In Preaching Articles: "Discipleship"

When Preaching Becomes An Idol

By Erik Raymond on Apr 25, 2025

Preaching is a gift of God, but when elevated above shepherding, evangelism, and discipleship, it can quietly harm the church.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4, John 10:14, 2 Timothy 4:5, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Thessalonians 2:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership

Move Your Church From Consumers To Disciples

By Bill Couchenour on Mar 22, 2024

The greatest threat to the church may not be external opposition but internal consumerism. Biblical discipleship demands recalibrating expectations, structures, and leadership.

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9, Colossians 3:17, Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 10:24-25, Matthew 28:19-20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Commitment, leadership, Body, Attendance, Church Discipline, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

10 Things Every New Believer Should Know

By Brian Mavis on Mar 7, 2025

New believers thrive when they learn God’s love, grace, Scripture, prayer, community, and Christ centered living early. These ten lessons safeguard a healthy start.

Scripture: Matthew 6:33, James 4:10, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:16, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Discipleship, spiritual formation, Spiritual Formation

John Piper: God’s Sovereignty Makes Mission Courage Possible

By John Piper on Mar 20, 2025

"It is hard to exaggerate how important it is for the mission of the church...to have a fully biblical vision of the greatness and the sovereignty and the glory of God."

Scripture: Matthew 24:14, Isaiah 46:9-10, Romans 8:28-39, Acts 13:48, 1 Peter 4:11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Perseverance, Discipleship, Missions, Sovereignty, Risk  (view more)  (view less)

5 Thoughts About Excellence In Ministry

By Brandon Cox on Mar 29, 2025

Excellence honors God, but it must never overshadow the mission. These five principles help ministry leaders pursue quality without drifting from gospel priorities.

Scripture: Colossians 3:17, Ecclesiastes 11:4, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 12:11, Matthew 28:19  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Excellence, Christian Discipleship, preaching

Leveraging Media Moments For Gospel Impact

By Scott Anderson on Nov 10, 2020

When biblical themes enter mainstream media, churches have a strategic opportunity to invite deeper engagement with Scripture and Christ.

Scripture: Acts 17:22-23, Luke 24:27, Colossians 4:5-6, Romans 10:14-15, Matthew 28:19-20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Discipleship, Preaching, Bible Influence, preaching

Forget Seminaries: What Are You Doing To Train The Next Generation Of Preachers?

By Chris Surber on Aug 16, 2025

We have a lot of people genuinely called, sincerely gifted people who struggle to find their way past the gatekeepers in our churches and denominations.

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-5, Mark 5:24-34

Tags: Discipleship, Gift, Seminary, Next Generation

Maybe Your Church Doesn't Need More Money

By Kent Woodyard on Mar 27, 2023

“If your church isn’t strapped for cash, your vision isn’t big enough.”

Tags: Money, church planting, Cost of Discipleship

Don't Abandon The Babies This Easter

By Lance Witt on May 2, 2024

The greatest gift we give a new believer is not information, it is RELATIONSHIP. The primary need of a new believer is nurture not knowledge.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

Tags: Easter, Discipleship, relationships, New believer

10 Easier Ways To Preach About Money

By Margaret Marcuson on Jan 16, 2024

Talking about money is hard for pastors, but it shapes discipleship. These ten reminders help leaders teach stewardship with clarity, courage, and less anxiety.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:5-14, Matthew 6:24-33, Proverbs 3:9, Luke 12:15

Tags: Money, Stewardship, Preaching, Generosity, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Jesus Never Used A Classroom

By Bob Hamp on Jul 25, 2020

Jesus did not come primarily to educate or motivate but to liberate. His life and ministry reveal a discipleship model rooted in freedom, action, and restoration.

Scripture: Luke 4:18-19, John 8:32-36, Mark 1:38-39, Matthew 4:19, Romans 8:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Learning, Living, follower, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Not A Fan: The Hard Words Sparked A Church-Wide Revival

By Kyle Idleman on Jan 13, 2025

A preacher’s honest reckoning with crowd-pleasing sermons led to a bold call for true discipleship, sparking repentance, revival, and hundreds of unexpected baptisms.

Scripture: Luke 9:23

Tags: Love, Baptism, Jesus, Church, Commitment, Discipleship, Preaching, Disciples, revival, Church Growth, follower, preaching, church, love, Gospel call, Revival, Gospel Call  (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

Balancing Grace And Truth In Christian Life And Ministry

By SermonCentral .com on Oct 16, 2021

Christians often emphasize either grace or truth, but Jesus embodied both. Healthy ministry, evangelism, and discipleship require holding grace and truth together.

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:8-9, Isaiah 40:1-15, Luke 18:1-8, John 1:14-17, Luke 12:5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Grace, Gospel, Truth, Preaching, Balance, grace, gospel, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Faithful Preaching Educates, Forms, And Mobilizes

By Ken Collins on Jul 27, 2020

Faithful preaching educates without elitism, addresses real spiritual pain, motivates discipleship, and ultimately glorifies God through transformed lives and obedient faith.

Scripture: John 1:14, Ecclesiastes 1:2-11, James 2:17, Luke 6:46, Matthew 7:16-20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, motivation, goals, education, Leadership General, preaching  (view more)  (view less)