In Preaching Articles: "Jesus Leadership"

Heads Up, Eyes Open, Everyone Looking Around Weekend Invitations

By Dean Hawk on Aug 3, 2023

I’m curious. When and where did ministers first begin asking people to bow their heads, close their eyes, and secretly raise their hand in a church service if they wanted to accept Jesus? Why do we feel like we need to sneak people into heaven?

Tags: Salvation, gospel invitation, Empowered churches

Is Your Church Telling The Truth About Evangelism?

By Greg Stier on Jan 15, 2025

Many churches claim evangelism is their priority, but few practice it. This article exposes the disconnect and outlines five steps to make evangelism a true, lived mission.

Scripture: Acts 4:31

Tags: Evangelism, Church, Gospel, Honesty, great commission, Church General, Evangelism How To, Pastoral Ministry, church leadership, evangelism, gospel, church, Church Leadership, Evangelism Training, Great Commission, Mission Statements  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching When The News Intrudes

By Eric Reed on Jan 6, 2025

Pastors must navigate public tragedy with discernment, comforting emotions, anchoring people in Scripture, and knowing when to speak and when to wait for true clarity.

Tags: Church, Preaching, Culture, Difficulties, disaster, media, pastoral leadership, Trials, Sermon Preparation, preaching, church, culture, Biblical wisdom, sermon preparation, Pastoral Leadership, Crisis Preaching, Cultural Discernment, Biblical Wisdom  (view more)  (view less)

Do We Have To Be Perfect To Preach?

By Dean Shriver on Feb 10, 2025

True preaching power comes not from technique but from integrity. When our lives align with the truth we proclaim, God uses both our words and our example to change lives.

Scripture: John 1:14

Tags: Preaching, spiritual formation, Pastoral Integrity, Christian Leadership, preaching, Spiritual Formation, Expository Ministry  (view more)  (view less)

10 Mistakes Churches Make At Christmastime

By Jonathan Howe on Dec 21, 2024

Unfortunately stress can lead churches to plan poorly and make unnecessary mistakes. Here are ten such mistakes to avoid in your church this Christmas.

Tags: Christmas, Advent, Holidays, prepare, focus on GOD, Christmas Gospel, church priorities, church leadership  (view more)  (view less)

8 Ideas To Make Your Christmas Eve Service Memorable

By Josh Reich on Dec 20, 2024

Christmas Eve is coming, and millions of people will walk into a church to experience something. But what will they get when they walk into your church or mine?

Tags: Christmas, Advent, Christmas Eve, invite, Simplicity, Gospel centered, church leadership, Christmas Service  (view more)  (view less)

When God Stiff-Arms A Pastor

By Lance Witt on Jul 24, 2023

God delights to show His favor. He longs to pour out His Spirit. He is a God of lavish grace. But if you want to see God remove His favor and hold back His Spirit and shut off the spigot, just introduce pride. I have a growing awareness of how much pride has been and is in my life. It’s been a constant companion for more than fifty years. I am well acquainted with the dark side of leadership.

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Why Small Churches Don’t Grow

By Joe Mckeever on Sep 21, 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)

Top 10 Healthy Ways To Handle The Church Critic

By Charles Stone on Aug 17, 2022

“Two things you can’t avoid in ministry are…people late to the service and … church critics.” In this short post, I suggest 10 ways to handle the church critic.

Tags: Criticism, patience, offense, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, loving enemies, Disarming, criticism  (view more)  (view less)

No More Email: A Productivity Experiment That’s Paying Off

By Carey Nieuwhof on Nov 17, 2023

How are your email habits affecting your effectiveness?

Tags: stress, Communication, Stress, effective, productivity, email, Pastoral Ministry, avoiding burnout, church leadership, communication  (view more)  (view less)

Success Is Never About Defeating The Giants

By Brandon Cox on Nov 27, 2023

Success isn’t about beating giants. It’s about building a life that grows through trials and challenges.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:34-37

Tags: success, goals, achievement, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, success in ministry, Facing Giants, church ministry  (view more)  (view less)

The Top 8 Reasons Most Churches Never Break The 200 Attendance Mark

By Carey Nieuwhof on Dec 26, 2023

Why is it that most churches never break the 200 attendance mark?

Tags: Church Growth, Barriers, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Barriers to Growth, Growth Strategy  (view more)  (view less)

Spiritual Oil Crisis

By Lance Witt on Oct 22, 2022

What are you trusting God for? What are attempting for God’s glory that requires faith? Sadly, the more years people serve in ministry, the less risk-taking faith they demonstrate. We can begin to rely on our experience, our skills, and our planning to win the day. Yet, without faith it is impossible to please God.

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20, 2 Kings 4:1-7, Hebrews 11:6

Tags: Faith, Ministry, Trust, Elisha, relying on god, Risk taking, church leadership, Daring Faith, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

How To Make The Most Of Your Morning

By Josh Reich on Jun 15, 2024

"There is a lot at stake in what we do with our mornings."

Scripture: Psalm 34:8

Tags: Morning, priorities, distractions, Personal Growth, Quiet time, productivity, Good Habits, pastoral leadership, prayers  (view more)  (view less)

Pastor Grinch

By Lance Witt on Jun 20, 2024

As pastors, how do we celebrate Christmas without getting lost in the shuffle of busy church activities?

Scripture: Luke 2:17-19

Tags: Christmas, Advent, Holidays, Christmas Advent, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, Serving Others, church ministry  (view more)  (view less)