In Preaching Articles: "Inviting People"

The Pulpit Is Not A Magical Place, Even If Some People Think It Is

By Nathan Aaseng on Mar 11, 2024

"The Word is not magic, but it has power ... great power to bring God's love and grace into the world."

Tags: Grace, Power, Preaching, pulpit, Magic, grace, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Stop People From Playing On Their Phones In Church

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 20, 2025

Cell phones in church don't bother me because I've discovered an ancient secret that keeps people from getting bored in church.

Tags: Discipleship, Preaching, Entertainment, Boredom, better church, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Are We More Invested In Bringing People To Church Or Jesus?

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 4, 2021

Church attendance should be a tool to help people draw closer to Jesus. Not the other way around.

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Tags: Preaching

Should A Pastor Know How Much People Give?

By Peter Walters on Jan 2, 2024

There are many reasons why Pastors shy away from knowing what each member gives but let me give you 2 of the big ones. Still, there are 6 things every pastor should know.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

How To Lead People-Friendly Change In Your Church

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 13, 2022

I’ve been studying the art of change management lately and wanted to share a process with you that could save you a lot of grief the next time you think about a change in your church’s programs or procedures.

Tags: Communication, leadership, Change, Resilience, Leadership, communication  (view more)  (view less)

God Seeks People To Worship Him In Spirit And Truth

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 20, 2022

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24)

Scripture: John 3:6, John 3:20, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, John 4:4-6, Proverbs 13:14, John 7:37-39, John 4:14, John 14:26, Matthew 15:8, 1 Thessalonians 1:5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Gospel of John, Dead in sin, Jesus Teachings, Spirit and Truth, Spiritually Dead, Woman at the well  (view more)  (view less)

Are We Really Sheep?

By Bill Kinnon on May 3, 2023

Biblical metaphors carry rich meaning, but cultural distance can sometimes obscure their significance. The image of sheep and shepherds in Scripture invites deeper reflection on pastoral leadership and the identity of God’s people.

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3, John 10:11-15, Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2-4, Hebrews 13:20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Shepherd, Preaching, teach, Sheep, metaphor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Death To Dancing Bears

By Lance Witt on May 31, 2022

“Sometimes as a worship pastor,” he said, “I feel like a dancing bear. It’s my job to get up and perform for the crowd, and as long as the performance is good, everyone is happy. Except me. Something is missing and I don’t know what to do.”

Tags: Ministry, burnout, pastoral leadership, Lost Focus, People Over Programs, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Why Some People Aren’t Happy With Your Preaching

By Peter Mead on Feb 28, 2025

Many pastors are blindsided when members quietly express frustration with their preaching. The reasons vary widely, ranging from communication issues to personality friction to the discomfort of genuine conviction. Preachers can respond well, shepherd wisely, and preach faithfully for the glory of Christ.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12, James 3:1, Galatians 1:10, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Communication, Preaching, Criticism, church leadership, criticism, Sermon Preparation, communication, preaching, sermon preparation, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

When People Leave: 4 Lessons In Rejection From Jesus

By Greg Surratt on Jul 8, 2021

Watching people leave hurts, even for pastors. Jesus’ response in John 6 shows how to process that pain with security in the Father’s love, trusted friends, and confidence in God’s sovereignty.

Scripture: John 6:25-71, John 11:35, Romans 8:28, Matthew 3:17, Hebrews 13:17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Jesus, leadership, Preaching, Rejection, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

6 Ways Pastors Can Help People Deal With Doubts

By Ray Hollenbach on Jun 12, 2020

It seems like doubt is a popular subject these days, but doubt comes with a price. Here are six ideas that could help any pastor when asked to speak about the subject of doubt.

Scripture: John 20:24-31, Jeremiah 29:13, Mark 9:24, Acts 9:1-9

Tags: Faith, doubt, Belief, spiritual formation, Spiritual Formation  (view more)  (view less)

What Do Your People Want To Hear From The Pulpit?

By Ron Allen on Sep 14, 2020

Research with 263 churchgoers reveals what listeners truly want from sermons: biblical depth, real-life connection, and courage on hard issues.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Nehemiah 8:8, James 1:22, Acts 20:27, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership

What Do People Actually Remember From Your Sermon?

By Safiyah Fosua on Jan 20, 2024

Listeners forget most of what we preach. Discover three qualities that make sermons stick: fresh perspective, human depth, and deep rooting in Scripture.

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37, Luke 15:11-32, John 4:1-26, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Tags: Preaching, application, preaching, Application

Adaptive Leadership: How Leaders Help People Mind The Gap

By Tod Bolsinger on Jun 9, 2021

Adaptive leadership helps organizations face the gap between their stated values and lived reality. Wise leaders guide people through learning, growth, and change.

Scripture: Proverbs 27:17, James 1:5, Ephesians 4:15-16, 1 Peter 5:2-3

Tags: transform, Growth, leadership, Preaching, work, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

What Kind Of Christians Will People Be If They Listen To Your Sermons For A Decade?

By Ray Hollenbach on Jul 23, 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: believer, Preaching, Congregation, Generation, spiritual health, preaching  (view more)  (view less)