In Preaching Articles: "Ministry Philosophy"

Are You Training Lay Preachers? You Should!

By Chris Surber on Jan 23, 2024

When we neglect to develop and maintain active lay ministry in the life of the local church, our churches miss out in at least five ways.

Scripture: Proverbs 17:17

Tags:

Identity Theft

By Lance Witt on Sep 21, 2023

For many years I did ministry as an employee rather than as a son. My value and acceptance were dependent on how well I performed.

Scripture: 1 John 3:1

Tags: children of God, Trust God, Performance, Children of the King, Estrella genio  (view more)  (view less)

The Most Significant Thing A Pastor Will Ever Do

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 8, 2024

The most valuable ministry thing you have done just may be the time you stopped to encourage a homeless man and bought him lunch.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:7, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, 1 Corinthians 4:3-4

Tags: Faithfulness, priorities, Servanthood, Christian Love, Godly Leaders, pastoral leadership, servant leadership, church leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Five Of The Hardest Challenges Pastors Face

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 9, 2020

Pastoral ministry carries unique pressures that few see. These five challenges reveal why shepherding God’s people requires grace, wisdom, and endurance.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-7, Galatians 6:9, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:2-4, James 3:1  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: gentle, Pastor Care

When To Shake The Dust And When To Stay

By Ben Sternke on Aug 14, 2020

Acts 18 shows Paul moving from resistant hearers to receptive ones. Faithful ministry requires discerning when to persist and when to move on.

Scripture: Acts 18:5-8, Matthew 13:3-9, Matthew 10:14, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, John 4:35  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Evangelism, Discipleship, Missions, Church Growth, church planting, evangelism, Church Planting  (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 Signs That You Need To Quit Something

By Charles Stone on Nov 28, 2023

Quitters never win and winners never quit was drilled into my mind at an early age. I believed it. I practiced it. I lived it. I only quit one thing in my life before age 18, my high school football team. I quit because I sat on the bench 99.976% of the time. Since, then, however, I’ve questioned the veracity of that phrase, as catchy as it may sound.

Tags: strategy, Overwhelmed, Busyness, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, giving up, quitting, Saying no  (view more)  (view less)

One Thing Sets Elders Apart

By David Mathis on Oct 6, 2022

What does the Bible teach about the role and qualifications of elders?

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:11, Hebrews 13:7, Titus 2:7-8, 1 Timothy 4:13-16, Hebrews 5:12-14, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Teaching, elder, Eldership, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, elders, Elder Qualification, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Kids Need Exegetical Bible Teaching For The Long Haul

By Cameron Cole on Nov 14, 2022

"Preparing kids to face the real world on their own is scary and daunting. There are only so many things we can do and there are no guarantees. Within the realm of things, we can control resides the teaching of God’s word."

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16

Tags: Discipleship, teach, parenting, Equip, parenthood, Youth Ministry, guard the truth, child training  (view more)  (view less)

The Barnabas Factor: Five Traits That Build Leaders

By Larry Osborne on Jan 29, 2024

Barnabas quietly shaped world-changing leaders. Discover five traits that made him a master encourager and team builder, and how they can transform your ministry.

Scripture: Acts 4:36

Tags: Growth, Discipleship, leadership, pastor, encouragement, Barnabas, development, lead, team building, Mentor, Leadership General, Pastor, Leadership, Encouragement, Team Building  (view more)  (view less)

7 Things Pastors Don't Need To Know

By Ron Edmondson on Aug 2, 2024

Pastors often receive information they never needed. Protecting your ministry means refusing gossip, rumors, and private details that cause harm rather than help.

Tags: Gossip, Church Health, Christian Values

5 Principles That Keep Your Pursuit On Track

By SermonCentral .com on Jun 7, 2020

Excellence matters in ministry, but it must never become an idol. These five principles help leaders pursue quality for God’s glory without losing focus or momentum.

Scripture: Colossians 3:17, Ecclesiastes 11:4, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Matthew 28:19, Philippians 1:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pastoral Coaching

Are You Running From Your Calling As A Preacher?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 30, 2023

Some pastors avoid difficult truths in preaching, choosing encouragement over correction. Faithful ministry requires proclaiming the whole counsel of God, even when it is uncomfortable.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 3:12, Isaiah 55:11, 1 Peter 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, teach, run, Biblical, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

How To Speak To A Hardened Heart With Truth And Grace

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Jun 10, 2021

Preaching to a hardened heart is one of the hardest tasks in ministry. Scripture shows that prayer, humility, and faithful exposition are the most powerful tools God uses to soften hearts.

Scripture: John 16:8, 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Hebrews 4:12, John 17:20, 1 Corinthians 3:7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, difficult, audience, spiritual growth, preaching, Spiritual Growth  (view more)  (view less)

Why "Preach Like The Room Is Full" Is Some Of The Worst Advice

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 15, 2025

"Even if only three people show up to church, preach like the room is full!" That's some of the worst advice I've ever received in ministry.

Tags: Preaching, opportunity, full room, terrible advice, preaching  (view more)  (view less)