In Preaching Articles: "Ministry Pressure"

7 Things Preachers Never Say – Pt.2

By Peter Mead on May 8, 2024

This series looks at seven things preachers never say. Last time we thought about the burden of expectation. How about this for another: The negative outcomes of both criticism and apathy.

Tags: Criticism, Apathy, Gossip, slander, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Negative Response, Backbiting, criticism  (view more)  (view less)

Do You Believe In Miracles? Part 1

By Lance Witt on Jun 11, 2024

How do you define a "win" in ministry?

Tags: leadership, success, goals, pastoral leadership, success in ministry, church ministry, Mental Toughness, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

6 Benefits To Not Changing Churches

By Dean Shriver on Jul 10, 2021

Thinking about moving to another church? Before you do, consider the benefits of "not" changing churches.

Scripture: Colossians 3:13-14, Colossians 3:13

Tags: Ministry, Church, mistakes, affliction, Leave  (view more)  (view less)

Find Places To Preach Without Stealing A Pulpit

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 21, 2021

In many churches, there are simply not enough opportunities to preach for all of the unpaid associates and assistants. What to do?

Tags: opportunity, lead, Ministry, Support, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Brokenness In A Pastor’s Life

By Charles Stone on Jun 29, 2023

As I enter the sixth decade of my life and reflect over the brokenness I’ve faced as a pastor, I’m beginning to see its great value. It still hurts and I’d prefer not to face it. Yet, I’m experiencing the fruit of brokenness: inner peace, joy, and a purpose that supersedes ‘ministry success.’

Scripture: John 12:24

Tags: Healing, Rejection, brokenness, success in ministry

How To Discover Your True North Value

By Charles Stone on Apr 13, 2023

What are the core values that guide you as a leader?

Tags: leadership, Pastoral Ministry, Values, Leadership

Top 10 Healthy Ways To Handle The Church Critic

By Charles Stone on Aug 17, 2022

“Two things you can’t avoid in ministry are…people late to the service and … church critics.” In this short post, I suggest 10 ways to handle the church critic.

Tags: Criticism, patience, offense, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, loving enemies, Disarming, criticism  (view more)  (view less)

Handling A Hurricane Part 2

By Lance Witt on Nov 15, 2023

There will be a day that feels like a normal day, but there is a devastating hurricane about to hit your team. It is the hurricane of a moral failure by one of your team members. But if you have prepared, it won’t be a “freak out” moment, it will be a “let’s execute our hurricane plan” moment.

Scripture: Galatians 6:1

Tags: leadership, preparation, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Leadership Failure, Moral failure, Overcoming Crisis, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

The Top 8 Reasons Most Churches Never Break The 200 Attendance Mark

By Carey Nieuwhof on Dec 26, 2023

Why is it that most churches never break the 200 attendance mark?

Tags: Church Growth, Barriers, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Barriers to Growth, Growth Strategy  (view more)  (view less)

Are Small Churches Less Fruitful?

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 26, 2022

Does the size of a church always speak of its faithfulness?

Scripture: John 15:5, Matthew 7:20, Matthew 12:33-34, Luke 3:9-14, Luke 3:8, Matthew 13:23  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ministry, Fruit, Faithfulness, Trusting God, Church Growth, Church size, Love One Another, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Spiritual Oil Crisis

By Lance Witt on Oct 22, 2022

What are you trusting God for? What are attempting for God’s glory that requires faith? Sadly, the more years people serve in ministry, the less risk-taking faith they demonstrate. We can begin to rely on our experience, our skills, and our planning to win the day. Yet, without faith it is impossible to please God.

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20, 2 Kings 4:1-7, Hebrews 11:6

Tags: Faith, Ministry, Trust, Elisha, relying on god, Risk taking, church leadership, Daring Faith, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Pastor Grinch

By Lance Witt on Jun 20, 2024

As pastors, how do we celebrate Christmas without getting lost in the shuffle of busy church activities?

Scripture: Luke 2:17-19

Tags: Christmas, Advent, Holidays, Christmas Advent, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, Serving Others, church ministry  (view more)  (view less)

One Critical Conviction

By Peter Mead on Apr 29, 2021

A preaching ministry is built on a whole set of convictions. Convictions about God, the Gospel, about people, about ministry.

Tags: Communication, Bible Influence, Bible Relevance, reading the bible, communication  (view more)  (view less)

10 Disciplines Of A Godly Pastor

By Dr. R. Kent Hughes on Jul 9, 2022

Our ultimate trust is always in God's persevering grace, nevertheless, we are called to cultivate godly action in our lives. Here are 10 disciplines shared by a pastor with over 40 years of experience in faithfully serving the Lord and shepherding God's people.

Tags: Perseverance, endurance, leadership, Accountability, pastoral leadership, Discipline, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, The Long View, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Has Your Emotional Brain Hijacked Your Leadership?

By Charles Stone on Dec 1, 2023

Great ministry leaders keep their emotions in check. Unfortunately, when we don’t keep them in check, our emotional brain can hijack clear thinking and good leadership.

Scripture: Romans 10:10

Tags: Emotions, leadership, Brain, memory, Decision making, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Leadership, brain  (view more)  (view less)