In Preaching Articles: "Longing"

9 Things We Can All Learn From Billy Graham's Preaching

By Dennis Phelps on Jul 3, 2021

Someone asked Billy Graham how long it took to prepare a sermon. He answered, "A lifetime."

Tags: Preaching, prepare, Billy Graham

9 Things We Can All Learn From Billy Graham's Preaching

By Dennis Phelps on Oct 22, 2025

Someone asked Billy Graham how long it took to prepare a sermon. He answered, "A lifetime."

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:1-2, 1 Corinthians 2:2

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Preach The Present Pentecost, Not The Past

By David J. Lose on Feb 20, 2023

There's nothing more resistant to purposeful, hopeful action in the present than nostalgia, the longing for a bygone era.

Scripture: Acts 5:1-30

Tags: Pentecost, Present, Preaching, past, festival, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why I Switched To Preaching From A Manuscript

By Jeff Medders on Aug 20, 2020

Manuscript preaching is not a crutch but a discipline. For many pastors, it strengthens clarity, delivery, humility, and long-term ministry fruitfulness.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Mark 6:1-8, 2 Timothy 4:2, Ecclesiastes 12:9-10

Tags: manuscript, Outline

To A Young Pastor: Five Things I Wish I Had Known

By Rob Pochek on Nov 17, 2020

Ministry is humbling, refining, and often painful. These five lessons can steady young pastors for the long obedience ahead.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Acts 2:47, Galatians 6:1, 1 Timothy 3:4-5, Galatians 6:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Young, behavior, advice, Pastors, Foolproof  (view more)  (view less)

10 Traits Of Joyful Pastors

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 5, 2025

Follow the example of these leaders. You'll find joy in the midst of the hard work and long hours of pastoral ministry.

Tags: Leader, Joy, Preaching, preach, preaching, leader  (view more)  (view less)

Pit Stops Required - Part 2

By Lance Witt on Sep 13, 2023

Leaders who stay spiritually healthy long term are those who learn this sacred rhythm of advance and retreat.

Tags: Retreat, rhythm, Solitude, Rest, Disciplines Silence  (view more)  (view less)

Deal-Breakers: 7 Ways God May Tell A Pastor To Leave A Church

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 18, 2022

Long-term pastorates are almost always good for the church and the pastor. But when these things happen, it's time to go.

Tags: Discernment, Resignation, Knowing God's Will, church ministry

What You’ll Never Hear About Preaching In Seminary

By Mark A. Howell on Sep 24, 2024

Ten pastoral reminders on suffering, study, pride, family, and faithfulness to help ministers endure and honor Christ in long-term ministry.

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-17, 1 Timothy 4:6-8, Psalm 19:7, Hebrews 4:13, 1 Timothy 3:4-5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Spiritual Discipline, preaching

Preaching That Raises The Water Level

By Ray Hollenbach on Apr 30, 2025

Faithful preaching often works slowly. One sermon at a time, pastors nourish long-term growth that shapes congregations over the years.

Scripture: Jeremiah 2:13, John 4:14, Acts 20:27, Hebrews 5:12-14, Colossians 1:28  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: church leadership, Church Leadership

In Defense Of The "Ordinary” Preacher?

By Michael Duduit on Sep 28, 2020

In a culture captivated by charisma and spectacle, the steady, text-driven, ordinary preacher remains essential to the long-term health of Christ’s church.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Romans 10:17, Hebrews 4:12, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Isaiah 55:11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ordinary Means Of Grace

How To Stop Flirting With Sin

By Chad Ashby on Nov 14, 2022

Brothers and sisters, “As long as it is called ‘today,’ [be sure] that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin!” (Hebrews 3:13)

Scripture: Judges 16:1-31, Matthew 5:29, Judges 16:4-5, Matthew 7:13, 1 John 3:8, Hebrews 3:13  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: God's Grace, Personal Growth, Know the Truth, Discipline, Abide in Christ, personal holiness, fighting ungodliness, fighting sin  (view more)  (view less)

Jesus Was A Migrant (So Were Abraham, Joseph, And The Jewish People)

By Patrick Johnstone on Apr 1, 2024

“Historic.” “Unprecedented!” These are the words people use to describe today’s bigger-than-ever flood of global refugees and migrants. But people have been on the move since the very beginning of human history. The Bible tells me so. Jesus was a refugee. So was Abraham. So was Moses. Jews and Christians have been on the move for a long, long time.

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Rethinking Our Witness To The Neighborhood

By David Fitch on Oct 31, 2020

The gospel is the announcement that Jesus is Lord and is renewing all things. Faithful witness today requires translating that royal reality into everyday relationships, struggles, and longings.

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 1:15, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Colossians 2:15, Romans 6:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Congregation, Jesus is Lord, Jesus Is Lord

Preaching That Makes Disciples: Three Texts You Must Preach

By Ray Hollenbach on Sep 14, 2022

For anyone who longs to preach about something more than a fire-insurance relationship with Jesus, these three passages will help you make disciples.

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-15

Tags: Preaching, yoke, Make Disciples, conformed, his image, preaching  (view more)  (view less)