In Preaching Articles: "First Things First"

Why Kids Need Exegetical Bible Teaching For The Long Haul

By Cameron Cole on Nov 15, 2022

"Preparing kids to face the real world on their own is scary and daunting. There are only so many things we can do and there are no guarantees. Within the realm of things, we can control resides the teaching of God’s word."

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16

Tags: Discipleship, teach, parenting, Equip, parenthood, Youth Ministry, guard the truth, child training  (view more)  (view less)

Joe Mckeever: Why Preachers Are The Way They Are

By Joe Mckeever on Aug 26, 2021

This Q & A answers, "Why are all preachers nuts?" and other things people want to know.

Tags: Joy, Preaching, Funeral, Preacher, Weeping, preaching, preacher  (view more)  (view less)

Should You Preach On A Topic That Doesn't Stir Your Passions?

By Josh Reich on Jan 2, 2026

If a pastor isn’t careful, he will only preach on the things he finds important.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

What To Preach--And When: Build Your Preaching Calendar

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 6, 2021

There's no such thing as a perfect preaching calendar, but Hal Seed helps you get close!

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32

Tags: Preaching

The Greatest Gift You Give Your Team- Part 2

By Lance Witt on Jul 15, 2024

Some of the qualities that people will applaud in your life are the very things that will wreck your soul.

Tags: sanctification, Personal Growth, pastoral care, Examine self, Time of Reflection, Guarding your heart, motives, soul care  (view more)  (view less)

9 Ways To Preach A Lousy Sermon

By Ben Reed on Aug 26, 2020

If you want to preach a great sermon, here are nine things you must avoid at all costs.

Tags: Faith, Fear, endurance, Preaching, prosper  (view more)  (view less)

The One Law You Must Be Sure To Include In Your Preaching

By David J. Lose on Jul 2, 2021

When to insist on law and when to suspend it? For whom? Will things fall apart if we get it wrong?

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, Luke 13:10-16

Tags: Grace, Law, Preaching, Good News, grace  (view more)  (view less)

Preach The Gospel, Not The Garnish

By Jared Moore on Jul 25, 2025

There are plenty of things we can do to improve our style, but does the gospel get lost in the garnish?

Tags: Gospel, Preaching, Lost, style, garnish, gospel, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Don't Go Stale: One Pastor's Keep-It-Fresh Tool Kit

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 17, 2023

"At hundreds of points, I have run out of things to say." What to do next is key.

Scripture: Esther 9:22

Tags: Fresh, Preaching, stale, karl vaters, toolkit, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Build A Healthy Elder Team

By Josh Reich on Apr 25, 2022

If there is one thing pastors know well, it is the pain that can stem from a poorly run elder team.

Tags: Eldership, Elders Church, elders, Elder Qualification

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)

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