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 "1,000+ 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. Decide if you want to make one big download or lots of smaller ones. Most people go with the "mega-database" option and do a single download. It is also possible to download minimal versions and build them to the size you want by downloading and installing separate supplements.
2. Determine what kind of operating system you have. WindowsXP is 32-bit. Most current operating systems are 64-bit. I offer databases in both formats.
3. Decide which front-end you prefer to use. The "front-end" is the visible screen that present the records in the database. All the database formats have the same sermon and illustration material. They differ in how they present them, and the degree to which you can manipulate them.
The SID front-end is very clean and easy to use. Here is the opening screen showing a search for records tagged with "grace" and "Eph 2:10". Here is the resulting record. More information on this file can be found at the developers' site at http://www.jesusplusnothing.com/sid/. If you choose the mega-database version, there are no other files to install. There is both a 32-bit and 64-bit version.
The other main format is based on the Microsoft Access database program. Even if you don't own the Microsoft program you can use Kerux2010 (after you download some free runtime software from them). It is probably the most powerful version we offer at this point. Here is a screenshot of the opening screen; a complete online helpfile that includes a tutorial can be found here. A different flavor of the Access front-end actually resembles the SID front-end but it requires you to own the Microsoft Access 2002 program. If you own this program and try to open the database and it gives you the option of converting it, do that. Here is a virtual tour of the Access 2002 version.
4. You don't have the Microsoft Access program but you have 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 2002 version but there are no macros, help screens, menu screens, etc. These files have not been updated in a long time.
5. 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 an old-style 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 September 5, 2011Back to the Holwick main page
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