In Preaching Articles: "Encouraging Messages"

The Hardest Part Of A Sermon

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 23, 2021

The Lord gives His message to those who seek Him, who wait upon Him, who are willing to do His will.

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:1-15

Tags: Preaching, difficult, hard, preaching

Stop Multi Tasking: It Makes You Dumber (And 4 Ways To Improve)

By Charles Stone on Feb 1, 2022

A study done at the University of London found that constant emailing and text-messaging reduces mental capability by an average of ten points on an IQ test.

Tags: Science, Wisdom, leadership, multi tasking, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

4 Ways To Get Online Giving Right

By Kent Woodyard on Apr 12, 2023

While it is certainly encouraging to see an increasing number of churches taking advantage of online and mobile giving each year, the evidence found on thousands of church websites across the country reveals that we (as a collective body) still have a long way to go in this area.

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

7 Things Preachers Never Say

By Peter Mead on May 7, 2024

Preachers speak, but we don’t talk about everything. If you are a preacher you may read this series and find some encouragement that you are not alone. If you know a preacher you may read this and find some understanding that you did not have before.

Tags: stress, Stress, Overwhelmed, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, expectations, church leadership, Ministry Pressure  (view more)  (view less)

Gospel-Centered Sermons Actually Work

By Jeff Medders on Nov 16, 2022

"I want to encourage every pastor reading this to keep preaching the gospel. Week in. Week out. Keep exalting, heralding, and lifting up our crucified Savior, risen from the dead, reigning in Heaven, saving all who will look to him and believe."

Scripture: Romans 16:25, Colossians 1:28, 1 Corinthians 2:2

Tags: Gospel, Preaching, teach, pastoral leadership, Entrust with Gospel, Pastoral Ministry, preaching Christ, power of the gospel, gospel, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Finish Your Sermon Strong: 10 Mistakes To Avoid

By Peter Mead on Jul 19, 2024

Weak endings undo strong sermons. Learn the most common conclusion mistakes and how to land your message with clarity, confidence, and spiritual impact.

Scripture: John 19:28

Tags: Preaching, hermeneutics, Leadership General, preaching, Hermeneutics, Sermon Craft  (view more)  (view less)

The Value And Necessity Of Authentic Preaching

By Craig Groeschel on Feb 14, 2025

Authentic preaching demands more than skill; it requires transparency. When Scripture shapes the preacher personally, the message gains depth, credibility, and power.

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-24

Tags: identity, authentic, Leadership General, Communicator, Authentic  (view more)  (view less)

Is Your Preaching Too Deep Or Too Shallow?

By Craig Groeschel on Feb 5, 2025

Preaching must be simple and relevant, but never at the cost of spiritual depth. True transformation comes from Scripture-driven messages that avoid both extremes.

Scripture: Hebrews 5:13

Tags: Death, Teaching, Preaching, deep, Expository, preaching, teaching, expository, Balanced  (view more)  (view less)

Francis Chan's – Seven Questions To Ask Before You Preach

By Francis Chan on Jan 18, 2024

Faithful preaching flows from love for God and people. These seven diagnostic questions help preachers prepare messages marked by truth, power, and humility.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10, Galatians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:15, Zechariah 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, preaching, Christian teaching, Christian Teaching

Your Pulpit Can Go Paperless

By Dan Martella on Feb 11, 2023

When Dan Martella stepped out from his pulpit and simply shared the message from his heart, he discovered something powerful.

Scripture: Genesis 3:4

Tags: Preaching, Simple, cheat sheet, preaching

How Pastors And Parents Can Help Children Benefit From The Sermon

By Erik Raymond on Oct 14, 2025

Erik Raymond suggests some things he has done as both dad and pastor to help kids hear and understand the message in “big church.”

Tags: Forgiveness, Preaching, preaching

New Year, New Adjective: "Christ-Exalting”

By John Piper on Dec 27, 2022

My aim here is to encourage you to make “Christ-exalting” the featured adjective in your prayers. Let me explain what I mean. Then I’ll give you three reasons why I think this would be a great New Year’s resolution.

Scripture: Philippians 1:20, 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Tags: Prayer, Resolution, Personal Growth, exalting christ, daily prayer, new years, Christ Centered, New Years Resolution  (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)

Why I Pace Before I Preach

By Walter Wangerin Jr. on May 1, 2020

Preaching demands the whole person, and fear often accompanies love for God and His people. Pacing, trembling, and praying become part of delivering a faithful message.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:3, Jeremiah 20:9, Exodus 4:10-12, 2 Corinthians 4:7, James 3:1  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Emotions, Preaching, pulpit, preparation, preaching, Pastoral Life, Pulpit  (view more)  (view less)

How To Preach Like You’re Having A Conversation

By Lane Sebring on Jan 21, 2026

Want your sermons to connect on a deeper level? Learn how a conversational preaching style can make your message more personal, relatable, and engaging.

Tags: authentic ministry, Authentic Ministry