Preaching is an art; the art of taking timeless words and making them timely to those who listen. The Word of God has the power to change lives, to break free those who are in bondage and bring hope to the hopeless. The Bible is rich in content, so much so that for many, it offers too much, and it becomes the issue of “What do I preach on next?”. As it has been said “All Scripture is inspired, so all of it is good to preach on.”
Sermon series or topics are similar from church to church even if there are some small variations in the presentation. This article looks at the 75 most popular sermon topics.
To discover trending or reoccurring topics, research was done in this manner:
- 100 churches from different backgrounds and diverse sizes
- 15 visual creation companies to see what they had branded for church series
The topics of the last 12 months were categorized in these 8 sections:
- Bible-based: Book of Job, Gospels, Revelation
- Spiritual: topics like the Armor of God, the Beatitudes or the fruit of the Spirit
- Felt need: messages on life change, behaviors or habits
- Theology: Salvation, the Cross, the Trinity
- Christian Practices: relationships, tithing and generosity or prayer life
- Character-based: messages on the life of Joseph, David or Peter
- Seasonal / Holiday based: Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day
BIBLE-BASED TOPICS
These topics are relatively easy to discover as they are directly based on a book in the Bible.
- Revelation
With the numerous changes in society since 2020, many Christians, have been wondering if we are in the “Biblical End Times.” Themes like “Revelation,” “Unveiled,” and “Prophecy” have been used frequently since.
- Psalms
This is a classic series that surveys the long book in the Bible. Titles used: “Psalms,” “The Shepherd,” “Spirit of Praise” “Heart to heart” and more.
- Gospels
These series have either been looking at a specific Gospel or have been an overview of a combination on them. A pastor may title their series “The Life of Jesus,” “Messiah” “The Chosen One” or use a gospel name like “Matthew” or “Mark.”
- Romans
The book of Romans is a theology masterpiece. It is Paul’s teaching legacy. Expect to find “Romans for You,” “Revealed,” “Romans for Dummies” and more.
- Proverbs
This Wisdom book is rich in imagery and content. In today’s black and white world, Proverbs offer richness of perspectives. That’s why “Wisdom for Today,” “The Fool and The Wise” and “Be_____” are enticing titles.
- Philippians
Paul wrote this joy filled epistle in one of his worst imprisonment situations, which makes it valuable in our day and age. Titles used are “Joy Filled Life,” “Rejoice” “Joyful in Every Circ*mstance.”
- Job
The story of “Job” is one of heartache, grief and suffering and how he went “From Grief to Blessing.” It is also filled with the “Richness of Life” rewards, blessings and understanding.
- James
A very practical epistle if there is one, James writes on how to put your “Faith into Action.” Our society needs to see the “Church Being the Church” within its community!
- Peter
In the COVID-19 season, many have felt “Persecuted for Their Faith” and rights. Since Peter wrote both of his epistles under intense persecution, it surely may be relevant for today. “Peter” and “How to React Under Pressure” are the series title.
- Nehemiah
He is known as one the great leaders in the Old Testament, navigating the people of Israel in troubled times. His book is a blueprint for such times. You’ll like the “Leadership from Nehemiah,” “Living in Troubled Times” and “Time to (re)Build.”
SPIRITUAL TOPICS
These topics are related to longer portions of the Scriptures.
- The Armor of God
From Ephesians 6: 10-20 states you must “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (V11). It is often used as a 6-8 week preaching series.
- The Beatitudes
The sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12) is Jesus’ most famous discourse. He depicts 10 different attitudes you should live out.
- The Fruit of the Spirit
Paul tells the Galatian Christians what the Holy Spirit produces in you when you abide in Him instead of living under the influence of our selfish and worldly desires. (Galatians 5:22-26)
- The Gifts of the Spirit
This topical series is based on 1 Corinthians 12 specifically and Romans 12 as well.
- The Good Shepherd
Everyone, even non-Christians, has heard of Psalm 23, perhaps without knowing the source. Talking about care and leadership, this text is a classic.
- The “I Am” of Jesus
John’s Gospel states 7 statements when Jesus owns the saying of “I am”. Those 7 accounts describe who He declared he was: the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Door, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life, the Vine and finally the Way, the Truth, the Life. These statements can be made into a 7-week preaching series.
- The Names of the Lord
The Old Testament is filled with descriptions of God’s name like El-Shaddai, Yahweh-Jireh, Adonai and Yahweh-Rapha to name a few. It makes a great series of 10 weeks or more!
- Parables
Jesus used studies and allegories to help people understand Kingdom rules. With a choice of over 50 parables, it allows for various topics…within the topic!
- Love
Based on 1 Corinthians 13, this most read wedding text is so beautiful that it requires you to live on the highest of road of human relationships, Love.
FELT-NEED TOPICS
Many churches, if not most of them, will use these self-help, daily life reality topics to preach series that are meant to aid Christians deal with situations they face as well as non-Christians. These topics are often used in an evangelism or “invite a friend” mode.
- Anxiety
According to National Alliance of Mental Illness, approximately 40 million American adults suffer from an anxiety disorder, so this subject will certainly appeal to a vast crowd, in and out of church. With themes like “Finding Peace,” “Dealing with Anxiety,” “Overcoming Anxiety” or even “Anxiety Detox,” your church people will bring friends with them.
- Anger
It is a normal human emotion as the Bible says, “When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day” (Ephesians 4:28 NCV). Dealing with anger is a very common issue, thus the relevance of the topic.
- Depression
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 280 million people in the word have depression. It can be so debilitating, and the word of God has something to say about it. “Light in the Darkness” and “overcoming dark thoughts” or something along those lines are common themes.
- Fear
Who doesn’t fear, ever? Fear of the future, hardships or health crisis are common to all, at least to a certain degree. It is so human to fear that the Word of God reminds us 366 times to “Fear not”, one a day, even during leap years! “Uncertain,” “Fear Not,” “Unhindered by Fear” or “Fearless” are common themes.
- Stress
Stress is a daily thing for many people. Since there are so many factors that cause stress, this topic is (unfortunately) an endless pit of inspiration. From “Overwhelmed” to “Kindness to the Mind,” the “How to Worry Less” offers a wide variety of themes.
- Loss
Daily living brings its lot of losses, big and small. Loss of job security, loss in relationships are familiar, yet unfriendly topics. Themes will often use words like “tragedy,” “loss,” “heart break” or “broken.”
- Friendship
“A friend loves you all the time, and a brother helps in time of trouble” Proverbs 17:17. Friendships are at the basis of healthy relationships. Series will be themed out like “Best Friend,” “Community,” “In Unity.”
- Forgiveness
What makes forgiveness a hot topic is the fact that you’ve been hurt by someone before, and same goes for each of your churchgoers. Yet, the Bible has so much to say about it. Themes like “The Healing Force of Forgiveness,” “How to Get Past Hurt” or “It’s Unfair: Why Should I Forgive?” pose great questions you can preach on.
- Addiction
From gambling to alcoholism and workaholism as well as eating disorders and p*rn, addictions are present in all spheres of society and church life. “Break Free,” “Fighting for Freedom” and “Keys to Overcoming XYZ” are habitual series.
- Purpose
God declares that we are His “people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it! (Ephesians 2:10 TPT). A life of purpose, filled with destiny is meant for everyone. “Destined to Win,” “Purpose-Filled Life” and “Born for Destiny” are typical titles.
- Leadership
This is one of the most popular pastor conversation topic. There are thousands of Christian-led podcasts, blogs and articles on the subject, so it is normal to find regular series in church steeping as well. “Leading Smart,” “Leadership Success”, “Leading better” or “Leading XYZ (intentionally, with purpose and the list goes on)” are usual titles.
- Suffering
The book of Job answers, or at least tries to, the age-old question of “why do (good) people suffer?”. It is such a worthwhile interrogation that it also requires a great series of sermons to go along with it like “Close to the broken-hearted,” “Pain and Prejudice,” “Afflictions and trials for His glory” or even “Trying to understand suffering.”
- Finances
Many pastors highly dislike preaching on this topic as they don’t want to be perceived like the guy who wants people’s money. But they also know that if they don’t communicate anything about it, the church budget will plummet! So, the themes will be angled differently like “God’s Blessing on Your Finances,” “Financially Free,” “Generosity from Above.” Another angle here is being good stewards of our personal finances.
THEOLOGY TOPICS
Theology, in this context, is to be understood as a teaching series on subject that pertains to understanding God and His work. Whether your church is teaching as a theological powerhouse or whether it sits at the opposite side of that spectrum, these specific topics were gleaned for organizations that sit anywhere on that continuum. And theology is not about you, it’s about HIM.
- Trinity
God in three persons says the Athanasian Creed. Others offer variations of that like “three personalities” or “three essences”. Where you land on this subject will affect the rest of your beliefs, which leads to series like “Embracing the Trinity,” “Three in One” or even “1+1+1=1.”
- Salvation
Again, the spectrum of beliefs on this topic is wide and it has been now for centuries. Yet, most churches will, in some way or the other preach on the subject as they all want people to connect to Christ. Themes can be: “Salvation Unlimited,” “I Raised my Hand,” “He is My Salvation,” “Saved Eternally.”
- The Cross
The Cross is central to the Christian faith. It’s unique compared to any other world religions. These series cover Christ’s work and ultimate sacrifice for Humanity. Sermon titles could be “Journey to the Cross,” “Ultimate Sacrifice” or “Cross of Hope.”
- Justification
Justification is the God-initiated action that makes us forgiven and just before Him. Therefore, you may want your preaching topic to be “Justified,” “Clean Slate” or “Justified by Him.”
- Sanctification
How we react to God’s work in us is called sanctification. Your congregation needs to hear how to live a daily process of letting the Holy Spirit mold them and change them into “Becoming More Like Christ,” “Live a New Normal” or “Pursuing Holiness.”
- God’s Character
Every church in the U.S. will likely go through a sermon series around at least one trait of God’s character. After all, it is Him that we follow! You might want to survey His goodness, Love, Omnipresence or His Great Might.
- The Person of Jesus
For some people, Jesus was a mortal that acceded to a higher life or was a good teacher. To others, He was man, He was God. Even Christians have a hard time wrapping their brains around Jesus being man AND God. That’s why “God-Jesus,” “The Man-God” are common themes.
- The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is the subject of themes like “Awesome Power,” “Not by my might but by His Spirit” and “Fire.”
- The Church
The local church is the way Christ uses people to gather, grow and serve their communities. So, pastors will preach on “Capital “C” Church,” “The Church Empowered” and “By His Church.”
- Communion
Two ordinances or sacraments exist, and communion is one of them, themed under “Holy Communion,” “Partake” or “Bread and Wine.”
- Baptism
Baptism is the other ordinance. Churches have metrics concerning it. Many of those organizations have full Sunday baptism services. Sermon titles or series or service titles may be “Next Steps,” “New Life,” or “Old/New.”
- Grace
Sola Gratia, by His Grace Alone, are we saved. Understanding the theological scope of God’s “Unmerited Gift,” “Amazing Grace” “Grace Wins” or “His Grace Unlimited” will allow your church to live freely.
- Sin
Many churches cover the topic of sin as its effects on you and I bring the bad, the ugly and the evil in this world and it points to the Good News of the Gospel; that we are saved by Grace alone!
CHRISTIAN PRACTICES TOPICS
These topics are specifically aimed for Christians, new and not so new!
- Prayer Life
Christians all face the challenge of having a vibrant prayer life. From the movie-based “War Room,” “Conversing with God,” “Guide to Prayer” to “Powerful Prayer” and “Prayer Warriors,” you’ll find hundreds of themes for your sermons.
- Fasting
Very few Christians enjoy fasting. “Fasting Prayer,” “Habit of Fasting” and “The Power of Fasting” will encourage your congregants to dig deeper in their relationship to Christ.
- Bible Reading
The Bible is now accessible 24/7 through apps. You get your verse of the day in your texts and reminders. Yet, many Christians do not read their Bible outside of Sunday. Thus, it can be helpful and even necessary to have a yearly “Bible Challenge,” “21 Days of Reading” or “Bible Immersion.”
- Relationships / Marriage / Dating
This is the most common topic. By far. 75% of the surveyed churches had at least one series a year. And that’s beside the specific topic of friendship cited earlier. “Better Together,” “The Two of Us,” “The Dating (single, married) Life” are the customary themes.
- Temptation
“Overcoming Temptation,” “Purpose Killer” and “Resisting Temptation” serve the goal of helping Christians be stronger against temptation, whether it’s to steal, to lie or bend the rules.
- Sexuality
Human sexuality is a topic of great discussion. Themes or sermon titles can vary from “Sexual Ethics,” “God’s Plan for Sex,” “Gender Reveal” to “Sex, for Real.”
- Outreach
Through the words of the prophet Micah (6:8), God reminds us to “Act justly” and Jesus tells us to “Love Your Neighbor.” Outreach is about “Reaching Our Community” and “Serving.”
- Evangelism
“Sharing Your Faith,” “Standing Boldly” are ways you must actually “Talk About Jesus” and “What God Has Done for Me.” Equipping your church members to do so allows them to “Invite a Friend to Faith.”
- Tithing
This topic is different than finances or generosity as it deals with your responsibility to “Give Back to God” “His 10%.” Sometimes, the themes are not as blatant: “Cheerful Heart” and “Giving Obedience.”
- Gifts
Peter describes it like this: “serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts.” (4:10 CEB). “God-Given Gifts” are to be “Useful to the Church.”
- Faith and Trust
“Trusting God” is an ever-challenging reality. “Faith over Doubt” is not easy but you can encourage your church to to “Take Steps of Faith” to “Live a Life Worth Living” through these sermons.
CHARACTER-BASED TOPICS
The Bible’s descriptions of many heroes of the faith are rich in teachings and examples to follow. These topics are exactly what it is, series based on a specific character(s) and their life lessons.
- Adam and Eve
Our ancestors were “Walking with God” “In the Garden of Eden.” Their “Beginnings” proved to be arduous and shaped humanity forever.
- Abraham
The “Father of Faith” has a biography worth reading. He left his country to “Go Where God Leads.”
- Joseph
“From Slave to Ruler,” Joseph is known as “The Dreamer” and Jacob’s “Favorite Son.” His life in an “Epic Journey” of God’s work in everyday situations.
- David
“The Goliath Slayer” story is a beautiful one. David was “A Man After God’s Own Heart” and a “Warrior Worshipper.” You can recall his life through 1-2 Samuel and 1 Kings chapters 1-2.
- Solomon
David’s son became king at his father’s death. He had a reputation of “The Wisest Man on Earth” and he wrote many of the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
- Elijah
“Prophet of Power,” Elijah stood against “A king, a Queen and 400 prophets” which made his fame grow beyond the kingdoms of Israel. James even mentions “He was a Man Like Us.”
- Isaiah
Isaiah ministered for over six decades to kings and wrote the longest book from a prophet. He saw the “Glory of the Lord” and replied the illustrious “Here I am, Send Me.” He is often called “The Prophet!”
- Peter
Known as Church Father, Peter may be remembered for “The Day I denied Christ” or for his “Glorious Declarations,” he was the “Leader of the Apostles.”
- Paul
“Murderer to Missionary” could’ve been the title of this former Pharisee. He was “The First Church Planter” and he wrote almost half of the New Testament. His life “From Jerusalem to Rome” is full of purposeful lessons.
- Daniel
“The Lions’ Den” character kept his faith in God in very troubled times. He decides to “Stay True to God” while serving earthly kings.
- Jesus
Finally, Jesus is the “Good News Incarnated.” When pastors do a series on “Jesus of Nazareth,” it is dedicated to his life and ministry in Israel.
SEASONAL-HOLIDAY BASED TOPICS
It is hard to not cover topics like these. They are forced upon you by the calendar and Christian faith Pillars.
- New Year Launch
Churches all begin the year “This Year’s Word” based on a yearly theme or “Relaunch” that is aimed at new “Resolutions” that should be kept all year!
- Good Friday and Easter
The “Death and Resurrection” are central to the Christian faith. Attendance is also at its peak in most churches on “Weekend of Hope” and on “Comeback Sunday.”
- At The Movies
This one can seem a bit peculiar as it isn’t felt-need based. More and more churches are doing an “At The Movies” series once a year for a few weeks. They are basically using a movie and its lessons to preach a godly message, like Jesus using parables in His time.
- Mother’s Day
Another big Sunday of the year, as moms want to see their kids in church! It is a Sunday to give more valor to “Great Moms,” discover “What Moms are Made of” and bless “Mothers of Virtue.”
- Father’s Day
If mothers want to see their kids in church, dads want to grill out and have a good time. That’s why themes will circle the “Dads Sunday Grill” or “Father’s Best Day.” The Chris Tomlin song “Good Good Father” has been used, if not overused!
- Independence Day
This is a classic Sunday where pastors ask someone else on staff to preach. Often titled “Freedom,” “We Remember,” churches also let the guest speakers choose their titles. It is also a common weekend for “5 on 5” (5-minute talks by 5 different speakers) or “The Bench” (less experienced communicators crafting their art of preaching).
- Thanksgiving
The familiar “Gratefulness Expressed” and “Giving Thanks” always express the “Heart of Thanksgiving.” Some choose the “X Number of Reasons to be Thankful.”
- Christmas
The last holiday on the calendar year is the second busiest weekend of the year. You’re guaranteed to see “Reclaiming Christmas,” “Hope at Christmas,” “Christmas at NAME OF THE CHURCH.” “Vantage Christmas” is often used to preach on the different protagonists of our Lord’s birth.
As you can see, these do not cover every subject the Bible offers but these are 75 most popular sermon topics that are preached in modern times!
