In Preaching Articles: "Guard Your Tongue"

Why Too Many Sermon Illustrations Hurt Your Preaching

By Bruce D. Johnson on Oct 13, 2024

Many modern sermons rely too heavily on the preacher’s personal stories. Effective illustrations should clarify truth and help ordinary listeners apply it.

Scripture: Colossians 1:28, Romans 10:14, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 2 Timothy 4:2, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: preaching, Preaching, pastor, Self, Homiletics, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

Is The Problem Really "Your Teaching Isn’t Deep Enough”

By Eric Geiger on Jul 29, 2021

When church members say teaching is not “deep enough,” the issue may not be the sermon. Understanding what people mean helps pastors respond wisely.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:6-10, 2 Timothy 4:3, 1 Corinthians 3:4-7, Hebrews 5:12-14, Colossians 2:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: preaching, Truth, Preaching, Lack, problem, deep teaching  (view more)  (view less)

You're Preaching, But Do You Know Who's Listening?

By Mike Miller on Jan 17, 2023

Good preachers must develop the extra skill of "congregational exegesis."

Tags: Congregation, audience, preaching, Preaching, Listen  (view more)  (view less)

Ten Strategic Insights Into Shaping Your Next Sermon Series

By Herbert Cooper on Jan 27, 2023

Herbert Cooper, senior pastor of People's Church in Oklahoma City, shares strategic insights into making a sermon series work.

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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: Preaching, Congregation, Generation, spiritual health, preaching, believer  (view more)  (view less)

20 Mother's Day Quotes To Warm Up Your Sermon

By SermonCentral .com on May 7, 2021

Insight, warmth--and humor--to use when you preach for this special occasion.

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:7-24

Tags: Preaching, mother's day, Motherhood, Quotes

Do You Have The Courage To Tear Your Sermon In Half?

By John Mcclure on Oct 28, 2024

Overcome slow starts by taking a knife to your opening!

Tags: preaching, Preaching, advice, rehash, cutting room  (view more)  (view less)

Does Your Preaching Proclaim Jesus As Lord, Or Simply Savior?

By Dustin Leimgruber on Sep 14, 2022

Check out the modern parable of the Runaway Bride.

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15

Tags: Savior, Parable, Preaching, Explanation, runaway bride, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

3 Tests Of Plagiarism: Do Your Sermons Pass Them?

By Ron Forseth on Feb 24, 2023

"Should we use someone else's sermon?" I would say that in many, many cases, the answer can legitimately be "Yes."

Tags: Preaching, Plagiarism, Quotes, citation, e, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Thom Rainer: 3 Reasons Your People Are Spiritually Stuck

By SermonCentral .com on Nov 28, 2024

"When we lead our people in the process of transformation, we need to orient them to the reality of the war within them."

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Tags: Preaching, Transformation, Envy, striving, Spiritual exercise, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Shake Up Your Christmas Messages: 7 New Approaches

By Peter Mead on Dec 23, 2025

You might be getting excited, or dreading another Christmas and the need to generate more messages when the obvious options feel well worn. Here are some other angles to consider.

Scripture: Philippians 2:6-11

Tags: prophecies, preaching, Theme, Preaching, obvious  (view more)  (view less)

How To Say Good-Bye: Preaching Your Last Sermon

By Chris Surber on Nov 9, 2021

People usually listen closely to your first words--and your last. Make them meaningful.

Scripture: Matthew 16:18

Tags: Preaching, Purpose, preparation, Goodbye, last sermon, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

What Do Your Gestures Say While You Preach?

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 1, 2024

It's true: we speak with more than words, more than our voice. How does your body preach?

Tags: effective, gestures, thom rainer, preaching, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Seminary-Trained Preachers Face Unique Flaws: Are Yours On The List?

By Peter Mead on Dec 2, 2024

"You should wear your learning like your underwear: it's important that you have it on, but don't let it show."

Scripture: Psalm 119:10-12

Tags: education, Seminary, preaching, Preaching

Pastor, I'm Called To Preach–gimme Your Pulpit!

By Brian Croft on Feb 1, 2026

Brian Croft gives three sound suggestions for encouraging others as they explore their calling.

Tags: Preaching, preaching