In Preaching Articles: "Maximize Usefulness"

The Lost Art Of Feasting

By David Mathis on Nov 27, 2025

"Most of us have never given any serious thought to what it might mean to feast with Christ-honoring intentionality."

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Timothy 4:4-5, Luke 14:13, Romans 14:5-6

Tags: Thanksgiving, Fellowship, Community, feast, Christian Joy, give thanks, thank god, Thanksgiving Holiday, community, fellowship  (view more)  (view less)

Just What Is Pulpit Plagiarism?

By Ron Forseth on Jan 1, 2024

A thoughtful look at plagiarism, quotation, and citation in preaching, showing how conscience, diligence, and trust shape ethical and faithful sermon use.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Corinthians 10:29

Tags: Preaching, Character, Integrity, Honesty, Plagiarism, Homiletics, Pastoral Integrity, Sermon Preparation, preaching, sermon preparation, Sermon Plagiarism, Preaching Ethics  (view more)  (view less)

Who Are You Preaching To?

By Peter Mead on Oct 1, 2020

Effective preaching requires knowing your listeners, applying Scripture wisely, and resisting the temptation to use the pulpit for personal “target practice.”

Scripture: Acts 20:20, Hebrews 4:12, James 3:1-2, Matthew 18:15, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Christmas Preaching Needs Resurrecting!

By Chris Surber on Dec 24, 2024

Christmas preaching grows dull when familiarity numbs us to the outrage and glory of the Incarnation. The cure is not skipping Advent, but recovering wonder.

Scripture: Luke 2:22-40, Mark 11:1-10, Matthew 1:21, John 1:14

Tags: Christmas, Preaching, virgin birth, preaching, Virgin Birth  (view more)  (view less)

Learning To Preach In The Youtube Age

By Gregory K. Hollifield on Nov 5, 2020

The Internet has flooded the world with sermons. Used wisely, it can strengthen a preacher’s soul, sharpen skill, and broaden perspective.

Scripture: Romans 10:17, Proverbs 27:17, 2 Corinthians 10:12, 2 Timothy 2:15, Acts 17:11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Learning, video, Homiletics, Improve, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Facing These Questions Can Improve Any Preacher

By Charles Stone on Jun 7, 2021

The time we invest in sermons and the time people invest in listening to them should make us pause to evaluate our efforts.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:17-20

Tags: Preaching, invest, Improve, questions, biblical preaching, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

3 Tests Of Plagiarism: Do Your Sermons Pass Them?

By Ron Forseth on Feb 25, 2023

"Should we use someone else's sermon?" I would say that in many, many cases, the answer can legitimately be "Yes."

Tags: Preaching, Plagiarism, Quotes, citation, e, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Last-Minute Messages: How To Craft A Short Devotional With No Notice

By Rob O'lynn on Sep 7, 2021

"Hey, Pastor, could you say a few words..." Use this strategy to deliver short, meaningful talks with little or no prep time.

Scripture: Luke 19:1-19

Tags: Preaching, picture, passage, point

How To Finally Break Through And Work Ahead On Sermon Prep: The Ultimate How-To

By Jeramie Rinne on Nov 26, 2024

Some gifted preachers can regularly craft solid sermons on an abbreviated schedule. But most of us mortals need ample time.

Tags: Preaching, Research, writer, rehearse, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Devil Knows How To Discourage You

By SermonCentral .com on May 10, 2022

This is the focus of all Satan’s massive, multifarious strategies: to dis-courage us through dis-belief in God’s promises.

Tags: Satan, Discouragement, give thanks, Discouraged

3 Tools Small Group Leaders Need To Succeed

By John Gilman Ii on Aug 8, 2024

Small groups help churches grow because they help strangers become great friends. People stay at churches where they find friends because friendship covers a multitude of sins. Small groups involve us in others’ lives and really invest us in the church. These friendships eventually turn into deep, meaningful connections that can last a lifetime.

Tags: friendship, Small groups, church organization

4 Easy Steps To Healthy Delegation

By Ron Edmondson on May 21, 2024

How do we let go of responsibility when we are wired so heavily towards not doing so? How do we delegate when the church holds us responsible for getting things done? How do we let go when doing so makes us sometimes feel so out of control?

Tags: Pride, letting go, multiply, pastoral leadership, church leadership, delegating, Effective Leadership, Healthy Ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Pastors, Articulate Your Vision (Again)

By SermonCentral .com on May 21, 2020

In this two-minute video John Piper reminds us that vision often leaks and it's our role to articulate it in fresh new ways.

Tags: vision, leadership, Leadership General, Leadership

When Is A Sermon Good Enough?

By Stephen Gregory on Jul 16, 2024

A pastor wrestles with preparation, expectations, and perfectionism, discovering how God uses imperfect sermons when the preacher is faithful, honest, and attentive to the flock.

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3

Tags: Church, Preaching, pastor, spiritual growth, Communication General, Pastoral Ministry, Ministry Leadership, Pastor, Sermon Preparation, preaching, church, sermon preparation, Preaching Challenges, Spiritual Growth  (view more)  (view less)

Why Strategic Guest Speakers Can Spark Evangelism And Church Growth

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 9, 2023

High-profile guests can motivate invitations, attract visitors, reengage lapsed members, and strengthen systems when used wisely and sparingly.

Scripture: John 4:29, Luke 14:23, 1 Corinthians 9:22, Acts 13:44, Matthew 5:16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Evangelism, Preaching, Christianity, Church Growth, Guest speaker, evangelism, preaching  (view more)  (view less)