Long - range planning for preaching can be assisted by formulating an annual grid listing the months of the year along one
side and three sets of factors along the other: (1) human factors (
personal and public) relating to the seasons of the year beginning with spring; (2) congregational factors relating to the church life cycle usually beginning in September; (3) theological factors relating to the Christian Year, to lectionary selections or lectia continua, and to
spiritual and theological themes needed by the church in its life and mission beginning with Advent.