In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Calling"

Pastor, I'm Called To Preach–gimme Your Pulpit!

By Brian Croft on Feb 1, 2026

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 25, 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 22, 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)

The Reverse Altar Call

By Greg Stier on Aug 1, 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 27, 2023

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

Tags: focus, Simplicity, simplify, calling

Remembering Why You Said Yes To Pastoring

By Chuck Warnock on Dec 15, 2022

There are times in a pastor's life when the clarity of our call fades, discouragement clouds our memory, and we wonder, "Why did I ever want to be a pastor?"

Tags: Church, Call, pastor, Pastors, Small Church, Church General, Leadership General, Pastor, church  (view more)  (view less)

10 Reasons Not To Give An Altar Call

By Thabiti Anyabwile on Mar 12, 2020

Thabiti Anyabwile offers a compelling argument against the use of altar calls. We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions.

Scripture: Numbers 1:1

Tags: Evangelism, Preaching, altar, Evangelism How To

4 Reasons Not To Give An Altar Call

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Aug 11, 2024

There is a place for a properly given altar call, but we must maintain a correct understanding of how, when, and where to use one.

Tags: Preaching, altar, Invitation, preaching

Is There Anything Wrong With Calling God "She”?

By Aaron Armstrong on Jan 6, 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)

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

By Karl Vaters on Jun 4, 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)

5 Leaders Examine Plagiarism In Preaching

By Tim Keller on Jul 17, 2024

New Testament scholar D. A. Carson, senior pastor Sandy Willson, author and senior pastor Tim Keller, senior parachurch executive Matt Perman, and church research consultant Glenn Lucke speak to the issue of Plagiarism.

Tags: Communication, Preaching, Pastors, Plagiarism, DUTY CALLS, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

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

By Hal Seed on Oct 28, 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)

The Effective Pastor: Never Skimp On The Sermon

By Joe Mckeever on Mar 5, 2021

They call you Preacher because nothing you do is as important or as critical to the work of the church as your preaching.

Tags: Preaching, Pastoring, sermon, Sermon, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Call No One Wants To Get - Part 1

By Lance Witt on Sep 24, 2023

One of the spiritual questions every ministry leader must answer is, “Am I willing to serve in obscurity?”

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-40

Tags: Faith, obscurity, Cost of Discipleship, success in ministry

The Call No One Wants To Get - Part 2

By Lance Witt on Sep 25, 2023

Looking back, I see that obscurity allowed God to redirect my sense of identity and significance.

Tags: obscurity, Relationship to God, intimacy with Christ, Hidden work of God