In Preaching Articles: "How To Worship"

Preaching Real Gospel Change In A World Obsessed With Self-Improvement

By Ed Stetzer on Jan 6, 2025

True transformation is not moral effort but new life in Christ. Preachers must translate “change” into gospel terms, clarifying how God recreates, reshapes, and renews His people.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7

Tags: Church, Growth, Discipleship, Preaching, Change, Transformation, counsel, Christian growth, new life in Christ, Spiritual Transformation, preaching, church, Christian Growth, New Life In Christ  (view more)  (view less)

A Preaching Q&a With David Platt

By David Platt on Feb 14, 2025

David Platt explains how Scripture governs his preaching, preparation, and pastoral priorities, emphasizing clarity, Christ-centered exposition, and total dependence on God’s Word.

Tags: Learning, BIBLICAL TEACHING, Expository Preaching, Sermon Preparation, expository preaching, sermon preparation, Biblical Teaching, David Platt  (view more)  (view less)

Preach So They Feel It: Beyond Information Transfer

By Peter Mead on Oct 7, 2020

Great preaching is not about cramming in more content but about helping people feel the truth of Scripture. Here’s how to move from dense information to transformative proclamation.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Luke 24:32, Hebrews 4:12, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Psalm 23:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Message, develop, Pastoral Ministry

Do Your Listeners Feel The Text?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Nov 26, 2020

Faithful preaching requires sound exegesis, but powerful sermons also help listeners experience the biblical story. Learn how engaging the senses can deepen your preaching.

Scripture: Luke 8:48, Luke 8:43, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, audience, Engage, feel, exegesis, preaching, Exegesis  (view more)  (view less)

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)

New Poll: What's The Average Length Of Sermon Prep?

By SermonCentral .com on Jun 15, 2021

LifeWay's Thom Rainer took a Twitter poll to see how much time most preachers give to sermon preparation. Where do you fall on the scale?

Tags: preparation, average, Prep, Time

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)