In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Formation"

Some Things I Have Learned About Leadership–and Have The Scars To Prove

By Joe Mckeever on Aug 17, 2022

To serve people “for Jesus’ sake” means we ask Him how to serve them.

Scripture: Matthew 25:21-23, Romans 13:7, Luke 12:48, 2 Corinthians 4:5, Luke 22:27, Mark 10:43-44  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: leadership, serve others, pastoral leadership, selfish ambition, servant leadership, Humility and Pride, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

What A Seminary Degree Will Not Do

By Joe Mckeever on Nov 21, 2023

“I have all this education and training. Why won’t churches call me as pastor?”

Tags: training, education, Seminary, Christian Education, calling, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Angry with God  (view more)  (view less)

3 Ways Great Leaders Handle Tough Circumstances Differently

By Carey Nieuwhof on Dec 7, 2023

If you want to imitate the great leaders when you face challenging situations, do these three things.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:11, Psalm 62:5, Philippians 3:12

Tags: leadership, success, Obstacles, opposition, pastoral leadership, church leadership, Tough Circumstances, Mindset, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

7 Things Preachers Never Say – Pt.2

By Peter Mead on May 7, 2024

This series looks at seven things preachers never say. Last time we thought about the burden of expectation. How about this for another: The negative outcomes of both criticism and apathy.

Tags: Criticism, Apathy, Gossip, slander, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Negative Response, Backbiting, criticism  (view more)  (view less)

3 Levels Of Leadership: Are Your Leaders In The Right Place?

By Brandon Kelley on Sep 4, 2022

Every church has leaders, but not every church has leaders in the right place. If there’s a person in the wrong place in leadership, extensive damage can be done.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:12

Tags: leadership, Teamwork, Dependability, pastoral leadership, servant leadership, church leadership, Leader of Others, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

What To Do With Information Overload

By Ron Edmondson on Oct 24, 2022

"One struggle I’ve witnessed consistently with leaders – including this one – is we drown in information overload. There are more good ideas than we can ever implement."

Tags: Technology, leadership, organization, effective, productivity, pastoral leadership, leadership capacity, good leadership, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Do You Believe In Miracles? Part 1

By Lance Witt on Jun 10, 2024

How do you define a "win" in ministry?

Tags: leadership, success, goals, pastoral leadership, success in ministry, church ministry, Mental Toughness, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Two Questions To Break Despair

By Marion Clark on Dec 1, 2022

There is a great need for Christian counselors with the expertise to unravel the problems of life. The more a pastor is equipped in this area, the better they will be able to serve the members of their church who are facing difficulties and trials.

Tags: Hope, encouragement, Counselor, Despair, pastoral care, WISE COUNSEL, fixing eyes on Jesus, counseling  (view more)  (view less)

How To Attract And Keep Amazing Volunteers You Can’t Afford To Pay

By Carey Nieuwhof on Jul 11, 2024

If you want to attract and keep great people, value them.

Tags: Trust, Respect, Volunteer, Volunteerism, Leadership Listening, pastoral leadership, Good leaders, church leadership  (view more)  (view less)

The Radical Experiment: One Year To A Church Turned Upside Down

By David Platt on Jan 13, 2025

David Platt dares pastors and their congregations to take a leap of faith and test the claims contained in the gospel.

Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38

Tags: Faith, Outreach, Gospel, Missions, Prayer, radical, Evangelism Urgency, Gospel obedience, gospel, Gospel Obedience  (view more)  (view less)

Why You Shouldn’t Prepare Sermons Alone

By Brian Croft on Sep 7, 2020

Inviting trusted church members into sermon preparation strengthens clarity, application, humility, and pastoral effectiveness.

Scripture: Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 20:18, Proverbs 27:6, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 2 Timothy 2:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Accountability, preaching

Is The Problem Really A Lack Of Deep Teaching?

By Eric Geiger on Jul 29, 2021

For a pastor who longs to faithfully feed people the Word of God, there are few statements that sting as deeply.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:6-10

Tags: Preaching, Lack, problem, deep teaching, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Preach A Funeral For God's Glory

By Harry Reeder on Jun 20, 2025

Here's why one seasoned pastor considers preaching a funeral one of his greatest privileges.

Tags: Preaching, Funeral, privilege, preach, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Seven Tricks To Break Out Of Your Preaching Rut

By Ryan Huguley on Aug 4, 2025

Periodically, every pastor to whom God gives the privilege of preaching weekly will find themselves in a rut.

Tags: Preaching, teach, Retreat, trick, Preaching Rut, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

7 Danger Signs Of A Discouraged Preacher

By Peter Mead on Nov 2, 2025

Perhaps this list can also help you pray for other preachers, or pastors in your church.

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-6

Tags: Preaching, preaching