In Preaching Articles: "Conversations"

Preaching: A Ten-Year Conversation

By Ray Hollenbach on Apr 30, 2025

After we step down from the pulpit, we are still involved in the lives of our people. In fact, their lives become an indicator of how effective our preaching really is.

Scripture: Jeremiah 2:13

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Courageous Conversations - Part 1

By Lance Witt on Sep 4, 2023

When it comes to correction, rebuke, or confrontation, to say it’s uncomfortable is a massive understatement. The truth is, pastors avoid it at all costs. That has certainly been true of me.

Tags: Communication, Courage, Confrontation, pastoral leadership, communication  (view more)  (view less)

Courageous Conversations - Part 2

By Lance Witt on Sep 5, 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

More Tough Skin And Tender Hearts: How To Prepare For Conversations On Ethnic Harmony

By Philip Holmes on Mar 14, 2022

Humility and love that produces tough skin and tender hearts are essential as we have these conversations.

Scripture: James 1:19, Matthew 11:29, Philippians 2:3

Tags: racism, Unity in Christ, Conversations

There Is No 'us' Or 'them,' There Is Just 'us'

By Jeff K. Clarke on Dec 17, 2021

One of the primary reasons we struggle with differing views on any subject is that we believe acceptance equals agreement. That is, to accept a person or their argument is to agree with them.

Scripture: John 13:34-35

Tags: Love, Fear, conversation, anger, disagreement  (view more)  (view less)

How Much Is Preaching Worth?

By Joe Mckeever on Mar 15, 2023

Everyone should be in on this conversation: preachers, deacons and listeners.

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12

Tags: Decision, conversation, Preaching, Worth, trouble, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Does Street Evangelism Really Work?

By Greg Stier on Jan 28, 2025

Street evangelism can spark genuine conversions yet fail at discipleship. This piece calls for a relational and relentless approach that multiplies disciples, not just decisions.

Tags: Salvation, making disciples, Making Disciples, Gospel Conversations

Is Street Preaching Worth It?

By Greg Stier on Jul 26, 2024

Street evangelism can spark sincere conversions, but it rarely produces lasting disciples. Real impact requires shifting from cold conversations to relational disciple making.

Scripture: Matthew 28:19, Romans 10:13, Acts 2:42, Colossians 1:28, 1 Thessalonians 2:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Witness, Discipleship, great commission, Great Commission

3 Problems With Being Too Nice As A Leader

By Ron Edmondson on Jun 15, 2020

Leaders who avoid hard conversations hurt themselves, their teams, and underperforming staff. Here are three reasons excessive niceness undermines effective leadership.

Scripture: Proverbs 27:5-6, Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 9:8-9, Colossians 3:23  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: leadership, Preaching, Leadership, preaching, Organizational Health  (view more)  (view less)

The Whisper That Made Me Leave My Church

By Tod Bolsinger on Sep 10, 2021

I would hear that line echoed in my mind long after each conversation was over: "Why didn't seminary prepare me for this?"

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-25

Tags: Preaching, prepare, Theology, Seminary, curriculum  (view more)  (view less)

6 Things To Do When Someone Insults You

By Josh Reich on Apr 14, 2023

You know the conversation. Someone in your church asks to meet with you, or you set up the meeting because you know they are angry at you, the church or a decision that was made.

Tags: Hurt, church conflict, Dealing with Conflicts, Leadership Listening

10 Reasons Even Committed Church Attenders Are Attending Church Less Often

By Carey Nieuwhof on Jun 21, 2023

It comes up in a surprising number of conversations these days. And no one’s quite sure how to respond to it. The issue? Even committed church attenders are attending church less often.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25, 2 Thessalonians 2:2-3, Matthew 24:9-13

Tags: Technology, Culture, church decline, Church attendence, culture  (view more)  (view less)

Backyard Bbq Evangelism: A New, True Parable Of Outside-The-Church-Walls Ministry

By Karl Vaters on Sep 29, 2022

"Don't force people to do ministry your way. Help them with the ministry they're already passionate about."

Tags: Evangelism, Outreach, Spiritual Gifts, Body of Christ, Innovation, evangelism barriers, reaching the lost, evangelism planning, Conversational Evangelism, Unique Gifts, evangelism  (view more)  (view less)

The Word Nobody Likes… Part 1

By Lance Witt on Jun 17, 2024

A couple of years ago I had the chance to sit down with a former staff member that had served on my team more than a decade ago. We really hadn’t kept in touch very much. At one point during our lunch the conversation turned more serious. And in a moment of candor he said to me “You know, you weren’t very easy to work for.” The truth is, he was right.

Scripture: Proverbs 27:5-6, Galatians 2:11-13

Tags: Humility, leadership, Accountability, Rebuke, Teachable, pastoral leadership, unteachable spirit, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)