In Preaching Articles: "First Things First"

Do We Need A broader Definition Of Church Growth?

By Karl Vaters on Oct 13, 2023

Any definition of church growth that doesn’t allow for, even celebrate, churches that contribute in non-numerical ways is incomplete.

Tags: Church Growth, priorities, pastoral leadership, First Things First, Right Values  (view more)  (view less)

The Ultimate Character Test Any Great Leader Passes

By Carey Nieuwhof on Nov 14, 2023

Moral failure takes out more leaders than it should. But real success is deeper than just avoiding the ditch.

Tags: leadership, Character, Faithfulness, Home Life, Integrity, Popularity, pastoral leadership, church leadership, First Things First, Leadership Failure, True Success, e, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

The Preacher's First Mistake

By Bruce D. Johnson on Aug 26, 2023

If we fail to get this one right, it's hard to keep our listeners with us.

Tags: Preaching, mistakes, interest, hook, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Update Your First Impression

By Chet Gladkowski on Jun 22, 2020

Churches often obsess over greeters and giveaways while ignoring the real first impression: their digital presence, unified message, and attention to detail. These oversights quietly drive people away before they ever walk through the doors.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:8, Habakkuk 2:2, Colossians 4:6, Proverbs 11:14, Matthew 28:19-20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: strategy, Strategy

My First Year Ministry Mistakes

By Josh Tandy on Jul 2, 2020

Seminary didn’t prepare me for ministry reality. These early mistakes taught me more than success ever could.

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-13, Proverbs 11:14, Hebrews 13:17, Galatians 6:1, 1 Timothy 4:16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Leadership Mistakes

The Essential Me-First Of Biblical Preaching

By Ken Burge on May 9, 2025

Biblical preaching demands personal application before public proclamation. The preacher must first live the message before declaring it.

Scripture: Ezra 7:10, James 2:18, 1 Corinthians 4:16, Acts 20:28, 1 Timothy 4:16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Self, example, application, Pastoral Ministry, preaching, Application  (view more)  (view less)

The First Step In Being A Great Pastor

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 12, 2022

The first step in being a great pastor is to walk with God.

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:11

Tags: pastor, Basics of Christianity, Intimacy With God, intimacy with Christ, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

The First Step In Bringing Change To Your Church

By John Holm on Jan 24, 2023

Healthy leadership protects what must never change while courageously adjusting what must. Churches fail when they confuse strategy with identity.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Matthew 28:19-20, Proverbs 29:18, Ephesians 2:20, Jude 1:3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Guide, strategy, Change, Strategy

The First Step To Sparking Innovation In A Stuck Church

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 30, 2021

Church leaders need to spark the creativity of innovative believers by figuring out how to say yes to their passion.

Tags: Teamwork, Lay Leadership, ideas, work for God's glory

Matt Chandler: First And Foremost, I'm A Preacher

By Matt Chandler on Jul 19, 2025

There's no limit to the distractions facing a pastor, but in the end we are called to preach.

Tags: Preaching, Preacher, Matt Chandler, limit, Distraction, preaching, preacher  (view more)  (view less)

5 Must-Know Facts About First-Time Visitors

By Rick Ezell on Nov 3, 2021

Most guests decide whether they’ll return within minutes. Churches that prioritize hospitality, friendliness, and clear navigation create the best chance for impact.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, Luke 15:20-24

Tags: Grace, guest, Celebrate, Hospitality, Visitors, grace  (view more)  (view less)

True Leadership Is Sacrifice, Not Privilege

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 4, 2022

Christian leadership — in the home, the church, and elsewhere — is not for those clawing for honor and recognition, but for those most ready to fall to their knees and be inconvenienced by the needs of others.

Scripture: Mark 10:45, 2 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Peter 5:2-3, Matthew 20:25-28, John 13:14-15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Sacrifice, leadership, Dying To Self, pastoral leadership, servant leadership, Others First, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

15 New-Year Quotes You Can Use In Your First Sermon Of The New Year

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 28, 2022

Let these great names--and great thoughts--animate tomorrow's sermon.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-15, Ezekiel 34:11-16

Tags: Preaching, New Year, Chesterton, Quotes, martin luther, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Relational Leadership Part 2

By Lance Witt on Nov 8, 2023

Jesus cares just as much about how we treat people along the path to fulfilling our vision as he does if we accomplish the vision.

Tags: vision, leadership, relationships, honoring Christ, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, mission, Others First, Transactional, Transformational, e, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Doing Ministry Without Losing Your Soul Part 3

By Lance Witt on May 22, 2024

When pastoring is your job, it adds complexity to simply loving Jesus. To live and lead from a healthy soul, we must learn the art of separating our own personal pursuit of loving Jesus from our “ministry” of leading in the church.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Tags: time with God, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, soul care, avoiding burnout, Putting Christ First, Sincerity with God, church leadership  (view more)  (view less)