In Preaching Articles: "Avoid"

Study: What Preachers Won't Preach About

By Toni Ridgaway on Mar 27, 2020

Over half of pastors avoid certain topics for fear of losing attendees. This report raises hard questions about courage, clarity, and faithfulness in preaching.

Scripture: Acts 20:17-32

Tags: Preaching, preaching, Biblical Faithfulness

5 Right And Wrong Ways To Deal With Criticism

By Ron Edmondson on Mar 20, 2025

Criticism is inevitable in leadership. Here are five wrong responses to avoid and five wise practices that help leaders learn, grow, and steward feedback well.

Scripture: Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 19:20, James 1:19, Ecclesiastes 7:5

Tags: leadership, Preaching, Criticism, Confidence, evaluation, criticism, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

3 Problems With Being Too Nice As A Leader

By Ron Edmondson on Jun 14, 2020

Leaders who avoid hard conversations hurt themselves, their teams, and underperforming staff. Here are three reasons excessive niceness undermines effective leadership.

Scripture: Proverbs 27:5-6, Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 9:8-9, Colossians 3:23  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: leadership, Preaching, Leadership, preaching, Organizational Health  (view more)  (view less)

7 Tips For Preaching The Prophets

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 9, 2023

Many Christians avoid prophetic books because they feel complicated and distant. Here is a simple seven-step approach to reading them with clarity and confidence.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 Samuel 3:10, Proverbs 11:14, James 1:22, Malachi 1:1  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Ten Tips For Preaching From An Ipad

By Brandon Hilgemann on Jan 11, 2023

Many pastors are turning to tablets for sermon notes. Preaching from an iPad can be helpful, but it requires preparation to avoid distractions and technical problems.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Nehemiah 8:8, 1 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Tags: Technology, Preaching, ipad, backup, preaching, Church Technology  (view more)  (view less)

Dangerous Assumptions That Will Kill Your Message

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Jun 21, 2021

Preachers often lose effectiveness when they assume too much about their audience. Avoiding common misconceptions can greatly improve communication and engagement.

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-7, John 15:5, Nehemiah 8:8, 1 Corinthians 14:9, Colossians 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Biblical Communication

Don't Close Your Sermon Like That!

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jul 30, 2021

The ending of a sermon is often the part people remember most. Preachers must avoid recycled conclusions and instead craft endings that intentionally reinforce the message.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 4:2, Colossians 4:6, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

Why Churches Must Preach On Stewardship

By Mark Brooks on Jun 27, 2021

Many churches avoid preaching about money, yet Scripture consistently connects faith with stewardship. Ignoring the topic weakens discipleship and limits ministry.

Scripture: Matthew 6:21, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Malachi 3:10, Luke 16:10-11, Acts 20:35  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Money, Giving, Tithe, Preaching, Generosity, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Reasonable Compensation For Pastors And Ministers

By Thomas J. Winters on Jan 9, 2025

Pastoral compensation must be fair, transparent, and compliant with IRS standards. This guide explains how churches determine reasonable pay and avoid excess benefit violations.

Tags: Money, Leader, Budget, pastor, finances, practice, Pastoral Compensation, IRS Compliance, Nonprofit Accountability, Minister Pay, Speculation, Church Practices, Leadership General, Church Governance, Pastor, leader  (view more)  (view less)

5 Ways To Keep Your Church Small And How To Overcome Them

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Jul 17, 2020

Many churches remain small because of unbiblical assumptions and avoidable habits. Learn how vision, planning, stability, and evangelistic focus can reverse that trajectory.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7, Luke 15:4, Acts 2:47, Colossians 4:5, 1 Corinthians 3:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Church Growth, preaching, Ministry Strategy

Bridging The Church Communication Gap

By Barry Whitlow on Jun 19, 2020

Seventy percent avoid church because our communication no longer connects. Reaching them requires bold change, cultural awareness, and clearer, relevant preaching.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:22-23, Colossians 4:5-6, Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 10:14-15

Tags: Preaching, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership

Funerals: 6 Things We Should–and Shouldn't–do

By Jared Moore on Jun 22, 2020

Funeral preaching demands clarity, compassion, and gospel focus. These guidelines help pastors navigate what to emphasize and what to avoid when ministering at graveside moments.

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:12, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Romans 6:23, John 14:6, Luke 16:27-31  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Biblical wisdom, Biblical Wisdom

Narrative Preaching: Do You Make These 10 Mistakes?

By Peter Mead on Jul 2, 2020

Biblical narratives lose their power when preachers flatten them into lessons or principles. Avoid common pitfalls and learn how to preach stories as God intended.

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14, Judges 6:11-24, Luke 10:25-37, John 2:1-11

Tags: Preaching Ministry

Are You Running From Your Calling As A Preacher?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 30, 2023

Some pastors avoid difficult truths in preaching, choosing encouragement over correction. Faithful ministry requires proclaiming the whole counsel of God, even when it is uncomfortable.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 3:12, Isaiah 55:11, 1 Peter 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership, Preaching, teach, run, Biblical  (view more)  (view less)

6 Reasons To Preach The Same Sermon Twice

By Joe Mckeever on Apr 22, 2020

Many pastors avoid repeating sermons, but revisiting them can deepen impact, sharpen insight, and better serve a changing congregation. Here’s why repeats matter.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Matthew 13:1-23, Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 4:13-16, 2 Corinthians 4:5-6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Expository Teaching