In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Life"

Should Pastors Perform Weddings For Unbelievers?

By John Piper on Jul 29, 2024

John Piper shares his input on "if" and "when" it's appropriate for pastors to marry unbelievers.

Scripture: Isaiah 43:1, Isaiah 43:1

Tags: Children, Preaching, Pastors, Reason, Weddings, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

There's Something Wrong With The Pastoral System

By Ray Hollenbach on May 7, 2020

Gordon MacDonald: "I think we probably need to totally re-define what pastors do in leading our contemporary 21st century church."

Tags: leadership, Preaching, training

3 Mistakes Pastors Make With Commentaries

By Peter Mead on May 5, 2025

Commentaries are resources for preachers, not sources for sermons. Watch out for these three pitfalls when using commentaries in your sermon prep and delivery.

Tags: Preaching, Prep, Commentary, preaching

Top Ten Mistakes By A Rookie Pastor

By Josh Tandy on Jul 1, 2020

On his first anniversary, newcomer Josh Tandy takes time to reflect on how he'd do things differently.

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-13

Tags: Preaching, preaching

5 Tough Challenges For Any Pastor

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 9, 2020

Thom Rainer shares his biggest challenges and asks, "What specific part of being a pastor is the most difficult for you?"

Tags: Preaching, gentle, preaching

Do Pastors Avoid Teaching On Heaven?

By Toni Ridgaway on May 4, 2023

Scholars and authors say the church does not often present the topic of heaven anymore, and they wonder why.

Tags: Heaven, Truth, Preaching, preaching

Six Essential Skills For Transformational Pastors

By Tod Bolsinger on Jun 8, 2021

There's a gap between our aspired values and our actions. Effective pastors/preachers help us "mind the gap."

Tags: transform, Growth, leadership, Preaching, work, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Pastor, Are You Chasing Stray Dogs?

By Chris Surber on Jan 26, 2023

"Here is a list of people who have left the church in the last few years. We would like you to call on them to see if you can win a few of them back."

Tags: stray dog, preaching, church, Church, Preaching, members, Church Health  (view more)  (view less)

All Pastors Plagiarize--Here's Why

By Erik Raymond on Aug 5, 2021

We read, listen, talk, think, integrate, pray and listen. This is what we do. "In one very real sense, pastors don’t know what is original and what is not."

Tags: Steal, Preaching, pastor, Plagiarism, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

The Effective Pastor: Never Skimp On The Sermon

By Joe Mckeever on Mar 5, 2021

They call you Preacher because nothing you do is as important or as critical to the work of the church as your preaching.

Tags: Preaching, Pastoring, sermon, Sermon, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The First Step In Being A Great Pastor

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 11, 2022

The first step in being a great pastor is to walk with God.

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:11

Tags: Pastor, pastor, Basics of Christianity, Intimacy With God, intimacy with Christ  (view more)  (view less)

The Weight And Joy Of Being A Pastor: Loneliness

By Josh Reich on Oct 8, 2021

If you talk to any pastor or his wife and ask them about friends, more than likely you will get a sad, longing look.

Tags: Prayer General, Suffering Loneliness, Counselor, Loneliness

6 Soul Care Essentials For Pastors

By Charles Stone on Jul 5, 2022

In the midst of caring for others, it is easy to neglect our own soul. What are safeguards that keep us from drifting away from God?

Tags: leadership, pastoral leadership, soul care, Scripture Memory, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Ten Unfair Expectations Of Pastors’ Wives

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 22, 2022

Here are the top ten expectations imposed upon these ladies...

Tags: Pastor, wife, pastor, Expectation

The Top Ten Sources Of Discouragement For Pastors

By Thom Rainer on May 19, 2024

“Is this valley I am going through normal for pastors?”

Tags: Pastoral Ministry, church leadership, criticism, Criticism, Discouragement, church conflict, pastoral leadership, Financial Management, family dynamics  (view more)  (view less)