Back by popular demand is another installment of technology-themed freebies for churches! In case you missed the earlier ones, check out “Sample the online freebies for churches” or “Free software downloads: office and ministry tools.”
Included in this article is a variety of resources that pastors can use in worship, in print, on websites and social media and for church management.
SERMON STARTERS AND HELPS
If you need an idea for a sermon, here are some great free resources to help you:
Discipleship Ministries
- Discipleship Ministries Preaching Resources
- Lectionary Planning Helps
- Additional Online Resources for Lectionary Planning
Discipleship Ministries recommendations
- Revised Common Lectionary, Vanderbilt Divinity Library
- The Text This Week – Links, art and movies for the lectionary, Scripture study and worship.
- GoTell.org – Biblical storytelling for the global village. Includes a lectionary image gallery, commentary and more. Created by UM pastors Rev. Tom Boomershine and Rev. Amelia Boomershine.
OPEN SOURCE SERMONS AND FREE MEDIA
- OpenResources – Offers free audio, graphics and videos on a wide array of subjects, including biblical themes, hot topics, personal stories, relationships and youth.
- Sermon Central – Features more than 120,000 sermons contributed by pastors from all denominations. Check out all the United Methodist contributors and sort by most viewed and top rated. A great element of Sermon Central is that you can search by keyword, verse, author or date.
Be aware that these open resources may not necessarily be based on the teachings of The United Methodist Church and Wesleyan beliefs and traditions. While you never want to plagiarize, these themes can provide helpful outlines and guidelines. Make the sermons your own with your flair and style.