In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Formation"

Three Probing Questions Every Pastor Should Ask Himself

By Charles Stone on Sep 13, 2023

Take a few moments and ask yourself these questions to see what God reveals about your heart and motives.

Tags: Faithfulness, identity, Identity in Christ, motives

5 Powerful Benefits Of Being A Pastor Who Is A Morning Person

By Brandon Kelley on May 11, 2022

A couple of years ago, I decided to make the switch from night owl to morning person and that switch has made all the difference.

Tags: Morning, focus, productive, intimacy with Christ

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

Pastor, The Next Time You Attend A Conference, Do This!

By Brandon Kelley on Nov 7, 2022

"You can make the next time you attend a conference worth your while."

Tags: Plan, leadership, effective, productivity, pastoral leadership, overcoming problems, planning, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

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)

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: Separation, Preaching, pastor, adultery, Pastor, preaching  (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