In Preaching Articles: "Good Story"

A Good Sermon Feels Like A Good Story: 7 Minutes With Fred Craddock

By Fred Craddock on Jan 15, 2026

Fred Craddock literally wrote the book on preaching. He reminds us, "Movement is more important than structure."

Tags: Preaching, structure, Movement, Fred Craddock, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching For A Special Occasion? Here's Guidance

By Dr. Daniel Akin on Oct 22, 2021

Compromise of biblical truth is not an option, but doing one's best to extend Christ-honoring grace and goodwill should be at the front and center of our agenda.

Scripture: John 4:1-30, Luke 1:67-80

Tags: Exposition, Preaching, Biblical truth, Betray, good story, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

You Are Not The Story!

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on May 2, 2022

People should not leave the sermon having learned more about the preacher than Christ. When we stand to preach the word, we should prayerfully whisper to ourselves, “You are not the story.”

Scripture: Colossians 1:28, John 12:20, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Timothy 4:1-2

Tags: Pride, God's Story, self importance, Bible as a story

Why Story Preaching Works

By Peter Mead on Apr 10, 2025

Biblical stories were inspired in both content and form. When preachers honor the narrative shape, tension, and pacing, the Word lands with clarity, power, and conviction.

Scripture: John 12:21-34

Tags:

Tell A Better Easter Story

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 24, 2024

This Easter, let's get out of the way and let the cross tell the story of Easter.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:1-20

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Swindoll Says Stories Are Valuable

By Michael Duduit on Aug 14, 2023

Stories transport us into another world. They hold our attention.

Scripture: Matthew 13:34

Tags: Communication, Preaching, Story, storytelling, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Spiritual Loitering

By Lance Witt on Mar 28, 2023

Even though Easter was just a few days ago, it is likely that you have quickly moved on to the next “thing”. But I want to challenge you to not move on too quickly. I’m sure there are some stories and God moments from this past weekend that are worth lingering over. As pastors we need to do a better job with the discipline of “spiritual loitering”.

Scripture: Psalm 111:4, Psalm 143:5

Tags: Remember, inner peace, good work

Joe Mckeever: 3 Vital Reasons To Tell Stories In Your Preaching

By Joe Mckeever on Sep 10, 2025

There are a thousand reasons for dropping the occasional story into your sermon, pastor. Here are the top three.

Scripture: Exodus 17:8-16

Tags: Preaching, storytelling, stories, preaching

How To Plan An Effective Easter Service

By Josh Reich on Mar 23, 2023

The goal of every sermon is to get to the resurrection. Each and every week we do the same thing: “We are broken and can’t fix ourselves. Our only hope is found in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.”

Tags: Easter Sunday, Easter Story

I Write Stories During Sermons

By Carolyn C. Givens on May 11, 2021

Some believers process truth most deeply through narrative. This article explores how imaginative engagement during sermons can be disciplined by Scripture rather than distracted from it.

Scripture: John 1:14, Jeremiah 31:33, 2 Corinthians 5:20, James 1:21, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Parable, Preaching, Story, Engage, narrative, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why So Long? A Missions Story

By Evy Yohner on May 20, 2022

These stories are like rare pearls, collecting from a way of “doing” missions no longer done, when intrepid men and women sacrificed everything to obey God’s voice.

Tags: international, god's mission, great commission, lessons from history

When Is A Sermon Good Enough?

By Stephen Gregory on Jul 15, 2024

A pastor wrestles with preparation, expectations, and perfectionism, discovering how God uses imperfect sermons when the preacher is faithful, honest, and attentive to the flock.

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3

Tags: Church, Preaching, pastor, spiritual growth, Communication General, Pastoral Ministry, Ministry Leadership, Pastor, Sermon Preparation, preaching, church, sermon preparation, Preaching Challenges, Spiritual Growth  (view more)  (view less)

What Makes A Sermon Good?

By Duane K Kelderman on Aug 1, 2024

Great sermons are clear, biblical, and transformative. They communicate well, faithfully proclaim Scripture, and lead listeners toward deeper obedience and faith.

Scripture: Ruth 3:1-10, 1 Chronicles 1:1

Tags: Worship

Good Sermons Start With Listening

By Mary Hinkle Shore on Jan 16, 2024

Faithful sermons are born not from noise or haste, but from careful listening to Scripture, people, and language itself.

Scripture: John 12:20-33, James 1:19, Luke 24:27, Nehemiah 8:8, Colossians 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Listen, BIBLICAL TEACHING, preaching, Biblical Teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Is There Good News In Your Sermon?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Aug 11, 2020

When preachers struggle to find a sermon celebration, the issue is often focus. Centering on God’s gospel activity reveals good news worth celebrating.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10, Mark 6:1-13, Romans 8:1-11, Ephesians 2:4-10, 2 Corinthians 3:5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Good News, Homiletics, preaching