In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Formation"

Shepherd God’s Flock: Protecting God’s People

By Chris Pascarella on Nov 23, 2022

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. – Acts 20:28-29

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18, Acts 20:28-29

Tags: protection, encouragement, Courage, Rebuke, Godly Leaders, daily prayer, pastoral leadership, shepherd God's flock  (view more)  (view less)

How Your Calendar Is Killing You (And What To Do About It)

By Carey Nieuwhof on Jun 30, 2024

Here’s the sad truth: when your calendar is out of control, so are you. And so is your life.

Tags: Schedule, Busyness, Time Management, productivity, Personal Life, Balanced Life, Workplace Balance, pastoral leadership  (view more)  (view less)

You Can’t Force Teamwork

By Lance Witt on Jul 4, 2024

"When your car is aligned, it runs more efficiently, creates less wear and tear, and operates more smoothly. The same is true in creating alignment and teamwork within our ministries. It takes intentionality; you never drift into alignment. People with skill know how to get down inside the organization and align its systems and structures to increase effectiveness, minimize wasted effort, and achieve greater health."

Tags: Communication, leadership, strategy, Teamwork, Alignment, pastoral leadership, servant leadership, Effective Teams, Leadership, communication  (view more)  (view less)

Why I Switched To Preaching From A Manuscript

By Jeff Medders on Aug 19, 2020

Manuscript preaching is not a crutch but a discipline. For many pastors, it strengthens clarity, delivery, humility, and long-term ministry fruitfulness.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Mark 6:1-8, 2 Timothy 4:2, Ecclesiastes 12:9-10

Tags: manuscript, Outline

Ugly Preaching Can Be Powerful

By Jamie Stilson on Feb 22, 2023

Preaching should be a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, not a display of our wisdom. One pastor calls it "ugly preaching."

Scripture: James 2:1-10

Tags: Preaching, training, Holy Spirit's Power, ugly preaching, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Sunday's Message Is For Babes In Christ And Old Saints: Can You Reach Them All?

By SermonCentral .com on Oct 12, 2021

Ask pastors what their toughest regular assignment is, and speaking a message that ministers to everyone is at or near the top of the list.

Scripture: Romans 8:28-30, 1 Peter 4:5-10

Tags: Preaching, Learning, language, Result, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How We Moved From Theological To Therapeutic Preaching--And Why It Matters

By Joseph Mattera on Oct 6, 2025

Some pastors preach messages that show they spend more time studying behaviorism and sociology than they do the Scriptures.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Guest-Preaching Has Risks: For The Church That Invited You

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Feb 16, 2026

The cardinal rule: As a guest preacher, don’t make a mess for the pastor to clean up when you leave.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

A Road To Somewhere

By Don Ballard on Jul 24, 2024

How can pastors apply Stephen Covey's principle, 'Begin With the End in Mind', to the area of preaching and teaching the Bible?

Scripture: Romans 10:14-15

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Purpose, goals, Preaching Help, Pastoral Ministry, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, preaching, teaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

Larry Osborne: My Ministry Game-Changers

By Larry Osborne on Feb 5, 2026

Larry Osborne offers time-tested wisdom to help leaders avoid two dangerous mindsets that often destroy pastors.

Tags: leadership, Character, Leadership General, Leadership

Crafting A Strong Sermon: 10 Checkpoints

By Outreach Inc. on Aug 29, 2024

From prayer to practice, this pastoral reflection outlines a sermon preparation process shaped by reverence, responsibility, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Scripture: Proverbs 21:31, Matthew 16:18-19, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 6:4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Holy Spirit

Creating A Church Culture Through Sermons

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 16, 2020

Pastors do more than teach Scripture. Through preaching, modeling, and prayer, they shape the shared culture and values of a congregation.

Scripture: Malachi 1:6-8, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 4:11-16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Holy Spirit, Preaching, preaching

Ten Strategic Insights Into Shaping Your Next Sermon Series

By Herbert Cooper on Jan 27, 2023

Herbert Cooper, senior pastor of People's Church in Oklahoma City, shares strategic insights into making a sermon series work.

Tags:

59 Things Not To Say To A Preacher

By Joe Mckeever on Nov 6, 2025

In his career as a pastor and preacher, you can bet Joe McKeever has probably heard them at.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Live And Die By The Numbers

By Lance Witt on Apr 10, 2023

But numbers become a problem in the heart of a pastor when they move from being a point of celebration to becoming the driver of our motivation.

Scripture: Acts 2:47

Tags: motivation, Church Growth, success in ministry, intimacy with Christ