In Preaching Articles: "Congregation"

10 Ways To Connect With Older Congregations

By Lane Sebring on Apr 22, 2023

Seasoned saints have heard a lot of preaching: can you still reach them in fresh ways?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Top Secret Agendas Carried By Your Congregation

By Chris Surber on Sep 11, 2021

Every church member carries an agenda in the secret briefcase of their heart. What's their agenda?

Tags: Preaching, challenge, Congregation, Agenda, Affirm  (view more)  (view less)

Rethinking Our Witness To The Neighborhood

By David Fitch on Oct 31, 2020

The gospel is the announcement that Jesus is Lord and is renewing all things. Faithful witness today requires translating that royal reality into everyday relationships, struggles, and longings.

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 1:15, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Colossians 2:15, Romans 6:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Congregation, Jesus is Lord, Jesus Is Lord

You're Preaching, But Do You Know Who's Listening?

By Mike Miller on Jan 18, 2023

Good preachers must develop the extra skill of "congregational exegesis."

Tags: Preaching, Listen, Congregation, audience, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Your Congregation Is Your Second Text

By Mike Glenn on Oct 27, 2020

Faithful preaching requires devotion not only to the biblical text but also to the lived realities of the congregation. The pastor stands between both.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 4:15, John 1:14, Mark 4:26-29  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Congregation, role, second text, Pastoral Ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

What Your Congregation Wants To Hear At Christmastime

By Joe Mckeever on Dec 15, 2023

Joe McKeever helps reframe our calling: "The people who make up your congregation do not require anything new from you regarding the Christmas story this season or any season. "

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-16

Tags: Preaching, preaching

5 Ways To Grow Your Church's Congregation

By Ricardo Hernandez on Apr 17, 2023

Dwindling church attendance is a concern faced by almost every established or newly-created church and should be strategically addressed. Here are five simple approaches that will make your church more inviting for your existing members and help attract new ones.

Tags: Community, Church, Church Members, members, Connect, Young people, social media, community, church members, connect, young people, church  (view more)  (view less)

Does Everything Need A Biblical Precedent?

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 3, 2020

Some Christians reject anything new without a clear biblical precedent. Yet Scripture shows a God who often works in surprising and unexpected ways.

Scripture: Matthew 13:52, Acts 2:1-4, Joshua 10:13, Acts 8:39, 2 Kings 2:11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Faith, Church, Change, Congregation, unprecedented, church  (view more)  (view less)

8 Ways To Hook Your Congregation Into Your Message

By SermonCentral .com on May 12, 2020

Your sermon text is central, but it doesn’t always need to come first. Strong hooks help listeners connect their lives to Scripture before exposition begins.

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:8, Luke 24:27, Ecclesiastes 12:10

Tags: Bird, Preaching, Anxiety, Field, flowers, preaching, anxiety  (view more)  (view less)

Your Congregation Needs An Arc Of Hope, Not A String Of Pearls

By Nathan Aaseng on Nov 5, 2021

In our information-saturated age, your listeners have all the gems of wisdom they need, far more than they can process.

Tags: Parable, Hope, Preaching, string of pearls, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Doesn't Every Congregation Respond The Same Way?

By Peter Mead on Jun 27, 2025

Peter Mead reveals eight powerful insights into how to gauge a congregation's responsiveness.

Tags: guest, Unique, Preaching, Congregational, church culture, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

4 Learning Styles Every Preacher Should Address

By Bruce D. Johnson on Jun 5, 2025

Many listeners disengage during sermons because preachers communicate primarily in their own learning style. Structuring sermons to address multiple learning styles can keep more people engaged.

Scripture: Luke 8:4-15, Matthew 13:23, Nehemiah 8:8, James 1:22, Colossians 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, pastor, Congregation, Engage, Engagement, Pastor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

What Kind Of Christians Will People Be If They Listen To Your Sermons For A Decade?

By Ray Hollenbach on Jul 23, 2025

Beyond the weekly phrase, "Good word, Preacher," the spiritual lives of the people in your church provide excellent feedback regarding the effectiveness of your preaching.

Tags: believer, Preaching, Congregation, Generation, spiritual health, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How Can The Pew Help The Pulpit?

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Mar 7, 2024

Good preaching is a partnership between pastor and congregation, pulpit and pew, the one who preaches and the one who listens.

Scripture: John 13:31-35

Tags: Preaching, pastor, Congregation, Encourage, Partnership, Pastor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How Pastors Can Preach On Money Without Losing Their Congregation

By Joe Mckeever on Nov 30, 2020

Preaching on money can be difficult for pastors. Learn practical principles for teaching biblical stewardship with wisdom, integrity, and spiritual sensitivity.

Scripture: Matthew 6:21, Mark 12:41-44, 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Malachi 3:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Money, Budget, Preaching, finances, Learning, preaching  (view more)  (view less)