In Preaching Articles: "Church Service"

5 Must-Know Facts About First-Time Visitors

By Rick Ezell on Nov 2, 2021

Most guests decide whether they’ll return within minutes. Churches that prioritize hospitality, friendliness, and clear navigation create the best chance for impact.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, Luke 15:20-24

Tags: Grace, guest, Celebrate, Hospitality, Visitors, grace  (view more)  (view less)

The 4 Pillars Of Guest Preaching

By Pete Wilson on Jan 5, 2023

Guest speakers can bless churches or burden them. Here are practical ways to honor the pastor, respect the house, and communicate well without creating chaos.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:40, Hebrews 13:17, Philippians 2:3, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Colossians 3:23  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Communication, Teaching, leadership, Preaching, Leadership, communication, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Rightly Dividing The Preaching Load

By Larry Osborne on Mar 18, 2025

Sharing the pulpit can strengthen a church, sustain its pastor, and deepen preaching impact by developing trusted co-preachers instead of a one-man show.

Scripture: Acts 20:28, 2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 1 Peter 5:2-4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Sermon Preparation, sermon preparation

The Strengths And Weaknesses Of Two Popular Preaching Styles

By Brady Boyd on Apr 24, 2020

Brady Boyd: "I think both approaches have merit for the local church and it’s the job of the pastor to listen to what God is saying and obey."

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16

Tags: Biblical Interpretation

How To Plan A Preaching Calendar That Reaches And Grows

By Herbert Cooper on Oct 8, 2020

Strategic sermon planning helps churches reach new people and disciple believers. Here are ten practical principles for building a balanced, effective teaching calendar.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:14-20, Acts 20:27, James 1:22, Ephesians 4:11-12, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Faith, Preaching, sight, walk, substance, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Dirty Truth About Honoraria

By John Stackhouse on Jul 15, 2021

Many churches unintentionally undervalue guest speakers by offering token honoraria. Scripture calls believers to honor those who labor in the Word with tangible support.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:14, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Galatians 6:6, Luke 10:7, Numbers 18:21  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Speak, Preaching, teach, speaker, honoraria, preaching, Speaker  (view more)  (view less)

Fruit Over Size: What Jesus Really Measures In Ministry

By Mike Breen on May 13, 2021

Church success is often measured by size, but Jesus measured fruitfulness. Discover why disciple-making and spiritual reproduction matter more than growth metrics.

Scripture: John 15:8, Matthew 28:19, Luke 10:1, Acts 2:42, 2 Timothy 2:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Tree, Fruit, Reformation, lead, Movement  (view more)  (view less)

Hal Seed: Who Decided What Went Into The Bible?

By SermonCentral .com on Jun 2, 2021

Many people wonder how the books of the Bible were chosen. The early church did not invent the canon but recognized the writings God had already inspired.

Scripture: Luke 24:44, Colossians 4:16, 1 Timothy 5:18, 2 Peter 3:15-16, Ephesians 2:20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Bible, History, bible truth, Hal Seed, canon, Bible Truth, bible  (view more)  (view less)

Why Structure Is Essential For Creativity

By Adam Russell on Jun 9, 2025

You have creatives in your church right now. It's not enough to make room for them, you should build a safe place for them, as well.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27-28

Tags: Fruit, leadership, creative, potential, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Why Every Sermon Should Be A Life-Changing Sermon

By Paul David Tripp on Oct 19, 2025

This will probably get me into trouble: I’m persuaded that there’s too much mediocrity in the church when it comes to pastors preparing and delivering their sermons.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

How To Shepherd Your Flock In A Politically Charged World

By Trevin Wax on May 31, 2022

Everything gets politicized these days. It’s never been easier for churches to also get caught up in waves of political enthusiasm and social activism.

Tags: Gospel, Politics, Religion, Activism, gospel  (view more)  (view less)

4 Reasons Why You Should Share The Pulpit

By Kevin Larson on Aug 15, 2024

Sharing the pulpit strengthens the church, protects the pastor, and equips future leaders. Fear and pride keep pastors from doing it, but the cost is too high to ignore.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:12, 1 Timothy 5:17, 2 Timothy 2:2, Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, pulpit, Equip, training, Pastoral Ministry, preaching, Pulpit  (view more)  (view less)

Rethinking "Next Steps” In Discipleship

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 29, 2020

Churches often talk about “next steps,” but the phrase can become vague and ineffective. Meaningful discipleship requires clear, practical, and relational pathways for spiritual growth.

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, Hebrews 10:24-25, James 1:22, Colossians 1:28, 2 Peter 3:18  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Story, success, step, next, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why "Preach Like The Room Is Full" Is Some Of The Worst Advice

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 15, 2025

"Even if only three people show up to church, preach like the room is full!" That's some of the worst advice I've ever received in ministry.

Tags: Preaching, opportunity, full room, terrible advice, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

6 Tips On How Pastors Can Help Others Discover Their Spiritual Gifts

By Charles Stone on Mar 31, 2023

The more pastors help people discover, develop, and deploy their spiritual gifts, the healthier our churches become. How have you helped others discover their gifts?

Tags: Preaching, Spiritual Gifts, preaching