Most communicators know the agony of staring at scattered notes, wondering how to shape them into a compelling message.
Enter Jarrett Stevens, lead pastor Soul City Church in Chicago, who has spent 25 years honing his writing and outline process into what he now affectionately calls the “funnel of love.” Rather than a predictable formula, the funnel is like a trellis, undergirding messages with a thoughtful structure, while also letting them thrive in the freedom of the Spirit.
Steve Carter asks Jarrett about how to balance levity and gravitas: When should we use humor in sermons? And when should we hold back? They also chat about Jarrett’s helpful training course: The Communicator’s Masterclass.
Website: jarrettstevens.com
Church: soulcitychurch.com
@jarrettstevens
@steveryancarter
@craft_character
Steve Carter is the Lead Pastor at Christ Church of Oak Brook and is helping to champion the Preaching Institute to equip pastors on how to preach hospitable and transformational messages. Steve hosts the Craft and Character Podcast, which ignites preachers to grow in their craft while always intentionally working to have their character lead the way. He has also authored two best-selling books, Grieve, Breathe, Receive, and The Thing Beneath The Thing. Steve lives outside Chicago with his wife, Sarah, and their two kids. When Steve isn’t hanging around with his family, friends, or church community, you will probably find him watching a University of Michigan football game.
