In Preaching Articles: "Giving Up"

Without Accountability, Confession And Friendship, ‘we’re Going To End Up Out Of Ministry’

By Michael Duduit on Jan 27, 2022

My friend Clayton King, who has never served as a senior pastor (and had not expected to), suddenly found himself leading one of the nation’s largest congregations as interim pastor of NewSpring Church in Anderson, South Carolina.

Scripture: James 5:16

Tags: Spiritual Warfare, Isolation, Leadership General, pastoral leadership

If Jesus Gave A Ted Talk Principle 4—free Up Working Memory (Capacity)

By Charles Stone on May 26, 2024

Free up Working Memory is the fourth installment of an 8 part series on how neuroscience can improve your preaching.

Scripture: John 3:1-21

Tags: Preaching, memory, sermon, Capacity, Sermon, neuroscience, preaching, sermonprep, capacity  (view more)  (view less)

What To Do When Your Preaching Turns Stale

By Peter Mead on Aug 13, 2025

On the dashboard of our ministry life, we need to have a light that flashes when we are preaching flat. What causes it? What should we do?

Tags: Preaching, give thanks, stale, ministry life, spiritual dryness, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

When People Make Up Stories About You: A Pastor’s Guide To Handling Labels

By Charles Stone on Jul 30, 2024

Pastors are often misunderstood and mischaracterized. Responding with wisdom, restraint, and Christlike character helps transform false stories into God-honoring ones.

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:12

Tags: Church Relationships

Pastoral Transition: Setting Your Church Up For Ministry Success After You're Gone

By Karl Vaters on Oct 19, 2023

Following a long-term, successful pastorate is one of the hardest callings in ministry. Every pastor should do everything we can to make it as easy as possible for the next pastor and the church to do great ministry after we leave.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12

Tags: leadership, servant leadership, Pastoral Transition, Decentralize, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

3 Reasons Why I Give My Listeners Homework (And Why You Should, Too)

By Ray Hollenbach on Oct 20, 2025

When we ask something more of our congregation we will quickly discover whether we are preaching for spiritual entertainment or spiritual formation.

Tags: Discipleship

4 Ways Your Church Can Help People Simplify Christmas

By Karl Vaters on Dec 12, 2025

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but Christmas is also the busiest.

Tags: Christmas, Christmas Eve, Holidays, Giving, teach, simplify, Christmas Joy, church leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Thanksgiving Is A Taste Of Home

By Christine Hoover on Jun 11, 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: Thanks, Longing, home, give thanks, heavenly home, Thanksgiving Holiday, Gifts, God's gifts  (view more)  (view less)

Preach Like It's Good News!

By Travis Hearn on Jan 20, 2023

When you're giving good news to someone, how do you give it?

Tags: fun, Fun, Preaching, Good News, available, Biblical, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Lost Art Of Feasting

By David Mathis on Nov 26, 2025

"Most of us have never given any serious thought to what it might mean to feast with Christ-honoring intentionality."

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Timothy 4:4-5, Luke 14:13, Romans 14:5-6

Tags: Thanksgiving, Fellowship, Community, feast, Christian Joy, give thanks, thank god, Thanksgiving Holiday, community, fellowship  (view more)  (view less)

Great Preaching Simplifies The Complex: Does Yours?

By Peter Mead on Apr 17, 2025

“I wouldn’t give a fig for simplicity this side of complexity, but I’d give my right arm for simplicity on the other side of complexity.”

Tags: Preaching, preaching

I Didn't Think Preachers Wrote Their Own Sermons Anymore

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Feb 24, 2026

Preacher: God *will* give you something to say!

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 5:1-14

Tags: Preaching, preaching

A Crucial Question: The Why Of Expository Preaching

By SermonCentral .com on Oct 31, 2024

It's not just academic; it's essential for life-giving sermons.

Scripture: Numbers 6:24-27, Joshua 6:6-27, Joshua 4:5-16

Tags: Preaching, Expository, Essential, Academic, preaching, expository  (view more)  (view less)

Don't Fear Bruised Toes

By Chris Surber on Dec 24, 2021

He is a poor preacher who gives no offense to his listeners.

Tags: Discipleship, Preaching, poor preaching, measuring success, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Are You Willing To Be Misunderstood -- From The Pulpit?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Oct 21, 2024

Sherman Cox takes up Will Willimon's challenge to preachers everywhere.

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-13

Tags: Gospel, Preaching, Relevance, Confront, will willimon, gospel, preaching  (view more)  (view less)