self in ministry?
- What is one area of theology, spiritual formation, or personal growth I want to study in 2026?
- What boundaries do I need to set for 2026?
- What do I need to say no to in 2026?
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About David Wesley Donnan
I write online about Methodism, devotional insights, and personal reflections. My primary goal is to organize my thoughts and explore meaningful topics. Along the way, I hope my writing inspires and encourages others on their journey.
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Hope in the Wilderness of Suffering with Ted Goshorn: The David Donnan Podcast Season 3 Episode 6
November 4, 2025
When life hurts, where do we find hope?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ted Goshorn to talk about his new book, Raise Your Ebenezer — a deeply personal field guide for walking with God through seasons of pain, doubt, and suffering. Ted vulnerably shares from his own journey through physical, emotional, and financial hardship and the spiritual practices that helped him discover God’s faithfulness in the wilderness. Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation will help you:
✅ Find meaning in suffering
✅ Recognize God’s presence in the valley
✅ Build spiritual resilience
✅ Take hold of hope — even when life hurts
📖 Raise Your Ebenezer invites us to say with confidence: “God’s not done with me yet.”
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, discipleship, and spiritual formation!
👉 Listen & share to encourage someone today. YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.
Ted’s Book: https://amzn.to/47GjTny
Ted’s Website: https://tedgoshorn.org/
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
About David Wesley Donnan
I write online about Methodism, devotional insights, and personal reflections. My primary goal is to organize my thoughts and explore meaningful topics. Along the way, I hope my writing inspires and encourages others on their journey.
More From David
Follow Me on Social Media
A Prayer for In Between Services
September 8, 2025
I have the privilege of leading multiple worship services on Sunday morning. On mornings I make it back into my office and have a quiet moment I try to pray this prayer. I hope it blesses you.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the work accomplished in the earlier service of worship. I (or We) pray for the seeds planted, decisions made, and the next steps considered.
We thank you for Your presence that abides when your people gather to worship.
Father, remind me how my work for the day is not done. Help me to lead the next service refreshed and rejuvenated while trusting in Your goodness.
Jesus, would you also remind me how this service is not about my work, effort, or my ability to make little or no mistakes. Help me to remember it is all about You and Your goodness.
May the Spirit guide me to speak boldly and powerfully, full of Your grace and truth.
In Jesus Name, AMEN.
David Donnan 