In Preaching Articles: "Pastor Encouragement"

Courageous Conversations - Part 1

By Lance Witt on Sep 3, 2023

When it comes to correction, rebuke, or confrontation, to say it’s uncomfortable is a massive understatement. The truth is, pastors avoid it at all costs. That has certainly been true of me.

Tags: Communication, Courage, Confrontation, pastoral leadership, communication  (view more)  (view less)

5 Problems With Top-Down Vision Casting And A New Testament Alternative

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 6, 2022

Acts 2 does not give us a picture of Peter hearing from God in private, then coming to the disciples with the vision.

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:2, Proverbs 29:18, Acts 2:14

Tags: vision, empower, pastoral leadership, dreams and visions

When Church Members Insist On Their Rights.

By Joe Mckeever on Jun 23, 2022

“Consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself lest you also grow weary and lose heart,” (Hebrews 12:3).

Scripture: Matthew 27:27-44, Matthew 26:53, Hebrews 12:3, 1 Corinthians 6:7, Psalm 103:14  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Humility, conflict, Pastoral Ministry, Example of Christ

22 Things Learned In 42 Years Of Ministry

By Ron Edmondson on Jun 24, 2022

For those of you in the vocational ministry, let me offer some reflections on 42 years of ministry.

Scripture: Isaiah 26:12

Tags: Wisdom, leadership, advice, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

7 Markers Of A Great Leader

By Ron Edmondson on Oct 25, 2023

There are some characteristics which set a great leader apart from mediocre leaders. Do you know what they are?

Tags: Humility, leadership, Integrity, pastoral leadership, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

How To Keep Your Brain Sharp

By Charles Stone on Oct 29, 2023

The brain is a masterpiece of God’s creation. It grows rapidly from birth until the mid-twenties. Unfortunately, it’s downhill from there. Even though you can’t avoid getting older, you can take some simple steps to keep your brain sharp.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19

Tags: leadership, Aging, Health, pastoral leadership, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Re-Imagining Leadership

By Dan White Jr. on Oct 2, 2024

What does it really mean to grow in Christian leadership?

Tags: leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Leadership

4 Ways To Process The Emotions Of Betrayal As A Leader

By Ron Edmondson on Jul 26, 2022

"Suddenly I was feeling a stirring in my stomach. I became slightly nervous. It was a brief encounter, but I quickly realized I was being reminded of a few very painful experiences in my own leadership and life. I was recalling the emotions of betrayal."

Scripture: Isaiah 61:3, Philippians 4:19, Acts 1:13

Tags: Forgiveness, Healing, leadership, conflict, Betrayal, Forgiveness for Others, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, grieving, Overcoming hurt, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

4 Weapons Of Mass Distraction In A Leader’s Life

By Charles Stone on Nov 12, 2023

Ask yourself which of these four weapons of mass distraction divert you the most from leading at your best.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8

Tags: leadership, focus, distractions, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Effective Leadership, Leading Others Well, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

If Jesus Gave A Ted Talk Principle 1—begin With The End In Mind (Clarity)

By Charles Stone on Mar 15, 2024

Begin with the End in Mind is the first installment of an 8 part series on how neuroscience can improve your preaching.

Scripture: Luke 6:40

Tags: Preaching, pastor, sermon prep, sermon, Pastor, Sermon Prep, Sermon, sermon writing, neuroscience, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

If Jesus Gave A Ted Talk Principle 8—reinforce Life Application (Transfer)

By Charles Stone on Jan 3, 2024

Reinforce Life Application is the final instalment of an 8 part series on how neuroscience can improve your preaching.

Scripture: James 1:22

Tags: Church, Preaching, pastor, Preacher, sermon prep, Pastor, Sermon Prep, neuroscience, preaching, preacher, church, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

Becoming An Approachable Leader In Ministry

By Ken Sande on Mar 5, 2025

Approachability is essential for effective pastoral leadership. This guide shows how leaders earn trust, cultivate humility, and gain a “relational passport” with their people.

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11, Philippians 2:3-4, Matthew 18:12-14, 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, Mark 10:42-45  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Church, Peace, leadership, pastor, conflict, relationships, counsel, Communication General, Leadership General, Pastor, Leadership, church, Relational Wisdom  (view more)  (view less)

Four Subtle Ways Satan Sneaks Into Your Pulpit

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Jan 26, 2025

Satan rarely storms the pulpit—he slides in subtly. These four tactics expose how he targets pastors and how to resist him with clarity, humility, and vigilance.

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:21, 2 Timothy 4:2

Tags: Ministry, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, Humility, Preaching, Faithfulness, Duty, pastoral leadership, ministry, preaching, Pastoral Leadership, Pulpit Integrity  (view more)  (view less)

Relational Leadership Part 2

By Lance Witt on Nov 7, 2023

Jesus cares just as much about how we treat people along the path to fulfilling our vision as he does if we accomplish the vision.

Tags: vision, leadership, relationships, honoring Christ, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, mission, Others First, Transactional, Transformational, e, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

One Hard Truth Of Leadership

By Ron Edmondson on Sep 2, 2022

There is one truth about leadership every leader must understand, but is difficult to receive by some leaders. The probability is good you won’t like this truth either.

Tags: leadership, church conflict, fear of man, People pleasing, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, good leadership, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)