In Preaching Articles: "Bad Leadership"

There's Something Wrong With The Pastoral System

By Ray Hollenbach on May 7, 2020

Gordon MacDonald: "I think we probably need to totally re-define what pastors do in leading our contemporary 21st century church."

Tags: leadership, Preaching, training

Getting An Approachability Checkup

By Ken Sande on Mar 5, 2025

An expert in conflict management, Ken Sande brings his expertise to pastors and leaders to help them relate better with their congregation, co-workers, and families.

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11, Philippians 2:3-4, Matthew 18:12-14, 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, Mark 10:42-45  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Church, Peace, leadership, pastor, conflict, relationships, counsel, Communication General, Leadership General, Pastor, Leadership, church  (view more)  (view less)

10 Disciplines Of A Godly Pastor

By Dr. R. Kent Hughes on Jul 8, 2022

Our ultimate trust is always in God's persevering grace, nevertheless, we are called to cultivate godly action in our lives. Here are 10 disciplines shared by a pastor with over 40 years of experience in faithfully serving the Lord and shepherding God's people.

Tags: The Long View, Leadership, leadership, Accountability, pastoral leadership, Discipline, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Perseverance, endurance  (view more)  (view less)

7 Things That Get Harder As Your Church Grows

By Carey Nieuwhof on Nov 6, 2023

Ever think that growth will solve all your problems?

Tags: leadership, Church Growth, Focus on Numbers, Elias livingstone, Leadership, Healthy Church, pastoral leadership, church ministry, church problems, church priorities, Effective Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

What Does It Really Mean To "Go Deeper”?

By Alan Danielson on May 1, 2020

Alan Danielson offers his take on one of the most overrated comments in the church today.

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-7, Colossians 2:7

Tags: Preaching, spiritual growth, Leadership, preaching, church, Thought, Church, leadership  (view more)  (view less)

The "Measure Up Mentality” In Today’s Church

By Charles Stone on Dec 12, 2021

The ‘measure up mentality’ can suck the joy out of ministry. By applying a few simple ideas, you can stay positive and encouraged in your ministry even when you feel you don’t measure up in the eyes of others.

Scripture: Psalm 62:5

Tags: leadership, Preaching, pastor, Laziness, hard work, Pastor, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

5 Scientifically Proven Skills That Make You A Better Leader

By Charles Stone on Mar 9, 2022

Mindfulness is a spiritual discipline akin to biblical meditation. It’s setting aside daily time to be still before God, to be in His presence in the present moment.

Tags: stress, leadership, Stress, Meditation, sound mind, Spiritual Discipline, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Eugene Peterson On The Dignity Of Local Pastoring

By Eugene Peterson on Jul 14, 2021

"I grew up in a culture that was very entertainment-centered. Pastors were really good storytellers, and they were attractive people, glamorous." –Eugene Peterson

Scripture: John 3:16, 1 Peter 5:2-3, Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, 2 Corinthians 4:7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Growth, Preaching, Growth in Christ, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

4 Ways To Process The Emotions Of Betrayal As A Leader

By Ron Edmondson on Jul 26, 2022

"Suddenly I was feeling a stirring in my stomach. I became slightly nervous. It was a brief encounter, but I quickly realized I was being reminded of a few very painful experiences in my own leadership and life. I was recalling the emotions of betrayal."

Scripture: Isaiah 61:3, Philippians 4:19, Acts 1:13

Tags: pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, grieving, Overcoming hurt, Leadership, Forgiveness, Healing, leadership, conflict, Betrayal, Forgiveness for Others  (view more)  (view less)

4 Spiritual Disciplines Pastors Often Neglect

By Charles Stone on Nov 15, 2023

What spiritual disciplines might you be neglecting?

Tags: Spiritual Discipline, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Leadership, leadership, Submission, confession, Solitude, Christian Disciplines, pastoral leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Handling A Hurricane… Part 1

By Lance Witt on Nov 9, 2023

It is going to happen. Take it to the bank. You can count on it. Someone on your team or in your organization will have a disastrous moral failure. So how do your prepare?

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:12

Tags: leadership, conflict management, Leadership, Pastoral Ministry, disasters, church ministry, Leadership Failure, Moral failure, Church Crisis  (view more)  (view less)

4 Traits Of Speakers Who Connect With Their Audience

By Lane Sebring on Jul 10, 2023

Recently my church hosted a leadership conference to encourage and equip our lay leaders and staff. One of the speakers at the event, Nikki, impacted me with her engaging presentation.

Tags: Preaching, humor, Honesty, Communication Speech, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

7 Dangerous Church Hiring Mistakes

By Brian Orme on Mar 27, 2024

We don’t want you to drop $300K (or more) of Kingdom funds on bad staffing when it should go toward Gospel-centered initiatives. So, here are seven hiring mistakes you want to avoid at all costs.

Tags: Church, Preaching, mistakes, church and business, hiring, preaching, church  (view more)  (view less)

Five Steps To Respond To A Hurtful And Hateful Email

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 6, 2022

“You have no business being the pastor of our church. All you are interested in is getting your own way and changing all the good things we have going. People are saying you should be fired. I agree with them.”

Scripture: Proverbs 15:1

Tags: church ministry, Difficult People, Facing Controversy, criticism, Leadership, Perseverance, leadership, conflict, Criticism, loving people, pastoral leadership  (view more)  (view less)

10 Preaching Questions With Matt Chandler

By Colin Adams on Jan 29, 2025

Matt Chandler reflects on preaching, preparation, personal pitfalls, and developing future preachers. His insights offer clear, practical guidance for faithful ministry.

Scripture: Mark 1:39

Tags: preparation, Adam, Guilt Offering, Leadership General, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership Development  (view more)  (view less)