In Preaching Articles: "Mysterious Ways"

Waiting To Preach? How To Steward The Season Well

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Oct 4, 2020

Feeling overlooked in ministry can breed doubt and envy. Here are five biblical ways to steward a season of limited preaching opportunities faithfully.

Scripture: Esther 1:1-4, 2 Timothy 4:2, Romans 11:29, James 3:16, Revelation 12:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, spiritual growth, preaching, Spiritual Growth

6 Guidelines For Preaching To Postmoderns

By Rich Nathan on Jun 3, 2021

Postmodern culture is marked by skepticism, endless perspectives, and a hunger for authenticity. Faithful preaching must present the truth of Christ in ways that address these realities.

Scripture: John 7:17, Romans 1:21-24, Acts 17:22-23, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 3:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: communicate, postmodern, evangelism, preaching, Evangelism, Message, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Journey In The Dark

By Peter Mead on Jan 13, 2022

God delights to transform lives. There are many ways to depict this journey of transformation, but let’s focus on one example from the Old Testament.

Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3, Psalm 130:1-8

Tags: Psalms, Transformation, transformed life, Christian Maturity

Weaving Gospel Fluency Into Every Sunday Message

By Jeff Vanderstelt on Nov 20, 2022

If we are going to grow people up into Christlikeness in every way, we need to learn how to speak the truths of Jesus Christ into everything.

Scripture: Luke 24:44-45

Tags: Teaching, pastoral leadership, defending the gospel, preaching Christ, guard the truth, Gospel centered, Teach His Word, church leadership, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Spirit-Guided Preaching: Why Faith Matters In The Pulpit

By Ron Forseth on Dec 9, 2021

Effective preaching ultimately depends on the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. Faithful preachers learn to prepare, preach, and depend on God every step of the way.

Scripture: John 5:19, John 8:28-29, John 6:63, Romans 14:23, 1 Corinthians 2:4-5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Holy Spirit, Guide, Preaching, Pastoral Ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Forget Seminaries: What Are You Doing To Train The Next Generation Of Preachers?

By Chris Surber on Aug 15, 2025

We have a lot of people genuinely called, sincerely gifted people who struggle to find their way past the gatekeepers in our churches and denominations.

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-5, Mark 5:24-34

Tags: Discipleship, Gift, Seminary, Next Generation

Should We Try To Please Our Listeners? How Much?

By Peter Mead on Sep 17, 2025

If listeners aren't satisfied, it could be a good sign, or it could be a bad sign. In the same way, happy listeners may mean something is wrong.

Tags: preaching, Preaching, Criticism, please, listener, Feedback, criticism  (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)

The 4 Pillars Of Guest Preaching

By Pete Wilson on Jan 5, 2023

Guest speakers can bless churches or burden them. Here are practical ways to honor the pastor, respect the house, and communicate well without creating chaos.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:40, Hebrews 13:17, Philippians 2:3, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Colossians 3:23  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Communication, Teaching, leadership, Preaching, Leadership, communication, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Does Everything Need A Biblical Precedent?

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 2, 2020

Some Christians reject anything new without a clear biblical precedent. Yet Scripture shows a God who often works in surprising and unexpected ways.

Scripture: Matthew 13:52, Acts 2:1-4, Joshua 10:13, Acts 8:39, 2 Kings 2:11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: unprecedented, church, Faith, Church, Change, Congregation  (view more)  (view less)

Rick Warren's Advice For Stronger Sermon Points

By Rick Warren on Jan 12, 2026

What you learned in seminary isn't the only way to develop great sermons. Rick Warren offers practical advice based on years of experience.

Scripture: Hebrews 2:3, Jeremiah 31:31-34

Tags: Preaching, Strong, Assignment, Rick Warren, sermon points, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

5 Questions A Pastor Should Ask Every Year

By Josh Reich on Jan 25, 2021

As leaders, we can sometimes stand in the way of change. Instead, let's take a hard look at our lives and ask these five questions to grow as leaders.

Tags: Preaching

3 Shifts Growing Churches Make To Welcome The Lost

By Brandon Kelley on Aug 10, 2023

Most churches genuinely want to welcome and reach those who are far from God. Sometimes the reason they don’t is because they get in their own way.

Tags: Genuine Faith, Evangelism The Lost, authentic ministry, relating to the lost

Most Pastors Reject Pulpit Political Endorsements

By Carol Pipes on Mar 17, 2024

A LifeWay Research survey shows nearly 90 percent of Protestant pastors believe candidates should not be endorsed from the pulpit, even during election season.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:27, 1 Corinthians 2:2, Romans 13:1, Colossians 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: candidate, Church And State, Church and State, Politics, election  (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)