In Preaching Articles: "Distractions"

How I Preach From An Ipad

By Jeremy Roberts on Oct 19, 2020

A practical workflow for preaching from an iPad, including manuscript prep, formatting, app usage, and how to keep technology from becoming a distraction.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-21, Ephesians 5:1, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Corinthians 14:40

Tags: Light, Preaching, walk, submit, imitator, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

10 Ways To Avoid Indecent Exposure In The Pulpit

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on May 14, 2025

Sermon illustrations can clarify truth or distract from it. Here are ten principles to help preachers use personal stories with wisdom and restraint.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5, Proverbs 11:13, James 3:1, Ephesians 4:29, 1 Corinthians 10:31  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, pulpit, Modesty, Exposure, preaching, Pulpit, Sermon Illustrations  (view more)  (view less)

When Passion In The Pulpit Goes Too Far

By Peter Mead on Apr 28, 2020

Preaching with zeal is good, but unguarded passion can turn aggressive, shouty, distracting, or draining. Learn how to keep intensity from undermining your message.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:16, Proverbs 15:1, 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Colossians 4:6, James 1:19  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Communication, Discernment, Preaching, passion, Passion of Christ, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

When Preachers Intrude Too Much

By Joe Mckeever on Aug 22, 2024

Personal stories can help a sermon—but too much “me” distracts from Christ. This reflection warns preachers to minimize self and elevate the Savior.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5, Psalm 141:3, John 3:30, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 1 Peter 4:11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Self examination, Sermon Craft, Self Examination

The Vigil Of Waiting In Advent

By Steve Smith on Dec 13, 2024

Every 11 months, we get one month of waiting. It’s an interesting rhythm which should affect our cadence of busyness and distraction.

Tags: Advent, God's sovereignty, Waiting on God, advent candle

11 Mistakes That Take Your Preaching Focus Off Jesus

By Jared Moore on May 8, 2023

God-centered preaching helps hearers focus on the glory of God. These common preaching mistakes distract from Scripture and keep listeners from seeing Christ.

Scripture: Luke 24:27, John 5:39, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 4:2, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Jesus, Preaching, mistakes, focus, preaching, God centered, God Centered  (view more)  (view less)

10 Preaching Mistakes Everyone Can Avoid

By Jared Moore on Jun 9, 2020

If you want people leaving your sermon focused on God, avoid these common preaching mistakes. These ten pitfalls distract hearers from the text and diminish exposition.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Nehemiah 8:8, James 1:21-22, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Psalm 19:7-10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, mistakes, preaching, Preaching Mistakes

Preaching A Wedding: The Practical Do's And Don'ts

By Jared Moore on Mar 24, 2025

Preaching weddings brings unique pressures and expectations. These clear do’s and don’ts help pastors keep Christ central, avoid distractions, and communicate the gospel well.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-32, Proverbs 3:5-6, Colossians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Matthew 19:4-6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Death, Love, Commitment, Preaching, forever, Weddings, preaching, love  (view more)  (view less)

I Write Stories During Sermons

By Carolyn C. Givens on May 12, 2021

Some believers process truth most deeply through narrative. This article explores how imaginative engagement during sermons can be disciplined by Scripture rather than distracted from it.

Scripture: John 1:14, Jeremiah 31:33, 2 Corinthians 5:20, James 1:21, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Parable, Preaching, Story, Engage, narrative, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Resolve Most Relational Conflict

By Jon Bloom on Nov 5, 2022

"Few things sap more of our joy, are as emotionally demanding and mentally distracting, as relational conflict. And few things wreak as much havoc and destruction on lives as relational conflict. And so much of it is avoidable."

Scripture: Matthew 10:34-36, James 4:1, Matthew 18:21-35, 1 Peter 5:6, Philippians 2:14-15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Peace, Humility, conflict, resolving conflict, Love Others, Dealing with Conflicts, selfish ambition, Humility and Pride  (view more)  (view less)

Can The Holy Spirit Use Ai? Should Christians Use It?

By David Harper on Sep 29, 2025

AI is changing the way we live, work, and even do ministry. This article explores how pastors can use AI to save time, communicate more effectively, and reach more people—while also guarding against the dangers of over-reliance, inauthenticity, and distraction from the Spirit’s leading.

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