In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Calling"

7 Ways To Make A Graceful Exit And Leave Your Church Well

By Charles Stone on May 27, 2024

"Unless you stay at the same church your entire life, you will leave one ministry or church and go to another, perhaps several times. I’ve learned that leaving is more of an art and is often difficult. Here are 7 insights I’ve learned that have helped me make a graceful exit."

Scripture: Acts 24:16, Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:15, Colossians 3:23, Proverbs 22:1, 1 Kings 1:27, Acts 20:35-38  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Moving Forward, Pastoral Transition, Integrity, pastoral leadership, let go, overcome bitterness, Transitions, church leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Forget Seminaries: What Are You Doing To Train The Next Generation Of Preachers?

By Chris Surber on Aug 15, 2025

We have a lot of people genuinely called, sincerely gifted people who struggle to find their way past the gatekeepers in our churches and denominations.

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-5, Mark 5:24-34

Tags: Discipleship, Gift, Seminary, Next Generation

Pastors, We Don’t Expect A Ted Talk—we Need A God-And-You Talk

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 27, 2021

When we come to your church, we don't expect a $7,500 sermon. Given current offering stats, most people aren't even expecting a $75 one.

Scripture: John 3:1-25, Matthew 6:25-34

Tags: Expectation, TED talk, preaching, Preaching, Heartfelt  (view more)  (view less)

4 Instances Not To Mention Hell In Your Preaching

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Mar 5, 2018

There are times when hell should never be mentioned in our preaching. In fact, when hell is mentioned during these times, it may dishonor Christ more than honor Him and do more disservice to the gospel than service.

Scripture: Mark 9:43-48

Tags: Hell, Lust, Wisdom, Satan, Preaching, pastor  (view more)  (view less)

Why Is It So Difficult To Lead A Church Through Change?

By Rob Pochek on Jul 9, 2025

Everyone says they want change, so what's the problem?

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-10, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Acts 9:3-6, Titus 3:1-5

Tags: Church, leadership, Change, Pastoring, Leadership, church  (view more)  (view less)

Preachers, Find Your Voice

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 19, 2021

In the days of the church, a major way in which God’s word is revealed to his people is through the regular, ordinary, week-in, week-out ministry of local church pastor-preachers.

Tags: voice, Pastoral, preach, preaching, New, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Shrinking Population Of Preachers And What You Can Do About It

By Ben Mandrell on Sep 15, 2021

How one pastor did something more than wring his hands over the situation, and what he did about it.

Tags: front lines, Preaching, Pastors, population, shrinking  (view more)  (view less)

5 Qualities To Seek In The Heart Of A Leader

By Ron Edmondson on Jan 28, 2022

Someone asked me recently what I primarily look for in the hiring of a staff position. I said, without reservation, first and foremost, I look for the heart.

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

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