Preparing a sermon every week is one of the most demanding parts of pastoral ministry — especially for bivocational pastors juggling full-time jobs alongside their calling. SermonCentral exists to lighten that load, serving as the world's largest sermon research library with over 240,000 pastor-contributed sermons, illustrations, and dramas spanning virtually every book of the Bible.^1
The platform works like a community-powered research engine: pastors can search sermons by Scripture, topic, denomination, or keyword, and every sermon in the library is completely free to access. Over 300 new sermons and illustrations are added each week by contributors from more than 100 countries, making it a living, growing resource that reflects the breadth of the global Church.^2 For pastors who need more, a PRO membership unlocks premium sermon illustrations, church media like video illustrations and motion backgrounds, PowerPoint templates, and advanced search tools.^2
SermonCentral is part of Outreach, Inc., founded in 1996 by Scott Evans out of a church plant with a heart for equipping the local church.^3 Under the digital leadership of Josh Read — a former missionary to South Africa — the team is building "SermonCentral Next," incorporating AI-powered tools to help pastors reduce sermon prep time while staying theologically grounded.^4 The platform also offers a free Sermon Research Assistant and sermon series kits for seasonal preaching.^1
Pew Research Center has recognized SermonCentral as a significant platform in their nationwide analysis of the digital pulpit, noting it as a major destination where pastors share sermons in text form.^5
Why Pastors Love It"We're 100% behind Burnt Out Ben. We want to help pastors communicate clearly, effectively, and without burning out." — Josh Read, Outreach Digital^4
"Trying to preach consistently good messages, communicate well, and do social media... it's intense. I have to go back and remember — God sees me." — Josh Read on the bivocational pastor experience^4
Notable- Over 250,000 church leaders visit SermonCentral every week^2
- Sermons searchable by Scripture, topic, denomination, and date^1
- Contributors from 100+ countries — your sermon can reach places you'll never visit^2
- Part of Outreach, Inc., one of the largest providers of church outreach products and services^3
- Currently beta testing "SermonCentral Next" with AI-assisted sermon prep tools^4
