In Preaching Articles: "Pastor Care"

How To Craft Sermon Openers That Grab Attention

By Tyler Scarlett on Feb 27, 2025

A wandering introduction loses listeners before the sermon even begins. Strong, simple, and compelling first sentences draw people in and prepare them to hear God’s Word.

Scripture: Titus 2:2, Titus 2:1-2, Philippians 4:10-15, Romans 13:11-14

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

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

5 Principles That Keep Your Pursuit On Track

By SermonCentral .com on Jun 8, 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

John Piper: My View Of Preaching

By John Piper on Aug 21, 2024

True preaching is expository exultation explaining the Bible and exulting over its truth. This vision shapes the church, fuels worship, and carries eternal weight.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Nehemiah 8:8, Psalm 119:18, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 10:17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

No Normal Sundays

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 24, 2021

Take a careful inventory, and you will find that most weeks this is the single most important hour of the week — and yet we are so prone to squander such a rich opportunity, sometimes even neglect it.

Tags: Communication, Worship, Commitment, Sunday, communication  (view more)  (view less)

One Dozen Liberating Life Lessons That Give Pastors Rest For Their Souls

By Ray Hollenbach on Oct 28, 2019

We are loaded down with so many "shoulds," we find ourselves paralyzed by the inability to apply what we know.

Tags: life lessons, Rest, Soul, Preaching

4 Things We Wish People Knew About Us As Pastors

By Lane Sebring on Nov 6, 2019

Being a pastor is unlike just about any other profession. Because of the holistic nature of the work, we tend to take on "pastor" as an identity and not just a career.

Scripture: John 12:32, John 12:29-36

Tags: Preaching, pastor, identity, Profession

When Church Members Leave: How Pastors Carry The Quiet Wound

By Greg Surratt on Apr 29, 2020

Pastors feel deep pain when people leave their church. Understanding why it happens and how to respond wisely can turn hurt into growth, humility, and renewed strength.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25-35, John 6:66-67, Proverbs 19:11, Romans 12:18, 2 Timothy 4:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Church, Church Growth, Connect, Assimilation, Church Practices, connect, church  (view more)  (view less)

5 Reasons Why Some Pastors Don't Preach Grace

By Ron Forseth on Apr 1, 2025

Grace fuels confidence, obedience, and transformation. These insights address five common objections to preaching grace and show why it is essential for righteous living.

Scripture: John 1:14, Galatians 5:1, Titus 2:11-12, Romans 6:1-4, 2 Corinthians 9:7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Grace, Preaching, Pastoral Ministry, grace, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

To A Young Pastor: Five Things I Wish I Had Known

By Rob Pochek on Nov 17, 2020

Young or old, we all have a list of the things we want to pass on to the next generation. Are any of these yours?

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Tags: Young, behavior, advice, Pastors, Foolproof  (view more)  (view less)

One Pastor's View: Which Bible Translations Should You Read?

By Clay Smith on Jul 17, 2021

Here's how one pastor answers a commonly-asked question. How would you answer?

Tags: Bible, Holy Spirit, Guide, translation, Bible Influence, bible  (view more)  (view less)

One Pastor's Top Three Sacred Cows In Desperate Need Of Tipping

By Jared Moore on Jun 18, 2025

Do you agree with this very opinionated list? Which cows would YOU like to tip?

Scripture: Matthew 12:22-37

Tags: Preaching, success, Entertain, Tip, Sacred Cows, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Smaller Churches Can Do Discipleship—without Wearing Out The Pastor

By SermonCentral .com on Nov 12, 2021

After a few hit-and-miss attempts, our church has discovered a simple five-step process that can work for any small church.

Tags: Discipleship, Preaching, Process, Small Church, Limitations, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

2 Things Every Pastor Should Do Before Preaching On Marriage

By Josh Reich on Oct 9, 2025

It's hard to do but incredibly helpful to your church. Your marriage is unique because of who you are and who your wife is.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

How Pastors And Parents Can Help Children Benefit From The Sermon

By Erik Raymond on Oct 14, 2025

Erik Raymond suggests some things he has done as both dad and pastor to help kids hear and understand the message in “big church.”

Tags: Forgiveness, Preaching, preaching