In Preaching Articles: "Hard"

Say Hard Things

By Marshall Segal on Apr 14, 2021

When was the last time someone told you you were wrong? If you can’t remember, you may have reason to be concerned. Sometimes the most loving thing someone can do for us is point out an error or inconsistency in the way we think or live.

Scripture: Matthew 6:16, Romans 12:3, Galatians 5:22-23, Galatians 1:6-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Galatians 2:11-14, Acts 10:28, Acts 15:11, 2 Chronicles 7:14-19, Matthew 6:18, 1 Peter 1:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Love, Humility, Confrontation, Grace and Truth

One Hard Truth Of Leadership

By Ron Edmondson on Sep 3, 2022

There is one truth about leadership every leader must understand, but is difficult to receive by some leaders. The probability is good you won’t like this truth either.

Tags: People pleasing, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, good leadership, Leadership, leadership, church conflict, fear of man  (view more)  (view less)

Going Hard After The Lost

By Lance Witt on Jun 6, 2024

Are we truly broken for the lost?

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18, Acts 8:4-40

Tags: Sharing the Gospel, preaching the gospel, reaching the lost, acts, Broken for the Lost, evangelism, Evangelism  (view more)  (view less)

6 Tips For Preaching To A Hard Audience

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Aug 23, 2024

Larry Moyer says "Hardened hearts need to hear from a communicator, not a speaker." Can you bridge the span to a hard audience?

Scripture: Romans 7:24

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Hardest Part Of A Sermon

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 23, 2021

The Lord gives His message to those who seek Him, who wait upon Him, who are willing to do His will.

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:1-15

Tags: Preaching, difficult, hard, preaching

Why Was I So Hard On That Church I Visited?

By Karl Vaters on Jul 2, 2022

How might a newcomer view your church? What barriers may they face? What obstacles could be unintentionally in the way of them connecting and finding a place to belong?

Tags: Leadership, leadership, Visitors, church ministry, Welcoming Others  (view more)  (view less)

Cut Off Your Hand, Tear Out Your Eye

By Ray Ortlund on Aug 3, 2022

Hard words are not harmful words—when they come from Jesus. The real Jesus loves us enough to accept us freely and confront us honestly.

Scripture: Colossians 2:23, Philippians 3:14, Hebrews 13:21, Matthew 5:6, Titus 2:11-12, Hebrews 12:4, 1 Corinthians 9:27, Matthew 5:29-30  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Righteousness, Theology, soul care, Hard Teaching

A Preacher's Gut-Check: Seven Hard Questions About Your Sermon

By J.s. Park on Jun 20, 2025

After you have your three points, consulted all the commentaries and fit in your illustrations, then it's time to get real.

Scripture: John 14:1-6

Tags: Preaching, Good, questions, preaching

Pastoring Shouldn't Be This Hard (With 4 Steps To Make It Easier)

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 8, 2021

Our obsession with numerical growth may be the unseen culprit behind a lot of burnt out pastors and unhealthy churches. Here's a short list to help you make the task of pastoring less burdensome and far more joyful.

Tags: Preaching, difficult, Pastoring, shepherding, Shepherding, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Bivocational? 4 Ways It Makes You A Better Preacher

By Adam Russell on Oct 26, 2021

Noah built a boat, Boaz was a farmer, Peter was a fisherman, Paul was a tentmaker and Jesus was a carpenter--they all had a common life before they had an extraordinary life.

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Tags: Preaching, work, hard work, Bi vocational, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

6 Ways You Can Break Through To Reach Hardened Hearts

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Sep 8, 2025

"Hardened hearts need to hear from a communicator, not a speaker." What can you do to reach them?

Tags: Truth, Preaching, humor, hard heart, Attitude, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

When Your Pain Makes It Hard To Say "It Is Well With My Soul”

By Randy Alcorn on Mar 29, 2024

The pain was great, but God’s grace rose to the occasion. Despite his heartbreak, Spafford could say without pretense, “It is well with my soul.”

Scripture: Psalm 31:7, John 14:27, Isaiah 66:12-14

Tags: coping with loss, Resting in Christ, Pain, pain, Trusting God, Grief, Loss, God's peace, Glorious Future  (view more)  (view less)

The Hardest Part Of Ministry: Saying No

By David L. Hansen on Jun 30, 2025

Saying "no" can help focus your ministry, your leadership and your preaching.

Tags: Ministry, Preaching, hard, Angelic work, say no, ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The "Measure Up Mentality” In Today’s Church

By Charles Stone on Dec 13, 2021

The ‘measure up mentality’ can suck the joy out of ministry. By applying a few simple ideas, you can stay positive and encouraged in your ministry even when you feel you don’t measure up in the eyes of others.

Scripture: Psalm 62:5

Tags: leadership, Preaching, pastor, Laziness, hard work, Pastor, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Do You Believe In Miracles? Part 2

By Lance Witt on Jun 13, 2024

"The story of 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team’s pursuit of the gold medal was one of the greatest Cinderella stories in all of sports history. But it was far more than just a great sporting event. It is also a great case study in what makes a great team. And the principles apply to church teams as well."

Tags: Teamwork, hard work, Resilience, Healthy Teams, Leadership, Sacrifice, family, Perseverance, leadership  (view more)  (view less)