Which sermon illustration database should you use?

A number of pastors have expressed confusion at all the databases and archives I offer. If it seems like a lot of it overlaps you are absolutely correct! Below I give a summary of my recommendations.

First of all, everyone can download the "800+ Sermon Archive" in the Win98 version. It sets up automatically on your computer in the directory C:\PROGRAM FILES\KERUX SERMON MATERIALS. It has all my sermons for the last decade (and more) and even if you don't like the outline style you will find the illustrations are word-for-word.

Here are your database options:

1. For illustrations, start with what is on your computer. Do you have Access 97, part of the "Office 97 - Professional" package? (or a more recent version)  If so, download the Access 97 Kerux database and its multiple sermon and illustration sets. You will notice that the sermon database contains all my sermons, just like the archive above, but you can search them differently. Access 97 is the highest-powered material I offer. The newest version has helpful menu screens that make searches a snap.  Newer versions of Access will convert the database (don't choose "open" but choose "convert") and  it will run normally.

2. You don't have any database program. Download the SID "front-end" and then download all the sermon and illustration sets and supplements.  SID provides the forms for viewing the data sets on your computer.  The format is deceptively simple but you can do powerful searches, copy multiple records into memory and then paste them to your word processor, and you will have all the data available to Microsoft Access users.  I expect this to be my most popular file.  More information on this file can be found at the developers' site at http://www.jesusplusnothing.com/sid/

3. You don't have Access 97, but you have Access 95, FoxPro, Paradox, dBASE or some other commercial program.  If you know how to program forms, download the dBASE-IV databases at my site.  These contain data files, period. There are no forms or macros for displaying the data.  Your program should be able to open them and use them like a regular database and you can modify them and construct forms to your heart's content. The content is identical to the Access 97 version but there are no macros, help screens, menu screens, etc.

4. You don't have a database program and don't want one. You want something simple. In that case, download the illustration program for Windows 98. It functions just like a Windows help file but contains 2,100 illustrations and articles. Each illustration has Scriptures and topics attached so you can search for exactly what you want. You cannot add your own illustrations but you can put in annotations. I will no longer be updating this file. The illustrations all come from the other databases so you might consider this a "junior" version. I have given it a setup routine so it will install itself automatically. You open it by clicking on the Start button on the lower left of your screen, clicking Programs, then scrolling down to the entry called "Kerux Sermon Materials". All of my other setup files install into the same directory, which is under "Program Files."

Still confused? Don't download everything because it will sit on your hard-drive forever and never even get unzipped!  (I know. I do it all the time.) If you are a pastor I challenge you to invest one or two hours and try out one of these programs because I am certain it will pay you dividends. There are no hidden strings or gimmicks.

Rev. David Holwick
Updated November 12, 2004

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