In Preaching Articles: "Facing Giants"

5 Mistakes More Likely To Be Made By Small Churches Than Big Churches

By Karl Vaters on May 26, 2022

Different sizes of churches serve different functions. And they face different challenges.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12

Tags: strategy, Small Church, Equipping The Body, Traditions of Men

Francis Chan Has Discovered The Secret To Fearless Preaching

By Francis Chan on Feb 7, 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, Fearless, francis chan, Secret, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

8 Ways To Bust Leadership Discouragement

By Charles Stone on Sep 28, 2022

"Discouragement is a universal experience for ministry leaders and the word actually self-defines itself…dis-courage meaning no courage. Some of the Bible’s greatest characters faced it: Moses, David, Paul, Mary the mother of Jesus, and the apostles. Nehemiah, the great Old Testament leader faced it when he led the Jews to rebuild the wall. Yet, his response offers us hope when we face it."

Scripture: Psalm 77:11, Nehemiah 4:10-21

Tags: Nehemiah, leadership, Discouragement, thought life, pastoral leadership, Blessings, Burdens, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

The Leader’s Crisis Of Belief

By Ron Edmondson on Sep 11, 2023

Every leader at some point faces a crisis of belief in their leadership – or what he or she is attempting to lead.

Tags: Faith, Trust, leadership, crisis response, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

3 Ways Great Leaders Handle Tough Circumstances Differently

By Carey Nieuwhof on Dec 8, 2023

If you want to imitate the great leaders when you face challenging situations, do these three things.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:11, Psalm 62:5, Philippians 3:12

Tags: leadership, success, Obstacles, opposition, pastoral leadership, church leadership, Tough Circumstances, Mindset, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Top 10 Tips For Handling Church Critics

By Charles Stone on Aug 9, 2024

Criticism is unavoidable in ministry, but how pastors respond shapes their health and leadership. Here are practical ways to face critics with maturity and grace.

Scripture: Proverbs 15:1, James 1:19-20, Galatians 6:1, Proverbs 27:6, Colossians 3:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ministry Skills

The Hidden Struggles Of The Introverted Pastor

By Ron Edmondson on May 30, 2020

Introverted pastors often face misunderstandings, exhaustion, and hidden stress. Naming these struggles helps leaders guard their souls and shepherd with wisdom.

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23, Mark 6:31, Philippians 2:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Ecclesiastes 4:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: self awareness, Self Awareness

Brokenness In A Pastor’s Life

By Charles Stone on Jun 29, 2023

As I enter the sixth decade of my life and reflect over the brokenness I’ve faced as a pastor, I’m beginning to see its great value. It still hurts and I’d prefer not to face it. Yet, I’m experiencing the fruit of brokenness: inner peace, joy, and a purpose that supersedes ‘ministry success.’

Scripture: John 12:24

Tags: Healing, Rejection, brokenness, success in ministry

A Time To Speak

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 8, 2020

Silence in the face of injustice has consequences. The sanctity of life demands courage, clarity, and action from the church in a culture that often looks away.

Scripture: Psalm 139:13-14, Proverbs 24:11-12, Jeremiah 1:5, Genesis 1:27

Tags: Ethics, Preaching, Abortion, Sanctity of Life, preaching, Pro Life Christian  (view more)  (view less)

The Most Difficult Person You Will Ever Lead

By Lance Witt on Sep 26, 2019

Who is the most difficult person you have ever had to lead? Did somebody’s face and name just pop into your mind?

Tags: donald morrow

10 Things Healthy Churches Do Well

By Joe Mckeever on Jan 24, 2025

Healthy churches face problems with wisdom, unity, and Christlike leadership. These ten traits show how congregations grow stronger even through crises.

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Tags: Church Growth, Healthy Church, Pastors, CHURCH LIFE, Church General, Accept, Christian community, church leadership, Biblical wisdom, Church Leadership, Biblical Wisdom, Congregational Health, Christian Community  (view more)  (view less)

6 Do-Or-Die Roles For Every Senior Leader

By Michael D. Warden on Jun 4, 2020

Senior leaders face constant expectations. These essential roles: mission keeper, values guardian, reality voice, team builder, and encourager anchor healthy leadership.

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18, 1 Timothy 4:12, Nehemiah 2:17, Philippians 2:3, Hebrews 10:24  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: vision, Preaching, preaching, Vision

When The Applause Becomes A Drug

By Brady Boyd on Apr 20, 2020

Pastors face pressures that tempt them toward unhealthy escapes. One subtle danger is the craving for applause. True strength comes only from Christ, not the crowd.

Scripture: Galatians 1:10, John 3:30, 1 Peter 5:2-4, Psalm 73:26, 2 Corinthians 12:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Addiction, leadership, Preaching, Cross, Crowd, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Was I So Hard On That Church I Visited?

By Karl Vaters on Jul 2, 2022

How might a newcomer view your church? What barriers may they face? What obstacles could be unintentionally in the way of them connecting and finding a place to belong?

Tags: leadership, Visitors, church ministry, Welcoming Others, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Two Questions To Break Despair

By Marion Clark on Dec 2, 2022

There is a great need for Christian counselors with the expertise to unravel the problems of life. The more a pastor is equipped in this area, the better they will be able to serve the members of their church who are facing difficulties and trials.

Tags: Hope, encouragement, Counselor, Despair, pastoral care, WISE COUNSEL, fixing eyes on Jesus, counseling  (view more)  (view less)