In Preaching Articles: "Ministry Practice"

Freedom And Vision: Building A Collaborative Team Culture

By Glenn Packiam on Aug 20, 2023

Should I tell the team what I want them to do or should I let them create on their own?

Tags: Freedom, ministry vision, church leadership, Empowered churches

Live And Die By The Numbers

By Lance Witt on Apr 10, 2023

But numbers become a problem in the heart of a pastor when they move from being a point of celebration to becoming the driver of our motivation.

Scripture: Acts 2:47

Tags: motivation, Church Growth, success in ministry, intimacy with Christ

6 Things Millennials Need From Pastors

By Joe Hoagland on Mar 25, 2022

What I always try to get across is there is no magic bullet to reach millennials.

Tags: Culture, authentic ministry, future generations, millennials, culture  (view more)  (view less)

5 Things You Should Never Say To A Small Church Pastor

By Karl Vaters on Oct 23, 2023

Don’t just get the content right. Consider how it might feel to the hurting pastors who need your help the most.

Tags: leadership, advice, Small Church, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Why Was I So Hard On That Church I Visited?

By Karl Vaters on Jul 1, 2022

How might a newcomer view your church? What barriers may they face? What obstacles could be unintentionally in the way of them connecting and finding a place to belong?

Tags: leadership, Visitors, church ministry, Welcoming Others, Leadership  (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)

5 Questions Before You Preach

By Joel Mayward on Mar 9, 2026

Strong preaching requires intentional focus. These five questions help preachers keep their sermons centered on Jesus, the gospel, the heart, and practical response.

Scripture: John 16:20-23, Ephesians 5:6-14, 1 Corinthians 2:2, James 1:22, Luke 24:27  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Speak, Heart, Preaching, Homiletics, points, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Exhortation Alone Doesn’t Change Lives In Preaching

By Bob Hostetler on Jul 21, 2021

Many sermons emphasize exhortation, but lasting transformation requires more. Effective preaching connects with listeners, inspires the heart, and provides practical application.

Scripture: Romans 12:8, James 1:22, 2 Timothy 4:2, Hebrews 10:24, Colossians 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, identification, inspiration, application, exhortation, preaching, Application  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching For Deep Change: Are You Sharing Information Or Changing Lives?

By Ed Stetzer on Jun 23, 2025

Does your preaching give people everything they need to embrace change? Ed Stetzer offers practical suggestions for moving people forward.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:6-9

Tags: Preaching, Transformation, Forward, deep change, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

8 Lame Excuses Church Leaders Make

By Carey Nieuwhof on Mar 27, 2023

One of the best practices you can develop as a leader is to identify your excuses and eliminate them. Start thinking and talking a different game.

Tags: leadership, Preaching, church culture, Explanation, Rules, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

You Might Be A Celebrity Pastor Wannabe If...

By Jared Moore on Oct 5, 2025

The tempting pull toward celebrity is everywhere, including ministry. Check yourself against this list.

Tags: Preaching, pastor, Popularity, celebrity, wannabe, Pastor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

If You're Going To Do Church That Way, Do It Well

By Karl Vaters on Nov 29, 2023

Churches don’t become great by adding more programs. They get better at the ones they already have.

Tags: liturgy, Denomination, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, church leadership, People Over Programs, Form and Substance, Do What's right, e  (view more)  (view less)

Do You Include These 3 Vital Elements When You Preach A Funeral?

By SermonCentral .com on Nov 18, 2019

Practical advice: "Don't preach them into heaven. Don't preach them into hell. Just preach the gospel for the people who are there."

Tags: advice, Respond, elements, preaching, Preaching, Funeral  (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)