In Preaching Articles: "Encouraging Messages"

Francis Chan Has Discovered The Secret To Fearless Preaching

By Francis Chan on Feb 6, 2024

He has a lot to say! Listen to this full-length message on the pressures preachers face.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:11-12

Tags: preaching, Preaching, Fearless, francis chan, Secret  (view more)  (view less)

The Little-Known Secret About Spontaneous Sermons

By Scott Attebery on Oct 28, 2025

There's a "curve" to sermon prep that led to great messages--do you know it?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

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, Pastoral Calling, Clergy Encouragement, Leadership General, Pastoral Ministry, Spiritual Renewal, Pastor, church, Ministry Burnout  (view more)  (view less)

Staying Married Is Not About Staying In Love, Part 2

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 14, 2021

In part 2 of this powerful message, John Piper relates marriage to the gospel, and its importance for our lives.

Scripture: Genesis 2:22-25

Tags: Preaching, preaching

7 Things I Love About Serving In The Established Church

By Ron Edmondson on Feb 9, 2021

Whether it’s church planting or encouraging church revitalization and growth of an existing church – if God calls you to it, and you are faithful to the call – you’ll feel His pleasure upon your obedience and service.

Tags: Church, Preaching, Serving

How Preachers Resemble Flight Attendants

By Ron Forseth on Jun 3, 2025

The gospel is not merely helpful information but a message of rescue. Faithful preaching communicates the urgency of salvation and calls people to respond.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:20, Romans 10:14, Romans 10:13, Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 9:16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: gospel, preaching, Gospel, Preaching

How We Moved From Theological To Therapeutic Preaching--And Why It Matters

By Joseph Mattera on Oct 6, 2025

Some pastors preach messages that show they spend more time studying behaviorism and sociology than they do the Scriptures.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

10 Ways To Overcome A Sense Of Christmas Loss

By Ron Edmondson on Dec 8, 2025

Several years ago, to prepare for a Christmas message, I consulted with two professional Christian counselors in our church.

Tags: Christmas, Grief, Worship General

Why I Participated In The Work Of The Local Association

By Joe Mckeever on Feb 22, 2021

Consider these five reasons to be involved in the local association. I promise you that Christ will be honored, your church will be strengthened, other ministers will be encouraged, and most surprising of all, you will find yourself to be more fulfilled in serving your Lord.

Tags: Church, Preaching

The 5 Most Dangerous Assumptions In Preaching

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Feb 15, 2024

False assumptions in preaching hinder communication and weaken impact. Clear thinking, clarity, and humility protect the preacher and strengthen the message.

Scripture: John 15:5

Tags: Church, Communication, Humility, Preaching, pastor, care, assumptions, Communication General, Pastor, communication, preaching, church  (view more)  (view less)

Why Kingdom Preaching Confronts The Status Quo

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Sep 1, 2021

Jesus preached the Kingdom of God, a message that brought hope to the broken and confrontation to the powerful. Faithful preaching still does both.

Scripture: Mark 1:14-15, Matthew 25:40, Luke 4:18-19, James 1:27, Micah 6:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: preaching, Kingdom Of God, Preaching, Justice, Good News, Kingdom of God, bad news, kingdom of God  (view more)  (view less)

Francis Chan: 7 Questions To Ask Before You Preach

By Francis Chan on Feb 20, 2024

In a message at a Desiring God National Conference, Francis Chan highlighted seven questions that he asks himself in preparing to preach.

Scripture: James 5:10-20

Tags: Preaching, preparation, francis chan, teach with love, desiring god, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Francis Chan: 7 Questions To Ask Before You Preach

By Francis Chan on Nov 30, 2025

In a message at a Desiring God National Conference, Francis Chan highlighted seven questions that he asks himself in preparing to preach.

Scripture: Luke 1:8-10, Luke 8:1-10

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The "Measure Up Mentality” In Today’s Church

By Charles Stone on Dec 12, 2021

The ‘measure up mentality’ can suck the joy out of ministry. By applying a few simple ideas, you can stay positive and encouraged in your ministry even when you feel you don’t measure up in the eyes of others.

Scripture: Psalm 62:5

Tags: leadership, Preaching, pastor, Laziness, hard work, Pastor, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching To The Point: Ten Commandments Of Brevity

By Pete Wilson on Jul 11, 2021

Shorter messages demand sharper focus. Learning to preach with brevity can strengthen clarity, engagement, and faithfulness without sacrificing substance.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:2, Proverbs 10:19, Habakkuk 2:2, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Colossians 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Commandments, Preaching, Brevity, storytelling, Time, preaching  (view more)  (view less)