In Preaching Articles: "Attention Grabber"

The 10 Commandments Of An Effective Sermon Introduction

By Brandon Kelley on Aug 26, 2022

If you haven’t grasped this yet, your sermon introduction is vitally important. But what does it look like to knock the introduction out of the park? What are some things to avoid? What are some things to ensure are a part of it? Let’s dive into the 10 commandments of an effective sermon introduction!

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Introduction, illustration, Teaching God's Word, Attention Grabber, Effective Teaching, Sermon Introduction, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Craft Sermon Openers That Grab Attention

By Tyler Scarlett on Feb 27, 2025

A wandering introduction loses listeners before the sermon even begins. Strong, simple, and compelling first sentences draw people in and prepare them to hear God’s Word.

Scripture: Titus 2:2, Titus 2:1-2, Philippians 4:10-15, Romans 13:11-14

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

5 Ways To Get People To Pay Attention To Your Sermons

By Charles Stone on Feb 16, 2022

One of the most disconcerting feelings we pastors experience is when we prepare a sermon and pour our heart into it, yet feel that it didn’t make a difference in people’s lives.

Tags: Communication, Preaching, Relevance, sermons, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching--4 Ways To Gain Attention And 3 Ways To Keep It!

By Dr. R. Larry Moyer on Oct 13, 2025

How do you rate on the two critical skills every preacher needs?

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17

Tags: Preaching, Attention, Enthusiasm, skill, entice, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

If Jesus Gave A Ted Talk Principle 2—pique Interest (Attention)

By Charles Stone on Oct 20, 2021

Pique Interest is the second installment of an 8 part series on how neuroscience can improve your preaching.

Scripture: Luke 19:48

Tags: Preaching, sermon, Sermon, preaching

Do You Pay Attention To God's Voice While You're Preaching?

By Mark Moore on Feb 1, 2024

We pay attention to our well-crafted manuscripts and outlines. But, honestly, how many of us are paying attention to the voice of God while we are preaching?

Tags: God, Preaching, voice, preaching

6 Reasons Pastors And Leaders Need Adequate Sleep

By Charles Stone on Jun 20, 2023

For many years scientists and philosophers have pondered why we need sleep besides to not be sleepy. Of course we all intuitively know how important sleep is to our bodies, relationships, and walk with God. But as neuroscientists are learning more about the brain, they are discovering many positive brain benefits from sleep. This list below includes some of those benefits.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:12

Tags: sleep, Walk with God, decison making, paying attention

Less Is More: Improve Tomorrow's Sermon By Making It Shorter

By Lane Sebring on Nov 7, 2019

Few public speakers can keep an audience's attention for an hour. Fewer should even try.

Scripture: Genesis 19:1-15, Psalm 107:1-15, Revelation 12:1-10

Tags: Preaching, better, short sermon, audience attention, sermon length  (view more)  (view less)

Increasing Youth Retention And Involvement In Your Church

By John Gilman Ii on Mar 24, 2021

Families have long been the cornerstone of church congregations. Parents bring their children to church every Sunday. At a certain point, it becomes the children’s choice and responsibility to decide if they want to continue going to church every Sunday or not. That’s why it’s so important to show your children God’s grace and make Him a priority in their life from an early age.

Scripture: Malachi 2:15, Proverbs 22:6

Tags: Youth, Small groups, Equipping Disciples, Youth Ministry, paying attention  (view more)  (view less)

Swindoll Says Stories Are Valuable

By Michael Duduit on Aug 15, 2023

Stories transport us into another world. They hold our attention.

Scripture: Matthew 13:34

Tags: Communication, Preaching, Story, storytelling, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How Preachers Resemble Flight Attendants

By Ron Forseth on Jun 4, 2025

Even though no one pays attention to the pre-flight warnings, the message is crucial when things go wrong.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

When Is A Sermon Good Enough?

By Stephen Gregory on Jul 16, 2024

A pastor wrestles with preparation, expectations, and perfectionism, discovering how God uses imperfect sermons when the preacher is faithful, honest, and attentive to the flock.

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3

Tags: Church, Preaching, pastor, spiritual growth, Communication General, Pastoral Ministry, Ministry Leadership, Pastor, Sermon Preparation, preaching, church, sermon preparation, Preaching Challenges, Spiritual Growth  (view more)  (view less)

How Long Should A Sermon Be?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jul 11, 2020

There is no universal sermon length. What matters most is clarity, focus, and the preacher’s ability to hold attention around one central point.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, Nehemiah 8:8, 1 Corinthians 14:8, Colossians 4:6

Tags: Communication, Preaching, preparation, Homiletics, Time, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Use Humor Like A Hammer (Plus 4 Other Great Preaching Tips)

By Chris Foster on Feb 5, 2024

The average attention span has dropped from 12 minutes to 5 minutes. If this is true, what does that mean for you as a communicator of the Gospel?

Scripture: Exodus 3:7-17, John 14:26

Tags: Preaching, humor, social media, storytelling, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Top 7 Myths About Seminary

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 29, 2022

If you want to get people’s attention or have the room go silent, just announce that you’ve decided to go to seminary.

Tags: BIBLE STUDY, Seminary, study bible, Bible Study, Jesus Relationship, bible study  (view more)  (view less)