In Preaching Articles: "Good Samaritan"

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

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 17, 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

Two Keys To Flourishing In The Digital Age

By Tony Reinke on May 23, 2022

We all seem to sense that — for good or bad — our smartphones are changing us, our habits, and our relationships.

Scripture: Matthew 22:40, John 6:35, Luke 14:33, Luke 10:27, Matthew 13:44, Luke 10:1-25, Psalm 34:8, Psalm 73:25-26, Philippians 3:8, Matthew 10:37  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Jesus, Technology, Love Others, Love God

Using Illustrations For Maximum Impact: 4 Essential Notes

By Lane Sebring on Feb 18, 2026

A good illustration will reach out and grab your listeners and pull them into your content. It will make them care. But How?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Preacher's Task: Saving Souls Or Making Disciples?

By Nathan Aaseng on Jul 19, 2021

"Don't confuse me with the one who saves souls; I'm just a messenger bearing good news."

Scripture: John 6:26-51

Tags: Soul, Preaching, Disciples, saved, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Most Important Ingredient For Rebuke

By Marshall Segal on Oct 31, 2022

"The recipe for good rebuke involves far more than one ingredient, but one ingredient may be the most important."

Tags: Christian Love, Biblical truth, pastoral leadership, rebuking sin, Repentance, repentance, Word of God, brotherly love, patience  (view more)  (view less)

Parables Plus Preaching Equals Power

By Leslie Holmes on Jan 14, 2024

When we preach using modern-day parables, we're in good company. We're following the example of Jesus.

Scripture: Matthew 13:34

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Preaching God's Dangerous Truth

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jun 16, 2020

We love to preach the Good News, but it doesn't reach its full potential until it challenges us to dream big.

Scripture: Luke 2:10

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Why (And How) Transitions Can Make Or Break Your Sermon

By Peter Mead on Dec 1, 2020

Your sermon outline looks so good on paper, but how you transition from one point to another is just as important.

Scripture: Proverbs 11:24

Tags: Preaching, transition, effective, conclusion, 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 22, 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: spiritual health, preaching, believer, Preaching, Congregation, Generation  (view more)  (view less)

Should We Try To Please Our Listeners? How Much?

By Peter Mead on Sep 17, 2025

If listeners aren't satisfied, it could be a good sign, or it could be a bad sign. In the same way, happy listeners may mean something is wrong.

Tags: Preaching, Criticism, please, listener, Feedback, criticism, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Advice For Preaching Funeral Sermons

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Feb 23, 2021

Brief. Gospel-centered. Be sensitive to family. There are other important factors to consider when preaching funerals. But these three pieces of advice are a good place to start.

Scripture: Isaiah 63:7-14

Tags: Preaching, Funeral, Christian Funeral

Eugene Peterson On The Dignity Of Local Pastoring

By Eugene Peterson on Jul 14, 2021

"I grew up in a culture that was very entertainment-centered. Pastors were really good storytellers, and they were attractive people, glamorous." –Eugene Peterson

Scripture: John 3:16, 1 Peter 5:2-3, Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, 2 Corinthians 4:7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Growth, Preaching, Growth in Christ, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

How To Preach To The Heart

By John Bjorge on Nov 16, 2021

Faithful preaching requires more than good exegesis. When sermons speak to the heart with trust, integrity, and lived faith, real gospel transformation follows.

Scripture: Judges 3:15-7:6, Colossians 1:3-6, 2 Corinthians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Church Health, Pastoral Ministry, spiritual formation, preaching, Gospel transformation, Spiritual Formation, Gospel Transformation  (view more)  (view less)

4 Attributes Of Powerful Preaching

By Kevin Deyoung on Jan 28, 2025

Kevin DeYoung presents four qualities of what he calls "truly good preaching–-the kind that resonates with people and the kind God tends to employ."

Scripture: Matthew 7:28-29

Tags: Preaching, Authenticity, Clarity, Veracity, Authority, Leadership General, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Has Your Emotional Brain Hijacked Your Leadership?

By Charles Stone on Nov 30, 2023

Great ministry leaders keep their emotions in check. Unfortunately, when we don’t keep them in check, our emotional brain can hijack clear thinking and good leadership.

Scripture: Romans 10:10

Tags: pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Leadership, brain, Emotions, leadership, Brain, memory, Decision making  (view more)  (view less)