In Preaching Articles: "Calling"

The Reverse Altar Call

By Greg Stier on Aug 1, 2023

Sometimes the words “altar call” trigger images of sawdust trails and endless verses of “Just as I am” with preachers prodding, pushing and persuading sinners to come forward down the aisle in front of God and everyone.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:2

Tags: Evangelism, strategy, Evangelism How To, Evangelism The Lost, evangelism  (view more)  (view less)

4 Reasons Not To Give An Altar Call

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Aug 11, 2024

Altar calls can help seekers respond to Christ, but they can also distort the gospel when misused. Here are four situations in which giving an altar call becomes unwise.

Scripture: John 6:47, Luke 23:43, John 12:42, Romans 10:9-10, 1 Corinthians 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Invitation, altar call, gospel clarity, Gospel Clarity, Altar Call  (view more)  (view less)

Is There Anything Wrong With Calling God "She”?

By Aaron Armstrong on Jan 6, 2022

"It's just a pronoun, so what's the big deal?" Well, what does the scripture say?

Tags: Preaching, Attributes, Masculine, feminine, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Call No One Wants To Get - Part 1

By Lance Witt on Sep 24, 2023

One of the spiritual questions every ministry leader must answer is, “Am I willing to serve in obscurity?”

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-40

Tags: Faith, obscurity, Cost of Discipleship, success in ministry

The Call No One Wants To Get - Part 2

By Lance Witt on Sep 25, 2023

Looking back, I see that obscurity allowed God to redirect my sense of identity and significance.

Tags: obscurity, Relationship to God, intimacy with Christ, Hidden work of God

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

By Josh Read on Oct 26, 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

The Power Of Simplicity… Part 1

By Lance Witt on Aug 27, 2023

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

Tags: focus, Simplicity, simplify, calling

Wayne Cordeiro: When You Want To Call It Quits

By Wayne Cordeiro on Mar 7, 2025

When discouragement makes quitting feel inevitable, Jesus meets us in our exhaustion, restores our calling, draws us back to Himself, and leads us forward in faith.

Scripture: Luke 5:10-15, Psalm 34:17, Isaiah 40:29, Galatians 6:9

Tags: quit, retire

7 Ways To Keep From Killing Your Message

By Carey Nieuwhof on Feb 28, 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

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

By Jeff K. Clarke on Sep 14, 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: Discipleship, Preaching, converts, altar call, costs, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Listen To Your Sermon Just Before You Preach

By Mark Mohler on Dec 3, 2024

Sermons are not made for paper--they're made for the human ear. Have you tried listening to yours?

Scripture: Matthew 8:1-2

Tags: Preaching, Listen, Creativity, call to action, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

4 Reasons Why Some Preachers Get Better And Others Don't

By Hershael York on Aug 12, 2025

What makes the difference between someone who grows in preaching versus someone who doesn't?

Tags: Preaching, passion, stagnant, Improve, calling, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Avoid The Wreck: 7 Ways To Crash A Sermon

By Carey Nieuwhof on Sep 23, 2025

What's the difference between a sermon that changes someone's life and one that no one can remember even as they drive out of the parking lot?

Tags: Preaching, Resistance, Ruin, call to action, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

A Missed Opportunity

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Jul 27, 2023

I want to invite you to put yourself in the shoes of an unsaved person.

Tags: Evangelism, Salvation, opportunity, Call to salvation, evangelism  (view more)  (view less)

Great Leadership Often Starts With A Broken Heart

By Brandon Cox on Oct 1, 2023

Usually, knowing what breaks your heart is knowing what you should do with your life, and how you should be leading others.

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4

Tags: broken, Brokenhearted, authentic ministry, Call to ministry