By Andre Rogers Professor of Preaching; Associate Program Director of the Doctor of Ministry in the CIU Seminary & School of Counseling
I began preaching publicly at 18 years old in Dillon, South Carolina, though in truth, my call to preach was already evident long before then. My father, a pastor, wisely counseled me to wait until I had was formally licensed before fully stepping into the preaching ministry. That early discipline shaped my respect for preparation and accountability. My mother was a quiet, but powerful influence. She loved to hear my brother and me preach and was our most fervent supporter. She often encouraged me with a simple but profound exhortation: “Stick to the text. Let the text talk.” Her wisdom continues to echo in my preaching philosophy.
Other Early Influencers
My childhood pastor, Bishop John W. Barber, prayed over my life and regularly told me that God wanted to use me mightily. That sounded really good to me! My first sermon was preached on Dec. 1, 1991. The church was packed, and afterward people told me they saw something in me that day — an affirmation that pointed toward pastoral ministry. One of the great privileges of my early formation was being mentored by Dr. Ralph Richardson, then president at Carolina Bible College in Fayetteville, North Carolina, (now Carolina College of Biblical Studies). Dr. Richardson instilled in me a deep love for the Word of God and modeled a discipline that has remained with me ever since: never listen to a sermon without taking notes while you are preaching. He viewed preaching as both proclamation and discovery — an ongoing act of theological reflection that could inform future sermons and teaching. When I later enrolled at Columbia International University, I was further shaped by CIU’s president at that time, Dr. Johnny Miller. He modeled the value of scholarly depth in ministry, teaching me that pastoral faithfulness must be wedded to academic rigor, that is, to be biblical, but also be a biblical scholar.
From Student to Professor
For more than two decades at CIU, I have had the privilege of teaching CIU students how to structure sermons with clarity and faithfulness. Many have gone on to fruitful and impactful ministries. Two foundational texts written by retired CIU professor Dr. Donald Hamilton remain cornerstones of my preaching and teaching: “The Homiletical Handbook” and “Preaching with Balance.” Though I introduce students to contemporary voices and newer preaching models, these classic works continue to anchor the program. I have read extensively from figures such as the plain-spoken Vance Havner to the formal preaching instruction of Dr. Crawford Loritts, a former chairman of the CIU Board of Trustees. Preachers who have influenced me through the centuries include Puritan Jonathan Edwards to Evangelist Billy Graham. Students in my courses will encounter not only homiletical methods, but also my own preaching “address” — where I’m coming from theologically and pastorally.
Staying on Track
I work closely with a trusted group of preaching colleagues, including my father, Elder Harvey Rogers III. Together, we function as a theological think tank, sharpening one another through critique and prayer. And although I have already earned a Doctor of Ministry degree, I am currently studying for doctoral work in Practical Theology, with an emphasis in preaching, under the mentoring of CIU Seminary Professor Dr. Mike Langston. Technology has increasingly shaped modern sermon preparation, from tools such as Logos Bible Software and digital research platforms to presentation aids such as PowerPoint, handouts, lighting, and audiovisual aesthetics. While these tools can enhance clarity and engagement, I caution students to remember that technology must always serve truth. I often tell my students that you can only preach about 25% of the Bible early in life, but when you are married, raising children, and navigating vocational pressures, you gain experiential authority to teach the whole counsel of God. I draw illustrations from my personal and professional life, from films, sports, current reading, and conversations with colleagues — always seeking to bridge text and life. Prayer remains central to my preaching process. When I’m stuck, I pray more, read more Scripture, and allow the Word to shape my heart before it reaches the pulpit. As a pastor, I intentionally sit under the preaching of others at least once a month so that I can be fed as well as feed. I encourage students to read widely — not only Scripture and theology, but also history, literature, sports journalism, and even business reports — to become well-rounded communicators of truth. I urge them to read their preaching text at least 25 times, and to match every minute in the pulpit with intentional time in prayer, asking that God’s message — not merely the preacher’s words — be heard.
Clean Living
Finally, after everything I have seen in ministry, I remind students: Keep your life as clean as your message. Live what you preach. Don’t preach upstairs and live in the basement. A lack of spiritual engagement inevitably leads to a lack of spiritual enthusiasm. And ethically speaking, do not allow ChatGPT or any tool to write your sermon in full. God’s people want to hear a word from the Lord — not from artificial intelligence.
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