In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Life"

Brokenness In A Pastor’s Life

By Charles Stone on Jun 28, 2023

As I enter the sixth decade of my life and reflect over the brokenness I’ve faced as a pastor, I’m beginning to see its great value. It still hurts and I’d prefer not to face it. Yet, I’m experiencing the fruit of brokenness: inner peace, joy, and a purpose that supersedes ‘ministry success.’

Scripture: John 12:24

Tags: Healing, Rejection, brokenness, success in ministry

Letter To A (Real Life) Hurting Pastor

By Chris Surber on Apr 25, 2025

Author Chris Surber suggests six avenues to handle the hurt and disappointment so common in pastoral ministry.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Do Not Forsake True Solitude, Pastor

By Joe Hoagland on Aug 10, 2022

I am talking about purposely removing yourself from the busyness to focus on prayer for your congregation, reflection on your spiritual life and those around you, and meditation on the huge weight that is the pastoral ministry.

Scripture: Joshua 1:8

Tags: prayer life, Prayer Life, Solitude, Silence, Leadership General  (view more)  (view less)

8 Preachable Marks Of A Transformed Life

By Philip Nation on Jan 8, 2025

Philip Nation offers preaching tips for pastors guiding a congregation to and through the life transformed in Christ.

Scripture: Galatians 4:19, Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12:1-2

Tags: Church, Discipleship, Preaching, pastor, Transformation, Pastor, preaching, church  (view more)  (view less)

Remembering Why You Said Yes To Pastoring

By Chuck Warnock on Dec 15, 2022

There are times in a pastor's life when the clarity of our call fades, discouragement clouds our memory, and we wonder, "Why did I ever want to be a pastor?"

Tags: Church, Call, pastor, Pastors, Small Church, Church General, Leadership General, Pastor, church  (view more)  (view less)

9 Hidden Factors That Impact Your Life And Leadership

By Carey Nieuwhof on Jun 9, 2024

"What hidden factors threaten to make or break you as a leader and as a person?"

Tags: pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church leadership, Leadership, Growth, leadership, sleep, productivity, Rest  (view more)  (view less)

Why Pastors Shouldn't Read Anonymous Notes

By David Whiting on Dec 23, 2021

Pastors and church leaders often receive anonymous comments, mysteriously appearing in the church office,the offering plate, or the “comments” section of the Sunday communication card.A few years ago, I stopped reading them. They don’t even get passed onto me. Asa church leader, I recommend that you do the same thing.

Tags: leadership, Boundaries, ignore, influences in life, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

4 Weapons Of Mass Distraction In A Leader’s Life

By Charles Stone on Nov 12, 2023

Ask yourself which of these four weapons of mass distraction divert you the most from leading at your best.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8

Tags: church ministry, Effective Leadership, Leading Others Well, Leadership, leadership, focus, distractions, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching For Life-Change

By Rick Long on Mar 30, 2025

Does preaching for life-change always produce a watered down message?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

A Life Well Lived

By Lance Witt on Sep 18, 2023

No matter what has happened in the past or what your ministry situation is today, you can have a rich, meaningful life.

Scripture: Matthew 25:21

Tags: vision, gratitude, Legacy, Godly Legacy

Seven Relational Skills Of Great Church Leaders

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 11, 2021

Most pastors and church leaders have never received formal training in relational skills. Perhaps these seven observations of outstanding leaders will prove helpful to many of you.

Tags: leadership, Prayer Life, Family Relationships, prayer life, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

1,000 Sermons Will Change Your Life

By Trevin Wax on Mar 25, 2020

Pastors, don’t underestimate the cumulative effect of your preaching. You are not dumping information into brains. You are forming the habits of your people, teaching them how to read and understand and apply the Bible for themselves.

Tags: Preaching, New life, preaching

Why Every Sermon Should Be A Life-Changing Sermon

By Paul David Tripp on Oct 19, 2025

This will probably get me into trouble: I’m persuaded that there’s too much mediocrity in the church when it comes to pastors preparing and delivering their sermons.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

If Jesus Gave A Ted Talk Principle 8—reinforce Life Application (Transfer)

By Charles Stone on Jan 3, 2024

Reinforce Life Application is the final instalment of an 8 part series on how neuroscience can improve your preaching.

Scripture: James 1:22

Tags: Church, Preaching, pastor, preacher, church, Sermon prep, Preacher, sermon prep, Pastor, Sermon Prep, neuroscience, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching To Promote Life Together

By Chris Surber on May 19, 2025

Preach with a focus to cultivate life together and nurture incarnate community rather than simple gatherings of people.

Tags: