In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Character"

12 Simple Ways To Be A Pastor Who Prays Like A Warrior

By Hal Seed on Nov 10, 2022

I believe every pastor ought to be a prayer warrior.

Scripture: Isaiah 56:7, 1 Samuel 3:10

Tags: Prayer, daily prayer, Prayer for Others, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, Holy Spirit's Power, Seek God's Face, God hears prayer  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching God's Dangerous Truth

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jun 16, 2020

Preaching must resist political birthright-stealers and proclaim the dangerous truth that God has come. Advent calls us to vision, courage, and bold proclamation.

Scripture: Luke 2:10, Matthew 13:17, Matthew 10:7, Revelation 10:10-11, Micah 4:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, preaching, pastoral courage, Pastoral Courage

Seven Signs A Sermon Is (Almost) Over

By Jon Acuff on Oct 27, 2020

Ending a sermon is harder than starting one. Clear, intentional conclusions prevent confusion, whiplash, and rushed prayers.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Ecclesiastes 12:13, Colossians 4:6, James 1:22, 1 Corinthians 14:40  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, pastor, End, Homiletics, Pastor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Ten Passages For Preachers To Memorize Cold

By SermonCentral .com on Jun 23, 2021

What passages do you have at your fingertips, word-for-word? What passages would you add to this list?

Scripture: Matthew 11:28

Tags: Scripture, pastor, memory, memorization, memorize, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

Why Too Many Sermon Illustrations Hurt Your Preaching

By Bruce D. Johnson on Oct 13, 2024

Many modern sermons rely too heavily on the preacher’s personal stories. Effective illustrations should clarify truth and help ordinary listeners apply it.

Scripture: Colossians 1:28, Romans 10:14, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 2 Timothy 4:2, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: preaching, Preaching, pastor, Self, Homiletics, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

Can You Separate The Man From The Message?

By Carl Trueman on Mar 5, 2024

Years ago I caused trouble when I started my message by declaring that it really did not matter if the pastor was an adulterer or not.

Tags: preaching, Separation, Preaching, pastor, adultery, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

10 Gifts Only A Preacher's Wife Can Give

By Joe Mckeever on Oct 14, 2025

Joe McKeever: "She has the best seat in the house and the hardest job."

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Tags: preaching, Pastor's Wife, Preaching, pastor's wife

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 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

Don't Close Your Sermon Like That!

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jul 30, 2021

The ending of a sermon is often the part people remember most. Preachers must avoid recycled conclusions and instead craft endings that intentionally reinforce the message.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 4:2, Colossians 4:6, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

4 Tips For Understanding Any Passage Of The Bible

By Brandon Smith on Nov 30, 2022

Whatever you do, just read the Bible.

Tags: Study, Prayer, BIBLE STUDY, godly character, Bible Study, Reading God's Word, Christian community, personal holiness, Personal Devotions, bible study  (view more)  (view less)