In Preaching Articles: "Learning"

7 Ways To Make A Graceful Exit And Leave Your Church Well

By Charles Stone on May 27, 2024

"Unless you stay at the same church your entire life, you will leave one ministry or church and go to another, perhaps several times. I’ve learned that leaving is more of an art and is often difficult. Here are 7 insights I’ve learned that have helped me make a graceful exit."

Scripture: Acts 24:16, Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:15, Colossians 3:23, Proverbs 22:1, 1 Kings 1:27, Acts 20:35-38  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Moving Forward, Integrity, pastoral leadership, let go, overcome bitterness, Transitions, church leadership, Pastoral Transition  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching To The Point: Ten Commandments Of Brevity

By Pete Wilson on Jul 11, 2021

Shorter messages demand sharper focus. Learning to preach with brevity can strengthen clarity, engagement, and faithfulness without sacrificing substance.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:2, Proverbs 10:19, Habakkuk 2:2, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Colossians 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Commandments, Preaching, Brevity, storytelling, Time, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

3 Essentials For Pastoral Preaching

By Rich Villodas on Jul 28, 2022

I think I’m starting to learn to preach not as a preacher but to preach as a pastor. There’s a world of difference between the two.

Tags: Scripture, Teaching, Preaching, preaching the Word, sermon prep, shepherding, Power in the Word, Applying Truth, Sermon Prep, Shepherding, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Power Of Vivid Description

By Peter Mead on Jul 21, 2024

Peter Mead: "I’m convinced that one of the key ingredients for effective preaching is effective and vivid description. Practice it. Learn it."

Scripture: Proverbs 22:6

Tags: Power, Preaching, illustration, descriptions, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Seminary-Trained Preachers Face Unique Flaws: Are Yours On The List?

By Peter Mead on Dec 2, 2024

"You should wear your learning like your underwear: it's important that you have it on, but don't let it show."

Scripture: Psalm 119:10-12

Tags: Preaching, education, Seminary, preaching

Why "Just Preach The Gospel” Isn’t Enough

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 23, 2026

Preaching the gospel is essential, but not sufficient on its own. Learn why living the gospel and recognizing our interpretive filters are critical for authentic ministry.

Tags: christian living, preaching the gospel, Christian Living, Preaching the Gospel, Ministry Practice, Sermon Advice, Humble Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Weaving Gospel Fluency Into Every Sunday Message

By Jeff Vanderstelt on Nov 20, 2022

If we are going to grow people up into Christlikeness in every way, we need to learn how to speak the truths of Jesus Christ into everything.

Scripture: Luke 24:44-45

Tags: Teaching, pastoral leadership, defending the gospel, preaching Christ, guard the truth, Gospel centered, Teach His Word, church leadership, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Finish Your Sermon Strong: 10 Mistakes To Avoid

By Peter Mead on Jul 18, 2024

Weak endings undo strong sermons. Learn the most common conclusion mistakes and how to land your message with clarity, confidence, and spiritual impact.

Scripture: John 19:28

Tags: Preaching, hermeneutics, Leadership General, preaching, Hermeneutics, Sermon Craft  (view more)  (view less)

8 Ways To Make Your Church More Accessible

By Rod Arnold on Mar 13, 2025

Learn eight practical, authentic ways to connect your church with your community, clarify your identity, and turn everyday members into bold inviters.

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16, Colossians 4:5-6, 1 Peter 3:15, 1 Corinthians 9:22, Acts 1:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Love, Forgiveness, Church, Compassion, Preaching, preaching, church, love  (view more)  (view less)

5 Right And Wrong Ways To Deal With Criticism

By Ron Edmondson on Mar 20, 2025

Criticism is inevitable in leadership. Here are five wrong responses to avoid and five wise practices that help leaders learn, grow, and steward feedback well.

Scripture: Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 19:20, James 1:19, Ecclesiastes 7:5

Tags: leadership, Preaching, Criticism, Confidence, evaluation, criticism, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Survive The Monday Preaching Hangover

By Brian Croft on Jan 5, 2026

Mondays are tough for pastors after preaching. Learn four practical ways to recover from the “preaching hangover” and start your week with clarity and grace.

Tags: Pastoral Self Care, Preaching Recovery, Ministry Burnout, Weekly Rhythms, Encouragement for Pastors  (view more)  (view less)

5 Ways To Keep Your Church Small And How To Overcome Them

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Jul 17, 2020

Many churches remain small because of unbiblical assumptions and avoidable habits. Learn how vision, planning, stability, and evangelistic focus can reverse that trajectory.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7, Luke 15:4, Acts 2:47, Colossians 4:5, 1 Corinthians 3:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Church Growth, preaching, Ministry Strategy

When Passion In The Pulpit Goes Too Far

By Peter Mead on Apr 27, 2020

Preaching with zeal is good, but unguarded passion can turn aggressive, shouty, distracting, or draining. Learn how to keep intensity from undermining your message.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:16, Proverbs 15:1, 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Colossians 4:6, James 1:19  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Communication, Discernment, Preaching, passion, Passion of Christ, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Narrative Preaching: Do You Make These 10 Mistakes?

By Peter Mead on Jul 2, 2020

Biblical narratives lose their power when preachers flatten them into lessons or principles. Avoid common pitfalls and learn how to preach stories as God intended.

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14, Judges 6:11-24, Luke 10:25-37, John 2:1-11

Tags: Preaching Ministry

Preach Like You Have Four Audiences

By Mark Gomez on Sep 22, 2020

Pastors never speak to only one audience. Learn how four “levels” of listeners hear your words, and how to speak truth in love with wisdom.

Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-18, Ephesians 4:15, Ephesians 6:18-20, Proverbs 18:21, James 1:19  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ephesians