In Preaching Articles: "First Things First"

How To Find New Sources For Sermon Illustrations

By Erik Raymond on Jun 17, 2021

Are you constantly mining the same sources for your sermon illustrations? Here are five suggestions to keep things fresh.

Tags: Read, biography, newspaper, Classic

How Preachers Resemble Flight Attendants

By Ron Forseth on Jun 4, 2025

Even though no one pays attention to the pre-flight warnings, the message is crucial when things go wrong.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Boring Preaching Ought To Be A Crime

By SermonCentral .com on May 12, 2025

Brandon Cox reminds us that no matter what the topic, preaching always leads back to One Big Thing.

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-25

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Deal-Breakers: 7 Ways God May Tell A Pastor To Leave A Church

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 18, 2022

Long-term pastorates are almost always good for the church and the pastor. But when these things happen, it's time to go.

Tags: Discernment, Resignation, Knowing God's Will, church ministry

The Incomparable Value Of Expository Preaching

By Bob Hostetler on Apr 6, 2023

There's a whole lot of preaching today that makes good points and says good things in entertaining ways, but something's missing.

Tags: Preaching, Expository, points, missing, preaching, expository  (view more)  (view less)

The 10 Commandments Of An Effective Sermon Introduction

By Brandon Kelley on Aug 26, 2022

If you haven’t grasped this yet, your sermon introduction is vitally important. But what does it look like to knock the introduction out of the park? What are some things to avoid? What are some things to ensure are a part of it? Let’s dive into the 10 commandments of an effective sermon introduction!

Tags: Teaching God's Word, Attention Grabber, Effective Teaching, Sermon Introduction, preaching, teaching, Teaching, Preaching, Introduction, illustration  (view more)  (view less)

In Times Of Conflict—preach Joy!

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 16, 2025

Regardless of your church's climate, one thing remains true: The preacher's task is to preach with joy, whether the conditions are desirable or undesirable.

Tags: Holy Spirit, Communication, Joy, Preaching, conflict, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

25 Truths This Preacher Needs To Fight The Enemy's Lies

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 21, 2021

"The things you need to hear repeatedly in your walk will probably vary from mine, but these are truths I cling to."

Tags: World, Truth, Preaching, Culture, enemy's lies  (view more)  (view less)

Build Your Sermon Series On The Wonder, Worry And Wishes Of Your Congregation

By Charles Arn on Mar 9, 2024

The most important thing has to do with your sermon topics. They should address people's life issues and questions about the faith.

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34, Job 21:7-34

Tags: Preaching, worry, Wonder, Relevance, Wish, Worry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Ten Common Sentiments Pastors Wish They Could Express

By SermonCentral .com on May 28, 2022

Stated simply, there are many things pastors would like to say, but they don’t feel like they have the freedom to do so.

Tags: pastor, soul care, Support pastor, praying for pastors, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

Thanksgiving Is A Taste Of Home

By Christine Hoover on Jun 12, 2024

"In all things, imitate and anticipate the final Thanksgiving table and a place where all our longings will finally find their home."

Scripture: Philippians 1:6

Tags: home, give thanks, heavenly home, Thanksgiving Holiday, Gifts, God's gifts, Thanks, Longing  (view more)  (view less)

What You Absolutely Need To Let Your Guest Preacher Know

By Rev. Stuart Strachan Jr. on Sep 18, 2024

What are the most important things you need to let your guest preacher know before you head out of town?

Tags: ministry, preaching, Ministry, Preaching, practical advice, guest preaching  (view more)  (view less)

My 7 Part Strategy For A New Leadership Position

By Ron Edmondson on Mar 10, 2021

I realized I’m only one person and although everyone wanted some of my time and there were more ideas than we could ever accomplish, I knew I would burnout if I didn’t pace myself. This meant I said no to some things – really many things.

Tags: leadership, Preaching, Leadership, preaching

Sharpen Your Sermon With A God-Centered Checklist

By Jared Moore on Sep 19, 2025

If you want to help your people focus on God when they leave church tomorrow, here are 11 things that you cannot do.

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Tags: Preaching, Checklist, joke, Sharpen, preaching, God centered, God Centered  (view more)  (view less)

How Your Preaching Can Destroy Modern Idols

By Chris Surber on Nov 15, 2024

Every church has those things that it clings to that are off the table for change or removal, and usually even for discussion--unless you bring them up.

Scripture: Leviticus 26:30

Tags: Preaching, destroy, Discussion, modern idols, preaching  (view more)  (view less)