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)

Are We Preaching Greatness To The Wrong Audience?

By James Scott on Apr 27, 2023

Many church leaders call people to “greatness,” but most believers are called to quiet faithfulness in ordinary vocations.

Scripture: Matthew 20:26-28, Luke 16:10, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, Colossians 3:23, Micah 6:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Love, Preaching, peaceful, calling, preaching, love, Calling  (view more)  (view less)

Preacher’s Tip: If You Can Keep From Preaching, Do It

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Nov 5, 2020

Pastor H.B. Charles, Jr. shares a hard word from a father clarified a calling: true pastoral ministry is not a hobby one can drop but a necessity laid upon the soul.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:16, Jeremiah 20:9, 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:24, Galatians 1:15-16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, advice, insight, Improve, calling, preaching, Calling  (view more)  (view less)

Why Being Bi-Vocational Can Make You A Better Preacher

By Adam Russell on May 17, 2021

Many people dream of doing something extraordinary but overlook the formative power of ordinary work. Scripture and experience both show that faithful daily labor often prepares people for greater calling.

Scripture: Genesis 6:13-22, 1 Samuel 16:11-13, Matthew 4:18-20, Acts 18:1-3, Colossians 3:23  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Job, Preaching, better, vocation, calling, preaching, Calling  (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 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

Preach The Word: The Pastor’s Highest Calling

By John Piper on May 15, 2025

Paul’s charge in 2 Timothy 4:2 defines the central responsibility of pastoral ministry. Faithful pastors must proclaim Scripture with clarity, authority, and heartfelt conviction.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Joshua 1:8

Tags: Bible, Preaching, the word, teach, Pastoral Ministry, preaching, bible  (view more)  (view less)

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: Preaching, teach, run, Biblical, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (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

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

Pastor, I'm Called To Preach–gimme Your Pulpit!

By Brian Croft on Feb 1, 2026

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

Tags: Preaching, preaching