In Preaching Articles: "Faithful Preaching"

Understanding Halloween: A Biblical Perspective For Believers

By Josh Read on Oct 28, 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)

The Future Of The Church Depends On Developing Deep People

By Ray Hollenbach on May 8, 2020

Gordon MacDonald argues that preaching and programs cannot secure a church’s future. Only intentional disciple-making and leadership development can.

Scripture: Mark 3:13-14, 2 Timothy 2:2, Matthew 28:18-20, John 15:5, Ephesians 4:11-16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: leadership, training, Church Renewal, Leadership

6 Benefits To Not Changing Churches

By Dean Shriver on Jul 10, 2021

Staying with one congregation models commitment, grows maturity, deepens preaching, builds trust, reveals generational fruit, and prepares pastors for final accountability.

Scripture: Colossians 3:13-14, Colossians 3:13, John 10:11-13, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 13:17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ministry, Church, mistakes, affliction, Leave, ministry, church  (view more)  (view less)

Pride: The Pitfall Of Preachers

By Peter Mead on Apr 4, 2025

Preaching exposes pastors to subtle forms of pride. These twelve dangers warn leaders to rely fully on God as they navigate the deadly terrain of public ministry.

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-5, 1 Corinthians 8:1, James 4:6, 1 Corinthians 3:7, Galatians 6:3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Holy Spirit, Spiritual Warfare, Preaching, Pride, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why The Clarity Of Scripture Deserves More Attention

By Peter Mead on Aug 7, 2021

The church rightly affirms the authority of Scripture but often neglects its clarity. Preaching should strengthen confidence in God’s Word, not undermine it.

Scripture: Psalm 19:7, Deuteronomy 30:11-14, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 3:15-17

Tags: Preaching, Pastoral Ministry, preaching

The Perfect Length For A Sermon

By Thom Schultz on Nov 25, 2020

Many assume longer sermons are spiritually richer, but length alone does not produce transformation. Effective preaching focuses on clarity, engagement, and lasting impact.

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:8, Mark 4:33, 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:27, John 16:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, length, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

How To Keep Sermon Illustrations Fresh And Engaging

By Erik Raymond on Jun 17, 2021

Predictable illustrations can weaken otherwise strong sermons. Preachers can refresh their preaching by intentionally filling their minds with richer sources of insight and stories.

Scripture: Luke 6:45, Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, Colossians 4:6, 2 Timothy 4:2

Tags: Read, Preaching, biography, newspaper, Classic, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

What Kind Of Christians Will People Be If They Listen To Your Sermons For A Decade?

By Ray Hollenbach on Jul 23, 2025

Beyond the weekly phrase, "Good word, Preacher," the spiritual lives of the people in your church provide excellent feedback regarding the effectiveness of your preaching.

Tags: believer, Preaching, Congregation, Generation, spiritual health, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

8 Tools To Explain A Biblical Passage Clearly

By Peter Mead on Dec 9, 2024

Why not simply read a bit of Bible and then say what you want to say, making the odd vague connection? This passes for preaching in many places.

Scripture: Genesis 49:10

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Celebrate Mother's Day With Powerful Sermons And Resources

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 10, 2025

Mother’s Day Sermon Ideas & Free Resources for Churches

Tags: Faith, Love, Church, mom, Mothers Day, mothers, mother's day, Inspire, inspiration, Motherhood, resources, Powerful, churches, sermon prep, sermons, moms, Sermon Prep, Sermon Preparation, church, Sermon prep, Mom's Day, love, mothers day, mom's day, Sermons, Resources, Encouraging Messages, inspire, Worship Materials, Free Resources, Service Planning, sermon preparation  (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)

5 Ways To Shorten Your Sermon

By Peter Mead on Aug 20, 2024

Preaching time is limited, and sermons easily expand. These practical tips show how to trim intros, illustrations, context, conclusions, and post-sermon elements wisely.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1-58, Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Timothy 4:2, Colossians 4:4, Ecclesiastes 5:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Communication, Preaching, Edit, Time, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Bridging The Church Communication Gap

By Barry Whitlow on Jun 20, 2020

Seventy percent avoid church because our communication no longer connects. Reaching them requires bold change, cultural awareness, and clearer, relevant preaching.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:22-23, Colossians 4:5-6, Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 10:14-15

Tags: Preaching, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership

Funerals: 6 Things We Should–and Shouldn't–do

By Jared Moore on Jun 23, 2020

Funeral preaching demands clarity, compassion, and gospel focus. These guidelines help pastors navigate what to emphasize and what to avoid when ministering at graveside moments.

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:12, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Romans 6:23, John 14:6, Luke 16:27-31  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Biblical wisdom, Biblical Wisdom

What Do People Actually Remember From Your Sermon?

By Safiyah Fosua on Jan 20, 2024

Listeners forget most of what we preach. Discover three qualities that make sermons stick: fresh perspective, human depth, and deep rooting in Scripture.

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37, Luke 15:11-32, John 4:1-26, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Tags: Preaching, application, preaching, Application