In Preaching Articles: "Motivation"

Are You A Preacher Or A Motivational Speaker?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jan 7, 2023

Many sermons sound inspiring yet leave out the cross and the coming kingdom. When preaching mimics self-help, it loses the gospel’s power and eternal focus.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Luke 9:23, Galatians 6:14, Matthew 6:19-21

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

Why Pastors Must Become Excellent Motivators

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 31, 2020

At the end of our expounding of the Scriptures, people need to know what to do with what we just said, and they need to be provoked to take action.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Thanksgiving And The Will Of God: A Preacher's Guide

By Ray Hollenbach on Nov 24, 2025

Thanksgiving sermons can sometimes sound like such a scolding, but guilt is a terrible motivation for giving thanks.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Tags: Thanksgiving, Thanks, motivation, guilt

Why Do You Preach? My Four Reasons

By Ken Collins on Oct 19, 2021

Veteran preacher Ken Collins shares the heart of his calling. How do you see yours?

Tags: Preaching, Glorify, motivate, educate, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Three Probing Questions Every Pastor Should Ask Himself

By Charles Stone on Sep 14, 2023

Take a few moments and ask yourself these questions to see what God reveals about your heart and motives.

Tags: Faithfulness, identity, Identity in Christ, motives

How Do We (Or Should We) Motivate Our People To Read The Bible?

By Peter Mead on Oct 4, 2019

"We should be concerned when there is a lack of motivation for God's Word--both in our own lives and in those we care about."

Tags: Accountability, motivate, read Bible, preaching, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Live And Die By The Numbers

By Lance Witt on Apr 11, 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

Why Faithful Preaching Educates, Forms, And Mobilizes

By Ken Collins on Jul 27, 2020

Faithful preaching educates without elitism, addresses real spiritual pain, motivates discipleship, and ultimately glorifies God through transformed lives and obedient faith.

Scripture: John 1:14, Ecclesiastes 1:2-11, James 2:17, Luke 6:46, Matthew 7:16-20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, motivation, goals, education, Leadership General, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Handle Homosexuality In A Sermon

By Tim Wilkins on Oct 1, 2021

Faithful preaching on homosexuality requires more than correct doctrine. It demands humility, clarity, and gospel-shaped compassion that leads sinners to Christ.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:12-13, Matthew 2:9-15, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Acts 20:27, 1 Peter 3:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Love, Preaching, motivation, Homosexuality, counsel of god, preaching, love  (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)

Why Jesus Never Used A Classroom

By Bob Hamp on Jul 25, 2020

Jesus did not come primarily to educate or motivate but to liberate. His life and ministry reveal a discipleship model rooted in freedom, action, and restoration.

Scripture: Luke 4:18-19, John 8:32-36, Mark 1:38-39, Matthew 4:19, Romans 8:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Learning, Living, follower, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Can Something This Simple Supercharge Staff Morale?

By Charles Stone on Nov 21, 2023

Several months ago I began something with our staff that has been a huge hit. It’s simple. Any staff can do it, whether in a church or a business application. And it boosts staff morale and excitement when we do it. I encourage you to try it with your staff. It’s called a “Blue Sky Thinking” morning.

Tags: leadership, motivation, inspiration, Solitude, pastoral leadership, servant leadership, church ministry, Staff Meeting, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

The Double-Edged Sword Of Ambition

By Lance Witt on Jul 10, 2024

Ambition is a blessing and a curse. When it is God-directed and Spirit-managed, it can bear tremendous fruit. But when it is hijacked by self and ego, it can leave a wake of destruction in its path.

Tags: Faithfulness, motivation, Ambition, Rest in Christ, pastoral leadership, personal holiness, entering God's rest, ministry vision  (view more)  (view less)

The Greatest Gift You Give Your Team- Part 1

By Lance Witt on Jul 11, 2024

This week work at paying attention to your soul. Listen to your emotions. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what is going on beneath the surface of all your “doing”.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:1, John 16:32, John 16:32

Tags: Approval, Growth in Christ, pastoral leadership, God's Approval, Guarding your heart, motives, soul care, personal holiness  (view more)  (view less)

The Greatest Gift You Give Your Team- Part 2

By Lance Witt on Jul 15, 2024

Some of the qualities that people will applaud in your life are the very things that will wreck your soul.

Tags: sanctification, Personal Growth, pastoral care, Examine self, Time of Reflection, Guarding your heart, motives, soul care  (view more)  (view less)