In Preaching Articles: "Call To Ministry"

The Parable Of The Pharisee And Tax Collector: A Call To Humility

By Josh Read on Oct 27, 2025

In the heart of Luke’s Gospel, we find the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). It showcases a stark contrast between two men who approach God, revealing deeper truths about humility, self-righteousness, and access to God's mercy. As pastors seeking to communicate God’s word effectively to our congregations, it’s essential to explore these themes and draw practical applications that encourage genuine humility in our walk with Christ.

Scripture: Luke 18:12-14, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, James 1:17, Romans 3:23

Tags: Parable, Humility

5 Ministry Killers Every Pastor’s Wife Faces

By Charles Stone on Aug 21, 2025

Eight in ten pastors’ wives say they feel unappreciated or unaccepted by their husband’s congregations. Charles Stone and his wife give insight into how to protect your spouse and your marriage during the sometimes difficult calling of pastoral ministry.

Tags: Ministry, stress, Marriage, wife, family, Stress, Pastoral Care, Ministry Health, Pastors Wife, Marriage Support, Church Body of Christ, Marriage General, church leadership, ministry, marriage support, Church Leadership, relationships, priorities, home, Difficulties, pastoral care, Spouse  (view more)  (view less)

7 Ways To Tell If It's A God Thing

By Ron Edmondson on Apr 3, 2023

Ron Edmondson: "God calls people to seemingly impossible tasks. It gives Him glory when I can’t do something, but He can."

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6

Tags: opportunity, ministry, Faith, Ministry, Prayer  (view more)  (view less)

How Leading Worship Shaped My Calling To Preach

By Brandon Hilgemann on Dec 4, 2019

While leading worship I learned to cast aside a crutch, one that many preachers should discard, as well.

Tags: Worship, Preaching, teach

The Power Of Simplicity… Part 1

By Lance Witt on Aug 28, 2023

I really do believe that many of the people you pastor are looking for simplicity.

Tags: focus, Simplicity, simplify, calling

Pastor, I'm Called To Preach--Gimme Your Pulpit!

By Brian Croft on Aug 9, 2019

Brian Croft gives three sound suggestions for encouraging others as they explore their calling.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Shepherd God’s Flock: Equipping God’s People

By Chris Pascarella on Nov 7, 2022

"According to Scripture, pastors are called to equip the flock to do the work of ministry!"

Scripture: Romans 12:4-8, Ephesians 4:11-12

Tags: Equipping Disciples, Equipping The Body, church leadership, Called to serve, be the church, Church Body of Christ, pastoral leadership, equipped for service  (view more)  (view less)

Becoming An Approachable Leader In Ministry

By Ken Sande on Mar 6, 2025

Approachability is essential for effective pastoral leadership. This guide shows how leaders earn trust, cultivate humility, and gain a “relational passport” with their people.

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, Relational Wisdom, counsel, Communication General, Leadership General, Pastor, Leadership, church  (view more)  (view less)

The Secret Ingredient For Effective Ministry

By Ray Hollenbach on Jun 17, 2025

What if there were a way to open the floodgates of heaven for other people? What if YOU could have this secret?

Scripture: John 5:9-16

Tags: Ministry, Humble, Humility, effective, humble heart, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

The Hardest Part Of Ministry: Saying No

By David L. Hansen on Jun 30, 2025

Saying "no" can help focus your ministry, your leadership and your preaching.

Tags: ministry, preaching, Ministry, Preaching, hard, Angelic work, say no  (view more)  (view less)

7 Ways To Keep From Killing Your Message

By Carey Nieuwhof on Mar 1, 2023

Every week, gifted communicators kill the messages they bring by making at least seven predictable, fixable mistakes.

Tags: Preaching, Feedback, call to action, preaching

Does Preaching Really Matter?

By Lance Witt on Sep 12, 2019

Like most pastors, I will never forget the first sermon I preached. Basically, we had to hold people at gun point to get them to listen . . .

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:21, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Corinthians 9:16

Tags: Preaching, God's Power, Bartimaeus, calling

Why We Need To Seriously Reconsider The Idea Behind The Altar Call

By Jeff K. Clarke on Sep 15, 2025

We are so desperate to have people make a decision that we rarely, if ever, tell them about the costs associated with making that decision.

Tags: preaching, Discipleship, Preaching, converts, altar call, costs  (view more)  (view less)

You May Be Called To Preach, But You Still Need A Role Model

By Joe Mckeever on Jan 16, 2020

"He gave no introduction to the sermon. This man simply stepped off the high diving board into the deep water. Except there was no deep water."

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:9

Tags: Preaching, preaching

How To Get Out Of A Ministry Funk

By Tim Stevens on Apr 9, 2020

Tim Stevens offers encouragement and practical advice to pastors going through a tough ministry funk.

Scripture: Galatians 6:9

Tags: Ministry, Church, Church Practices, ministry, church  (view more)  (view less)