In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Care"

12 Powerful Questions Pastors Should Ask About Effective Leadership

By Charles Stone on Jun 8, 2023

Here are a helpful set of questions about effective leadership pastors should ask themselves and ask about those who serve on their staff.

Tags: leadership, Preaching, pastor, Pastor, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How God Saved My Sermon

By Steve Fuller on Sep 4, 2024

Even careful sermon preparation can fall apart. This reflection shows how prayer, humility, and trust in God’s promises bring clarity when anxiety sets in.

Scripture: James 4:1-2, James 1:5, Psalm 127:1, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 2 Timothy 2:7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, dependence on God, preaching, Dependence on God

How To Apply The Bible

By Josh Reich on Sep 20, 2022

"When we read the Bible, we want to understand it and apply it. We want to know what the Bible says and how it affects our lives. We want something to happen, we want to get something out of it. But we’re often left frustrated and wondering what we missed."

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12

Tags: understanding, BIBLE STUDY, Personal Growth, Bible Study, soul care, Growing in Christ, Study the Bible, applying scripture, bible study  (view more)  (view less)

How To Craft Sermon Openers That Grab Attention

By Tyler Scarlett on Feb 26, 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 6, 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 7, 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 20, 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

Why Preachers Must Embrace Both/And Truth

By Chris Surber on Jun 4, 2021

Biblical preaching often presents truths that appear contradictory at first glance. Wise preachers help their congregations understand how these truths fit together within the whole counsel of Scripture.

Scripture: James 2:14-26, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 3:28, Ephesians 2:8-10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

10 Tips For Preaching Shorter And More Effective Sermons

By Troy Page on Jun 14, 2021

Long sermons often lose listeners before the message lands. Clear focus, careful editing, and intentional structure can help preachers deliver messages that are both shorter and more impactful.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:2, 2 Timothy 4:2, Nehemiah 8:8, Colossians 4:6

Tags: Communication, better, short, communication

No Normal Sundays

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 23, 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)

4 Learning Styles Every Preacher Should Address

By Bruce D. Johnson on Jun 4, 2025

Many listeners disengage during sermons because preachers communicate primarily in their own learning style. Structuring sermons to address multiple learning styles can keep more people engaged.

Scripture: Luke 8:4-15, Matthew 13:23, Nehemiah 8:8, James 1:22, Colossians 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, pastor, Congregation, Engage, Engagement, Pastor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How Can The Pew Help The Pulpit?

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Mar 6, 2024

Good preaching is a partnership between pastor and congregation, pulpit and pew, the one who preaches and the one who listens.

Scripture: John 13:31-35

Tags: Preaching, pastor, Congregation, Encourage, Partnership, Pastor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

11 Vital Preaching And Pastoring Lessons I Learned From My Mentor

By Chris Hefner on Aug 19, 2025

Sometimes leadership lessons are caught as much as they are taught.

Tags: Preaching, pastor, consistent, Mentor, advance, Pastor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

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

By Ray Hollenbach on Oct 27, 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 5, 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