In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Calling"

Why I Said Yes To Pastoral Ministry

By Chuck Warnock on Dec 16, 2022

Pastoral calling can fade under pressure, success, or discouragement. This reflection uncovers why ministers lose sight of their call and how to remember it again.

Tags: Church, Call, pastor, Pastors, Small Church, Church General, Pastoral Calling, Clergy Encouragement, Leadership General, Pastoral Ministry, Spiritual Renewal, Pastor, church, Ministry Burnout  (view more)  (view less)

Expositional Preaching: Our Calling

By Mark Dever on Apr 27, 2023

Six pastors define and discuss their passionate calling to expositional preaching.

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-10, Genesis 1:1-3

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Pastor, I'm Called To Preach--Gimme Your Pulpit!

By Brian Croft on Aug 9, 2019

Brian Croft gives three sound suggestions for encouraging others as they explore their calling.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Power Of Ugly Preaching

By Jamie Stilson on Apr 26, 2023

Preaching should be a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, not a display of our wisdom. One pastor calls it "ugly preaching."

Scripture: Acts 4:13, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Tags: Grace, Preaching, grace, preaching

Ugly Preaching Can Be Powerful

By Jamie Stilson on Feb 23, 2023

Preaching should be a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, not a display of our wisdom. One pastor calls it "ugly preaching."

Scripture: James 2:1-10

Tags: preaching, Preaching, training, Holy Spirit's Power, ugly preaching  (view more)  (view less)

10 Reasons Not To Give An Altar Call

By Thabiti Anyabwile on Mar 13, 2020

This article outlines key reasons many pastors avoid altar calls, arguing that the practice lacks biblical precedent, creates confusion, and obscures true conversion.

Tags: Evangelism, evangelism, Biblical Ecclesiology

The Reverse Altar Call

By Greg Stier on Aug 2, 2023

Sometimes the words “altar call” trigger images of sawdust trails and endless verses of “Just as I am” with preachers prodding, pushing and persuading sinners to come forward down the aisle in front of God and everyone.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:2

Tags: Evangelism, strategy, Evangelism How To, Evangelism The Lost, evangelism  (view more)  (view less)

The Power Of Simplicity… Part 1

By Lance Witt on Aug 28, 2023

I really do believe that many of the people you pastor are looking for simplicity.

Tags: focus, Simplicity, simplify, calling

The Parable Of The Pharisee And Tax Collector: A Call To Humility

By Josh Read on Oct 27, 2025

In the heart of Luke’s Gospel, we find the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). It showcases a stark contrast between two men who approach God, revealing deeper truths about humility, self-righteousness, and access to God's mercy. As pastors seeking to communicate God’s word effectively to our congregations, it’s essential to explore these themes and draw practical applications that encourage genuine humility in our walk with Christ.

Scripture: Luke 18:12-14, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, James 1:17, Romans 3:23

Tags: Parable, Humility

4 Reasons Not To Give An Altar Call

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Aug 12, 2024

Altar calls can help seekers respond to Christ, but they can also distort the gospel when misused. Here are four situations in which giving an altar call becomes unwise.

Scripture: John 6:47, Luke 23:43, John 12:42, Romans 10:9-10, 1 Corinthians 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Invitation, altar call, gospel clarity, Gospel Clarity, Altar Call  (view more)  (view less)

Is There Anything Wrong With Calling God "She”?

By Aaron Armstrong on Jan 7, 2022

"It's just a pronoun, so what's the big deal?" Well, what does the scripture say?

Tags: Attributes, Masculine, feminine, preaching, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Does Preaching Really Matter?

By Lance Witt on Sep 12, 2019

Like most pastors, I will never forget the first sermon I preached. Basically, we had to hold people at gun point to get them to listen . . .

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:21, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Corinthians 9:16

Tags: Preaching, God's Power, Bartimaeus, calling

Why We Preach: The Call That Won’t Let Us Go

By Leslie Holmes on May 4, 2020

Seminary is long, ministry is hard, and preaching can feel thankless. Yet pastors continue because God’s call compels them in ways nothing else can.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:16, Hebrews 12:2, Romans 10:14-15, 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:24  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Sorry, Pastors – The Growth Of The Church Is Not Up To Us

By Karl Vaters on Jun 5, 2024

"Preaching the Word, training disciples and ministering to the community may or may not increase the number of people who sit in front of me from Sunday to Sunday. But it will produce a healthy church."

Tags: pastoral leadership, call to discipleship, church leadership, Church Growth, Surrender, Healthy Church, God's Church, God in control  (view more)  (view less)

Mentoring For Pastors: How To Find The Right Mentor At The Right Time

By Hal Seed on Oct 29, 2022

"Do you need a mentor? Only if you want to become more like Christ, live for Jesus more purposefully, and see your church take ground for God’s glory."

Tags: pastoral leadership, Christian growth, mentoring, call to discipleship, church leadership, Leadership, leadership, Grow, Mentor  (view more)  (view less)