In Preaching Articles: "Modern Idols"

How Your Preaching Can Destroy Modern Idols

By Chris Surber on Nov 14, 2024

Every church has those things that it clings to that are off the table for change or removal, and usually even for discussion--unless you bring them up.

Scripture: Leviticus 26:30

Tags: Preaching, destroy, Discussion, modern idols, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

When Preaching Becomes An Idol

By Erik Raymond on Apr 24, 2025

Preaching is a gift of God, but when elevated above shepherding, evangelism, and discipleship, it can quietly harm the church.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4, John 10:14, 2 Timothy 4:5, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Thessalonians 2:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership

Is Modern Church Leadership Tilting Toward Bivocational Ministry?

By Hugh Halter on Feb 11, 2024

"The goal of our existence is to learn how to leverage everything God has given us."

Scripture: John 21:15-17, John 21:15-22

Tags: Ministry, Church, bivocational, leverage, mobile, ministry, church  (view more)  (view less)

How To Modernize Your Church Communication With Digital Signage

By Optisigns - on Feb 25, 2024

Bring your communication strategy into new light with modern digital signage.

Tags: Announcements, announcements

Preaching Beyond Politics

By Shane Grant on Sep 8, 2021

Biblical preaching does not seek to influence the modern world but wants to move people to a different world, a world that is unavailable to them without preaching.

Tags: Preaching, Influence, Political, Biblical, modern world  (view more)  (view less)

Does Your Preaching Proclaim Jesus As Lord, Or Simply Savior?

By Dustin Leimgruber on Sep 14, 2022

Check out the modern parable of the Runaway Bride.

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15

Tags: Savior, Parable, Preaching, Explanation, runaway bride, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Slaves In Your Church’s Backyard

By David Batstone on Dec 13, 2022

Modern slavery hides in plain sight. These stories reveal how trafficking thrives worldwide and even locally, calling Christians to seek justice with persistent, sacrificial love.

Tags: Compassion, Culture, Slavery, Justice, traffic, injustice, Human Trafficking, abolition, culture, Modern Slavery, Abolition  (view more)  (view less)

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

3 Reasons Good Preaching Is As Important As Ever

By Joe Hoagland on Jul 27, 2022

People love to tell you that preaching is irrelevant in this day and age. But contrary to this kind of thinking, good preaching does remain important. In fact, preaching remains as important as it has ever been.

Tags: Communication, Preaching, Teaching God's Word, Pastoral Ministry, faithful preaching, Value of Preaching, Modern Age, Busy Culture, Shepherd the Flock, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

You Won't Believe What Many Pastors Leave Out Of Their Sermons

By Peter Mead on Jun 8, 2025

"Explain and apply" just isn't enough for modern preaching. Too often there's one crucial element missing.

Tags: Preaching, Omission, preaching

You Won't Believe What Many Pastors Leave Out Of Their Sermons

By Peter Mead on Jul 7, 2025

"Explain and apply" just isn't enough for modern preaching. Too often there's one crucial element missing.

Tags:

4 Steps To A Friendlier Church (The G.i.f.t. Plan)

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 15, 2021

Genuine friendships are becoming more rare – and thus, of greater perceived value – than any other aspect of modern church life.

Tags: relationships, Friendliness, Friendship New Friends, Equipping Disciples

Is Consecutive Expository Preaching Really The Best Method?

By Dr. Iain Murray on Jan 16, 2025

This piece questions the modern assumption that consecutive “expository preaching” is the superior method and argues instead for gifted, Spirit-filled preaching in varied forms.

Scripture: Daniel 6:16

Tags: Exposition, Preaching, BIBLE STUDY, Homiletics, Bible Study, Pastoral Ministry, bible study, preaching, Biblical Interpretation, Sermon Method  (view more)  (view less)

Why Information Alone Cannot Make Disciples

By Outreach Inc. on Apr 9, 2025

The modern church excels at teaching information but often fails at formation. Real discipleship requires embodied obedience, risk, and lived imitation, not lectures alone.

Scripture: Luke 6:40, James 1:22, John 1:14, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Matthew 28:19-20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Discipleship, Following Jesus

I Write Stories During Sermons

By Carolyn C. Givens on May 11, 2021

"My soul cries out for modern parables that leave me thinking about the Creator of the Universe – the Storyteller whose words sustain and move the pieces of time and space."

Tags: Parable, Preaching, Story, Engage, narrative, preaching  (view more)  (view less)