In Preaching Articles: "Guard Your Tongue"

One Question That Can Ruin Your Sermon Prep—in The Best Way

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Mar 20, 2023

If you have never asked yourself this question, you might end up preaching to the mind while steering totally clear of the soul.

Scripture: Luke 1:46-56

Tags: Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep, Soul, Preaching, Mind, need, sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

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

By Joe Mckeever on Sep 11, 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

Don't Play Games With Scripture: 10 Checkpoints For Your Next Sermon

By Joe Mckeever on Sep 17, 2025

"Here are a few 'preacher games' I've noticed over the years, all of them being dishonorable and unworthy."

Tags: preacher games, preaching, Preaching, unworthy, checkpoints  (view more)  (view less)

Should Your Next Altar Call Be Focused On Private Prayer Or Public Confession?

By Jeff K. Clarke on Nov 11, 2019

If we tell people that all they need to do to become a follower of Christ is to bow their heads, close their eyes and repeat a 30-second prayer, what are we saying about Jesus?

Tags: private prayer, altar call, public confession, Preaching

Check Your Sermon Today For Three Things You Must Have Tomorrow

By Lane Sebring on Dec 16, 2019

Even great content needs careful structure and presentation. Here's a three-point checklist that will improve any message.

Scripture: James 4:1-5, Colossians 4:5-6

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Does Your Sermon Outline Serve You Or Do You Serve It?

By Joe Hoagland on Jul 30, 2019

Think you don’t need a sermon outline? Discover why using one can sharpen your message, increase clarity, and enhance your connection with the congregation.

Tags: Preaching, preaching tips, sermon prep, Sermon outline, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep, Preaching Tips, Sermon Outline, Preaching Structure  (view more)  (view less)

Reviving Bible Engagement: How To Spark A Bible Reading Revolution In Your Church

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 5, 2019

Bible reading is in decline, but it doesn’t have to be. Explore five practical strategies to ignite a Bible reading revolution in your church and community.

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

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Why No One Cares About Your Mission Statement – And Neither Should You

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 8, 2021

Does your church have a mission statement? Could most of the people in your church repeat it? If the answer is ‘no’, I have one word for you. Relax.

Tags: Preaching, Mission Statement, preaching

If Your Church Is Drifting And Stuck, Should You Try To Change It From Within?

By Jonathan Herron on Jan 12, 2022

What do you do if you’re a frustrated support staff member of a visionless church? Do you try to change things from within?

Tags: Church and change, church planting, Church Death, pastoral leadership

Your Struggling Church Can Turn Around Today – But Greatness Takes Time

By Karl Vaters on Aug 23, 2023

If you’re pastoring a church that has or is turning around, here's some great news - and possibly your greatest challenge.

Scripture: Revelation 21:5

Tags: leadership, renewal, patience, Church Health, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Jesus Didn’t Wake Up This Morning Depressed By The Size Of Your Church

By Karl Vaters on Apr 18, 2022

Jesus knows what happened and didn’t happen in church last Sunday.

Tags: Depression, Marriage Faithfulness, Church Attendance, God's perspective, e, church attendance  (view more)  (view less)

How To (Finally) Stop Giving In To The Pressure To Add More Ministries In Your Church

By Carey Nieuwhof on Sep 27, 2023

When you’re a church leader, you feel a lot of pressure.

Tags: focus, Simplicity, Church Body of Christ, ministry philosophy

6 Non Negotiable Traits You Need To Increase Your Leaderships Influence

By Carey Nieuwhof on Sep 29, 2023

As harsh as it sounds, here’s the truth: if a leader doesn’t buy you, they’ll rarely buy your idea.

Tags: Humility, leadership, Influence, competence, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

One Major Thing You Can Do To Improve Your Worship Service

By Joe Hoagland on Apr 9, 2022

What if I told you there is one main thing you can improve to make people want to come back time and time again.

Tags: preaching, Preaching, illustration, Time of Reflection, sermon prep, Sermon Prep  (view more)  (view less)

3 Things To Remember When You’re Browsing Through Social Media

By Randy Alcorn on Sep 30, 2022

"Just as we should be intentional about what we post, we should also be intentional about how we process what others are posting."

Tags: social media, Rejoice with others, Covetousness, Competition, caution  (view more)  (view less)