In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Ministry"

Sorry, Pastors – The Growth Of The Church Is Not Up To Us

By Karl Vaters on Jun 5, 2024

"Preaching the Word, training disciples and ministering to the community may or may not increase the number of people who sit in front of me from Sunday to Sunday. But it will produce a healthy church."

Tags: Church Growth, Surrender, Healthy Church, God's Church, God in control, pastoral leadership, call to discipleship, church leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Communicating With Confidence When People Distrust Pastors

By Ed Stetzer on Apr 20, 2024

This article is the fifth of six in a series on preaching in light of cultural shifts and biblical illiteracy.

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, pastor, Holiness, sermon prep, Pastor, Sermon Prep, preaching, teaching, holiness, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

On The Shoulders Of Giants: Sermon Preparation Resources For Pastors

By Matthew Redder on Sep 10, 2025

In this article, we’ll explore how pastors work with others—both living and long gone—to craft sermon content. We’ll reflect on the value of community, the discipline of study, and the humility that comes when we realize that our sermons are enriched by the wisdom of many.

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1

Tags: Preaching, pastor, Commentary, sermon, Pastor, Sermon, preaching, sermonprep, commentary, biblical dictionary, sermoncentral, sermonmaker  (view more)  (view less)

The 25 Most Influential Preachers Of The Past 25 Years

By Michael Duduit on Jan 2, 2025

From Billy Graham to Tim Keller, this article profiles 25 preachers who have most shaped the American pulpit over the last 25 years and why their influence endures.

Tags: Church, leadership, Preaching, pastor, Influence, Circumstance, Pivotal, Leadership General, church leadership, Pastor, Leadership, preaching, church, Church Leadership, Ministry History  (view more)  (view less)

Can Something This Simple Supercharge Staff Morale?

By Charles Stone on Nov 21, 2023

Several months ago I began something with our staff that has been a huge hit. It’s simple. Any staff can do it, whether in a church or a business application. And it boosts staff morale and excitement when we do it. I encourage you to try it with your staff. It’s called a “Blue Sky Thinking” morning.

Tags: leadership, motivation, inspiration, Solitude, pastoral leadership, servant leadership, church ministry, Staff Meeting, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

4 Easy Steps To Healthy Delegation

By Ron Edmondson on May 21, 2024

How do we let go of responsibility when we are wired so heavily towards not doing so? How do we delegate when the church holds us responsible for getting things done? How do we let go when doing so makes us sometimes feel so out of control?

Tags: Pride, letting go, multiply, pastoral leadership, church leadership, delegating, Effective Leadership, Healthy Ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Why We Preach: The Call That Won’t Let Us Go

By Leslie Holmes on May 4, 2020

Seminary is long, ministry is hard, and preaching can feel thankless. Yet pastors continue because God’s call compels them in ways nothing else can.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:16, Hebrews 12:2, Romans 10:14-15, 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:24  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, preaching

What Your Gospel Message Reveals About Your View Of The Gospel

By Ray Hollenbach on Sep 6, 2025

When we preach we plant seeds, but what will grow from the seeds we plant?

Tags: Ministry, Preaching, conflict, redemption, gospel message, ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

What You Absolutely Need To Let Your Guest Preacher Know

By Rev. Stuart Strachan Jr. on Sep 18, 2024

What are the most important things you need to let your guest preacher know before you head out of town?

Tags: Ministry, Preaching, practical advice, guest preaching, ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Check The Mirror, Pastor – After Five Years, Your Church Looks Like You

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 27, 2021

Show me a spiritually healthy church and I’ll show you a spiritually healthy pastor. Show me a spiritually unhealthy church and I’ll show you a spiritually unhealthy pastor.

Scripture: Hebrews 13:7

Tags: Humility, pastor, spiritual leadership, Pastoral Character, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

Good & Bad Cases Of Church Discipline

By Ray Hollenbach on Mar 11, 2025

A real church incident exposes why believers distrust discipline. Yet Scripture shows discipline is meant to heal, not harm, calling us to restore one another with Christ’s presence.

Tags: pastoral care, Pastoral Care

Seven Signs A Sermon Is (Almost) Over

By Jon Acuff on Oct 28, 2020

Jon Acuff has heard quite a few sermons in his day. Here's a handy guide for discerning when the end is near.

Tags: Preaching, pastor, End, Pastor

Church Members Don't Want A Hero, They Want A Pastor

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 12, 2021

Church members aren’t looking for super-pastors, they want basic pastoral competence, honesty and leadership. That’s what they ought to expect.

Tags: Preaching, pastor, Hero, Pastor

11 Ways To Make Christmas Your Best Outreach Of The Year

By Carey Nieuwhof on Dec 15, 2025

You may think it’s far too early to start thinking about Christmas, but think again. Whenever I’ve shared these ideas about Christmas, people say “Hey, I wish you’d talked about this earlier.” So we are.

Tags: Christmas, Outreach, Holidays, leadership, invite, pastoral leadership, Christmas Evangelism, church ministry, church leadership, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

8 Signs You May Be An Anxious Leader

By Charles Stone on Jun 27, 2024

These seven signs might indicate that your leadership is being negatively affected by how you handle your anxiety.

Scripture: Philippians 4:6

Tags: stress, leadership, Stress, Anxiety, pastoral leadership, worry and anxiety, Scripture Memory, Ministry Leadership, Leadership, anxiety  (view more)  (view less)