In Preaching Articles: "Empowered Churches"

What Does It Really Mean To "Go Deeper”?

By Alan Danielson on May 1, 2020

Alan Danielson offers his take on one of the most overrated comments in the church today.

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-7, Colossians 2:7

Tags: Thought, Church, leadership, Preaching, spiritual growth, Leadership, preaching, church  (view more)  (view less)

Get To The Point: Preaching Truth In An Age Of Tolerance

By Michael Catt on Sep 8, 2024

In a culture that prizes vagueness, faithful preaching must speak clearly. Biblical preaching challenges, confronts, and comforts with truth rooted in God’s Word.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:7, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:27, James 3:1  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Truth, Preaching, Culture, church leadership, preaching, culture, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Eugene Peterson On The Dignity Of Local Pastoring

By Eugene Peterson on Jul 13, 2021

"I grew up in a culture that was very entertainment-centered. Pastors were really good storytellers, and they were attractive people, glamorous." –Eugene Peterson

Scripture: John 3:16, 1 Peter 5:2-3, Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, 2 Corinthians 4:7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Growth, Preaching, Growth in Christ, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Are You Running From Your Calling As A Preacher?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 30, 2023

Some pastors avoid difficult truths in preaching, choosing encouragement over correction. Faithful ministry requires proclaiming the whole counsel of God, even when it is uncomfortable.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 3:12, Isaiah 55:11, 1 Peter 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, teach, run, Biblical, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

4 Preaching Myths That Undermine Sermon Preparation

By Brian Orme on Jan 26, 2024

Wrong assumptions about sermon preparation can quietly shape a preacher’s mindset. Recognizing common myths helps pastors prepare messages with greater clarity, freedom, and faithfulness.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:12, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Proverbs 15:22, 1 Corinthians 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Hurt, Preaching, myth, hinder, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Understanding Halloween: A Biblical Perspective For Believers

By Josh Read on Oct 27, 2025

As the autumn leaves start to crunch underfoot and the air is turning crisp, Halloween pops up on our calendars once again. For so many, it's all about the costumes, candy, and a bit of harmless fun. But for us as believers, it often sparks some thoughtful questions: Is this just a lighthearted holiday, or is there more we should consider in light of our faith? Let's dive into Scripture together and explore a gentle, biblical lens on Halloween that helps us navigate it with grace and joy.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Philippians 2:4, Matthew 22:39, Ephesians 6:12, Deuteronomy 18:10-12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Halloween, advice, Pastoring, church leadership, Church Leadership, pastoring, halloween  (view more)  (view less)

God’s Great Evangelistic Plan

By Peter Mead on Sep 26, 2022

"God’s plan to reach people with the gospel is not primarily evangelists or apologists, although both are vitally important. God’s plan to reach people with the gospel is the church."

Tags: Evangelism, Church, Testimony, great commission, Church Purpose of, Evangelism How To, gospel proclamation, Enjoy God, evangelism, church  (view more)  (view less)

Why I Said Yes To Pastoral Ministry

By Chuck Warnock on Dec 15, 2022

Pastoral calling can fade under pressure, success, or discouragement. This reflection uncovers why ministers lose sight of their call and how to remember it again.

Tags: Church, Call, pastor, Pastors, Small Church, Church General, Leadership General, Pastoral Ministry, Spiritual Renewal, Pastor, church, Ministry Burnout, Pastoral Calling, Clergy Encouragement  (view more)  (view less)

5 Ways To Keep Your Church Small And How To Overcome Them

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Jul 17, 2020

Many churches remain small because of unbiblical assumptions and avoidable habits. Learn how vision, planning, stability, and evangelistic focus can reverse that trajectory.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7, Luke 15:4, Acts 2:47, Colossians 4:5, 1 Corinthians 3:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Church Growth, preaching, Ministry Strategy

Why Strategic Guest Speakers Can Spark Evangelism And Church Growth

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 8, 2023

High-profile guests can motivate invitations, attract visitors, reengage lapsed members, and strengthen systems when used wisely and sparingly.

Scripture: John 4:29, Luke 14:23, 1 Corinthians 9:22, Acts 13:44, Matthew 5:16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Evangelism, Preaching, Christianity, Church Growth, Guest speaker, evangelism, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Smaller Churches Can Do Discipleship—without Wearing Out The Pastor

By SermonCentral .com on Nov 11, 2021

After a few hit-and-miss attempts, our church has discovered a simple five-step process that can work for any small church.

Tags: Discipleship, Preaching, Process, Small Church, Limitations, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Preach The Past: Discover Powerful Illustrations And Lessons From Church History

By Chris Surber on Sep 30, 2025

A working knowledge of Church history teaches us to be humble. Our footprints aren’t the first tracks on this road.

Scripture: Acts 2:13-40, Acts 25:1-17

Tags:

What Do I Do With Church Members Who Hate Me?

By Brian Croft on Nov 23, 2021

At this point, some of you may be thinking these kinds of people are a good reason to leave and start over, but I submit to you they are actually a good reason to stay and endure. Why are these difficult people a good reason to stay and endure?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

7 Things Pastors Wish Church Members Knew About Their Children

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 9, 2024

Should Pastors' children behave differently than regular kids? Thom Rainer speaks from the heart in this powerful post.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

13 Benefits Of Putting An Expiration Date On New Ministries In Your Church

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 11, 2024

Here's a great way open your church up to innovative new ideas by minimizing the risk – or at least the sting – of failure.

Tags: Preaching, preaching