In Preaching Articles: "Church Service"

Luther And His Significance

By Dr. Stephen Nichols on Oct 4, 2022

Luther’s statement at Torgau on October 5, 1544, must be our watchword: “We can spare everything except the Word.”

Tags: Scripture, Church, obedience, God's Grace, Reformation, martin luther, Reading God's Word, justified by faith, church  (view more)  (view less)

11 Ways To Make Christmas Your Best Outreach Of The Year

By Carey Nieuwhof on Dec 14, 2025

You may think it’s far too early to start thinking about Christmas, but think again. Whenever I’ve shared these ideas about Christmas, people say “Hey, I wish you’d talked about this earlier.” So we are.

Tags: Christmas, Outreach, Holidays, leadership, invite, pastoral leadership, Christmas Evangelism, church ministry, church leadership, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Ten Ways To Kill A Great Idea

By SermonCentral .com on May 28, 2021

From preaching topics to outreach programs, how many great ideas have fallen into these potholes?

Scripture: Proverbs 11:14, Ecclesiastes 11:4, Nehemiah 2:17-18, James 1:22, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Idea, Plan, Kill, Improve, Church Practices  (view more)  (view less)

Why Didn't The Disciples Ask Jesus How To Measure Success?

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 26, 2024

Imagine this scenario. Jesus is meeting with the disciples. He’s been training them for three years. He’s died, risen again and walked with them in resurrection power for almost 40 days. As the day of his ascension draws near, he gathers them together to reiterate The Great Commission.

Scripture: Luke 14:23, Luke 15:7

Tags: Disciples, success, Church Growth, Measure success

Including Kids In Small Groups Benefits The Whole Community

By John Gilman Ii on Mar 18, 2021

Before kids, life was simpler, but it was a lot less fun. After kids, things get crazy. Everything takes more time, and you wonder what you did before the little ones were around. Going places with your kids becomes an adventure. You pack up everything you’ll need and some things you won’t. You make sure everyone’s eaten and used the restroom, even though you know they’ll be hungry and have to go again when you get there.

Tags: Children, family ministry, Church Small Groups

Don't Put The Brakes On Summer Groups

By John Gilman Ii on Jun 20, 2024

It’s tempting to waive the white flag, to throw your hands up in surrender, to the summer slump. Many churches simply resign their efforts and re-appropriate them in the fall. First on the chopping block of suspended ministries are groups.

Tags: relationships, Volunteer, creative, Church Small Groups

What Small Groups Do Best...and What They Don't

By Glenn Packiam on Jul 6, 2023

Small groups are a perfect example of how pastors may learn from researchers. At many church conferences, pastors speak confidently of their latest, greatest small group model, sure that it is the new breakthrough in discipleship.

Tags: Outreach, Learning, relationships, Church Small Groups

A Simple Exercise That Will Infuse Life Into Your Staff

By Charles Stone on Jul 24, 2023

Recently our church staff held our annual in-house evaluation retreat when we reviewed the prior year’s goals and plans. God had given us a good year and we wanted not only to discuss how we could improve, but rejoice in His blessings.

Scripture: Psalm 9:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Tags: Thankfulness, gratitude, Leadership General, church leadership

Courageous Conversations - Part 2

By Lance Witt on Sep 4, 2023

Here is my track record. Hundreds of times I have talked myself out of having a courageous conversation. EVERY time I have finally had the courageous conversation, I walked away wishing I had done it sooner.

Scripture: James 1:5

Tags: conflict, Courageous, church conflict, speaking truth

How To Build A Healthy Elder Team

By Josh Reich on Apr 24, 2022

If there is one thing pastors know well, it is the pain that can stem from a poorly run elder team.

Tags: Eldership, Elders Church, elders, Elder Qualification

Being A Pastor: Blessing Or Burden? Part 1

By Lance Witt on Apr 28, 2024

How do you not let the burden of ministry not rob you of the blessing of ministry?

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-3, Exodus 28:29, Philippians 1:7

Tags: Humility, Stewardship, Shepherd, Organize, Jesus' church  (view more)  (view less)

Re-Imagining Leadership

By Dan White Jr. on Oct 2, 2024

What does it really mean to grow in Christian leadership?

Tags: leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Leadership

The 10 Commandments Of Preaching

By Tyler Scarlett on Feb 7, 2025

Preachers make mistakes, but some errors do lasting harm. These ten “commandments” outline the habits and convictions that guard faithful, compelling, Christ-centered preaching.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:21, 2 Timothy 4:1-5, 1 Timothy 3:15

Tags: Commandments, Preaching, church leadership, BIBLICAL TEACHING, Expository Preaching, preaching, expository preaching, Church Leadership, Biblical Teaching  (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, Pastoral Ministry, disasters, church ministry, Leadership Failure, Moral failure, Church Crisis, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Liquid Teams

By Lance Witt on Nov 27, 2023

What are the makings of an exceptional team?

Scripture: Ephesians 4:16

Tags: leadership, strategy, Teamwork, team building, pastoral leadership, church ministry, church leadership, Team Dynamics, e, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)