In Preaching Articles: "How To Suceed"

Why Sermon Transitions Matter More Than You Think

By Peter Mead on Dec 1, 2020

Strong sermons require more than good content. Clear transitions help listeners follow the message, maintain momentum, and understand how each point fits together.

Scripture: Proverbs 11:24, Galatians 5:1, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Timothy 4:13  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Communication, Preaching, transition, effective, conclusion, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

11 Kinds Of Preacher | Which One Are You?

By Peter Mead on May 23, 2021

Effective preaching requires understanding not only Scripture and culture but also the preacher’s own personality. The inner world of the preacher inevitably influences how the message is prepared and delivered.

Tags: Preaching, Preacher, Personality, type, preaching, preacher  (view more)  (view less)

11 Common Preaching Mistakes That Distract From God

By Jared Moore on Jan 4, 2026

Avoid 11 common preaching mistakes that shift focus from God to yourself. Learn how to preach Christ-centered sermons that point hearers to God’s truth.

Tags: preaching tips, Expository Preaching, expository preaching, Preaching Tips, Preaching Mistakes, Biblical Communication, Christ Centered Sermons  (view more)  (view less)

Beware Of Over-Hyped Intros!

By Peter Mead on Jan 27, 2026

Your message intro shouldn’t feel like a spiritual infomercial. Learn how to connect meaningfully with your audience without overstating your message’s impact.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Power Of Simplicity - Part 2

By Lance Witt on Aug 28, 2023

This option overload poignantly illustrates the increasing complexity of our world. It begs the question “in a world that is increasing in speed and complexity, how do we move toward simplicity?"

Tags: responsibility, Simplicity, Boundaries

4 Ways Pastors Can Refill Their Depleted Souls

By Charles Stone on Apr 20, 2022

Although we intuitively understand how to refuel ourselves, we often don’t do it. He challenged us to ask why we don’t.

Scripture: Mark 1:35-39

Tags: relationships, Rest, soul care, intimacy with Christ

Why Small Churches Don’t Grow

By Joe Mckeever on Sep 20, 2024

Small church growth stalls for reasons deeper than numbers. These ten barriers reveal why congregations stay stuck and how leaders can pursue renewed health and mission.

Scripture: John 13:35, Psalm 85:6, Luke 11:1-2

Tags: Church, Outreach, pastor, Church Growth, Health, Fail, Church Health, Small Church, Church Practices, pastoral leadership, spiritual vitality, Pastor, church, Pastoral Leadership, Small Church Growth, Congregational Renewal, Spiritual Vitality  (view more)  (view less)

When Passion Fades: 5 Reasons Preaching Becomes Lifeless

By Peter Mead on Aug 9, 2024

Passionless preaching drains a congregation. These five causes, from frozen delivery to cold hearts, reveal why sermons fall flat and how pastors can revive authentic zeal.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6, Romans 12:11, Psalm 34:8, Colossians 3:23, Revelation 2:4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Spiritual Renewal, preaching

Why Preachers Must Embrace Both/And Truth

By Chris Surber on Jun 4, 2021

Biblical preaching often presents truths that appear contradictory at first glance. Wise preachers help their congregations understand how these truths fit together within the whole counsel of Scripture.

Scripture: James 2:14-26, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 3:28, Ephesians 2:8-10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

10 Reasons Even Committed Church Attenders Are Attending Church Less Often

By Carey Nieuwhof on Jun 20, 2023

It comes up in a surprising number of conversations these days. And no one’s quite sure how to respond to it. The issue? Even committed church attenders are attending church less often.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25, 2 Thessalonians 2:2-3, Matthew 24:9-13

Tags: Technology, Culture, church decline, Church attendence, culture  (view more)  (view less)

Handling A Hurricane… Part 1

By Lance Witt on Nov 9, 2023

It is going to happen. Take it to the bank. You can count on it. Someone on your team or in your organization will have a disastrous moral failure. So how do your prepare?

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:12

Tags: leadership, conflict management, Pastoral Ministry, disasters, church ministry, Leadership Failure, Moral failure, Church Crisis, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

7 Things Preachers Never Say – Pt.2

By Peter Mead on May 7, 2024

This series looks at seven things preachers never say. Last time we thought about the burden of expectation. How about this for another: The negative outcomes of both criticism and apathy.

Tags: Criticism, Apathy, Gossip, slander, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Negative Response, Backbiting, criticism  (view more)  (view less)

The Power Of Testimony

By Peter Mead on Nov 18, 2022

"Hearing how God has worked in a life can be very powerful. Having someone “give their testimony” can also backfire. Here are a few of the problems that can create the tension."

Tags: leadership, Church leaders, Our Testimony, Sharing My Testimony, Personal Testimony, christian testimony, church leadership, Power Of Testimony, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Are You A "Do Something" Church?

By Miles Mcpherson on Jul 19, 2020

Many churches talk about impact but fail to act. Discover how counting real needs, walking toward the hurting, asking meaningful questions, and loving tangibly can transform a community.

Scripture: Mark 10:49-51, Luke 17:17-19, Luke 15:4, Luke 5:10-11, John 21:15-17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Service, Servanthood

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)