In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Self Care"

How To Craft Sermon Openers That Grab Attention

By Tyler Scarlett on Feb 26, 2025

A wandering introduction loses listeners before the sermon even begins. Strong, simple, and compelling first sentences draw people in and prepare them to hear God’s Word.

Scripture: Titus 2:2, Titus 2:1-2, Philippians 4:10-15, Romans 13:11-14

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

5 Principles That Keep Your Pursuit On Track

By SermonCentral .com on Jun 7, 2020

Excellence matters in ministry, but it must never become an idol. These five principles help leaders pursue quality for God’s glory without losing focus or momentum.

Scripture: Colossians 3:17, Ecclesiastes 11:4, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Matthew 28:19, Philippians 1:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pastoral Coaching

John Piper: My View Of Preaching

By John Piper on Aug 20, 2024

True preaching is expository exultation explaining the Bible and exulting over its truth. This vision shapes the church, fuels worship, and carries eternal weight.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Nehemiah 8:8, Psalm 119:18, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 10:17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

Why Preachers Must Embrace Both/And Truth

By Chris Surber on Jun 4, 2021

Biblical preaching often presents truths that appear contradictory at first glance. Wise preachers help their congregations understand how these truths fit together within the whole counsel of Scripture.

Scripture: James 2:14-26, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 3:28, Ephesians 2:8-10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

10 Tips For Preaching Shorter And More Effective Sermons

By Troy Page on Jun 14, 2021

Long sermons often lose listeners before the message lands. Clear focus, careful editing, and intentional structure can help preachers deliver messages that are both shorter and more impactful.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:2, 2 Timothy 4:2, Nehemiah 8:8, Colossians 4:6

Tags: Communication, better, short, communication

No Normal Sundays

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 23, 2021

Take a careful inventory, and you will find that most weeks this is the single most important hour of the week — and yet we are so prone to squander such a rich opportunity, sometimes even neglect it.

Tags: Communication, Worship, Commitment, Sunday, communication  (view more)  (view less)

4 Learning Styles Every Preacher Should Address

By Bruce D. Johnson on Jun 4, 2025

Many listeners disengage during sermons because preachers communicate primarily in their own learning style. Structuring sermons to address multiple learning styles can keep more people engaged.

Scripture: Luke 8:4-15, Matthew 13:23, Nehemiah 8:8, James 1:22, Colossians 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, pastor, Congregation, Engage, Engagement, Pastor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How Can The Pew Help The Pulpit?

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Mar 6, 2024

Good preaching is a partnership between pastor and congregation, pulpit and pew, the one who preaches and the one who listens.

Scripture: John 13:31-35

Tags: Preaching, pastor, Congregation, Encourage, Partnership, Pastor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

11 Vital Preaching And Pastoring Lessons I Learned From My Mentor

By Chris Hefner on Aug 19, 2025

Sometimes leadership lessons are caught as much as they are taught.

Tags: Preaching, pastor, consistent, Mentor, advance, Pastor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

One Dozen Liberating Life Lessons That Give Pastors Rest For Their Souls

By Ray Hollenbach on Oct 27, 2019

We are loaded down with so many "shoulds," we find ourselves paralyzed by the inability to apply what we know.

Tags: life lessons, Rest, Soul, Preaching

4 Things We Wish People Knew About Us As Pastors

By Lane Sebring on Nov 5, 2019

Being a pastor is unlike just about any other profession. Because of the holistic nature of the work, we tend to take on "pastor" as an identity and not just a career.

Scripture: John 12:32, John 12:29-36

Tags: Preaching, pastor, identity, Profession

When Church Members Leave: How Pastors Carry The Quiet Wound

By Greg Surratt on Apr 28, 2020

Pastors feel deep pain when people leave their church. Understanding why it happens and how to respond wisely can turn hurt into growth, humility, and renewed strength.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25-35, John 6:66-67, Proverbs 19:11, Romans 12:18, 2 Timothy 4:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Church, Church Growth, Connect, Assimilation, Church Practices, connect, church  (view more)  (view less)

5 Reasons Why Some Pastors Don't Preach Grace

By Ron Forseth on Mar 31, 2025

Grace fuels confidence, obedience, and transformation. These insights address five common objections to preaching grace and show why it is essential for righteous living.

Scripture: John 1:14, Galatians 5:1, Titus 2:11-12, Romans 6:1-4, 2 Corinthians 9:7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Grace, Preaching, Pastoral Ministry, grace, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

To A Young Pastor: Five Things I Wish I Had Known

By Rob Pochek on Nov 16, 2020

Ministry is humbling, refining, and often painful. These five lessons can steady young pastors for the long obedience ahead.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Acts 2:47, Galatians 6:1, 1 Timothy 3:4-5, Galatians 6:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Young, behavior, advice, Pastors, Foolproof  (view more)  (view less)

Should Pastors Repeat Sermons? How To Preach Old Sermons Well

By Joe Mckeever on Jun 9, 2021

Many pastors hesitate to repeat sermons, but revisiting past messages can strengthen preaching when pastors restudy the text and refine the message.

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:12-13, 2 Timothy 4:2, Ecclesiastes 12:9, Colossians 1:28, Acts 20:27  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, repeat, twice, preaching, Preaching Pastoral Ministry  (view more)  (view less)