In Preaching Articles: "Others First"

Eight Things I Like About The Church…and Five I Hate.

By Joe Mckeever on Jun 7, 2023

Show me a Christian who can please God better alone than with other believers and I’ll show you a one-of-a-kind, something never before seen on planet Earth. The Lord thought you and I would be needing each other, so placed us in a church fellowship when He saved us.

Tags: Church, Preaching, preaching, church

When To Throw Away Your Sermon Notes

By Ted Smith on Nov 13, 2020

Some preachers think it's more spiritual to preach without notes. Others think it's more spiritual to use notes. What if it's both?

Tags: Discernment, Preaching, neglect, habit, note, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Gift Of Being Unproductive

By Lance Witt on Mar 21, 2023

In some ways I am the least likely pastor to write an article on Sabbath keeping. For the first thirty years of my Christian life, the concept of Sabbath wasn’t even a blip on my spiritual radar.

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Preaching A Wedding: The Practical Do's And Don'ts

By Jared Moore on Mar 24, 2025

What should you expect when preaching a wedding? What do others expect of you? Jared Moore offers five important do's and don'ts.

Tags: Preaching, forever, Weddings, preaching, love, Death, Love, Commitment  (view more)  (view less)

5 Filters For A Funeral Sermon

By Chris Surber on Feb 7, 2022

I’ve preached a lot of funerals. Along the way I’ve learned some lessons from others and I’ve learned some lessons the hard way.

Tags: Funerals Christian, preaching Christ, Funerals, preaching, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Shut Down The Bus Tours: What Older Members Should Really Be Doing

By Carey Nieuwhof on Aug 9, 2023

What if this one generation actually just sacrificed for the sake of another? What if they gave up their preferences in music, style and taste so that others could come to know Christ?

Tags: God's family, Life Mission, mission, Intergenerational

Don't Put The Brakes On Summer Groups

By John Gilman Ii on Jun 21, 2024

It’s tempting to waive the white flag, to throw your hands up in surrender, to the summer slump. Many churches simply resign their efforts and re-appropriate them in the fall. First on the chopping block of suspended ministries are groups.

Tags: relationships, Volunteer, creative, Church Small Groups

Shake Up Your Christmas Messages: 7 New Approaches

By Peter Mead on Dec 5, 2020

You might be getting excited, or dreading another Christmas and the need to generate more messages when the obvious options feel well worn. Here are some other angles to consider.

Scripture: Philippians 2:6-11

Tags: Theme, Preaching, obvious, prophecies, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

4 Reasons Why You Should Share The Pulpit

By Kevin Larson on Aug 16, 2024

Do you want to preach God’s word for the long haul? Take regular weeks off to let God refill your tank and let others feed your soul.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:12

Tags: Preaching, pulpit, Equip, training, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Secret To God’s Power In Your Life And Preaching - Part 1

By Lance Witt on Jun 12, 2023

Do you mistake fruitfulness for holiness? Sit with those words a moment. What does that look like practically? And how have you seen this in your life and in the lives of other leaders?

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6 Ways To Grow In The Gospels

By William Boekestein on Apr 27, 2021

A number of years ago I was about to preach for the first time in a certain church. As I arranged my papers and books I noticed a sign near the top of the pulpit. It was a quotation from John 12:21: “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

Scripture: Mark 9:7, Mark 15:1-15, Matthew 27:3, Mark 6:34, Acts 26:22-23, John 12:21, Matthew 14:20, Hebrews 12:2, John 11:15, Luke 24:44-45, Hebrews 1:1, Jeremiah 8:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Jesus, Biblical, preaching Christ, Preaching Gospels, Rakahanga gospel day  (view more)  (view less)

Five Essential Reasons For Christians To Gather In Public Worship

By Brian Croft on Nov 2, 2023

Does church attendance really matter? Here are five important reasons why it is essential that every Christian gather with other Christians in the same local church weekly to hear the preaching of God’s Word.

Scripture: Romans 10:17, Hebrews 10:25, Hebrews 13:17

Tags: Covenant Community, community, church attendance, Discipleship, Church Attendance, church membership, Christian community, Growing in Faith, Connected, Community  (view more)  (view less)

Heads Up, Eyes Open, Everyone Looking Around Weekend Invitations

By Dean Hawk on Aug 3, 2023

I’m curious. When and where did ministers first begin asking people to bow their heads, close their eyes, and secretly raise their hand in a church service if they wanted to accept Jesus? Why do we feel like we need to sneak people into heaven?

Tags: Salvation, gospel invitation, Empowered churches

How To Be Thankful As A Leader

By Josh Reich on Jul 10, 2023

Most of the time on blogs like mine or other leadership and ministry blogs you read about how tough ministry is, how difficult people can be and how hard it is to be a leader. All those things are true.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Psalm 103:1-5

Tags: Marriage, Thankfulness, gratitude, Pastors

Why I Participated In The Work Of The Local Association

By Joe Mckeever on Feb 23, 2021

Consider these five reasons to be involved in the local association. I promise you that Christ will be honored, your church will be strengthened, other ministers will be encouraged, and most surprising of all, you will find yourself to be more fulfilled in serving your Lord.

Tags: Church, Preaching