In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Self Care"

Why I Love To Preach

By Joseph M. Stowell on Nov 24, 2021

Preaching is a strange mix of joy, agony, insecurity, and calling; this article explores why pastors keep returning to the pulpit and how God uses their weakness.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Hebrews 4:12

Tags: Church, Preaching, pastor, Palm Sunday, Homiletics, Disciplines General, Pastor, preaching, church  (view more)  (view less)

5 Signs That You Need To Quit Something

By Charles Stone on Nov 28, 2023

Quitters never win and winners never quit was drilled into my mind at an early age. I believed it. I practiced it. I lived it. I only quit one thing in my life before age 18, my high school football team. I quit because I sat on the bench 99.976% of the time. Since, then, however, I’ve questioned the veracity of that phrase, as catchy as it may sound.

Tags: strategy, Overwhelmed, Busyness, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, giving up, quitting, Saying no  (view more)  (view less)

One Thing Sets Elders Apart

By David Mathis on Oct 6, 2022

What does the Bible teach about the role and qualifications of elders?

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:11, Hebrews 13:7, Titus 2:7-8, 1 Timothy 4:13-16, Hebrews 5:12-14, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Teaching, elder, Eldership, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, elders, Elder Qualification, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Would You Rather Hear *good Sermon, Pastor* Or *you Just Destroyed My World*?

By David Fitch on Feb 3, 2023

There's a difference between safe, enjoyable preaching and challenging the listener. How do you divide the two?

Tags: Devil, Preaching, Safe, challenge, listener, enjoyable, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

A Pastor's Dilemma: What To Do When You Can't See The Vision For Your Church

By Karl Vaters on May 12, 2022

Not every pastor is called to cast a grand, singular vision for their congregation.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12

Tags: vision, pastoral leadership, Great Commandment, Vision Casting

Pastoral Transition: Setting Your Church Up For Ministry Success After You're Gone

By Karl Vaters on Oct 19, 2023

Following a long-term, successful pastorate is one of the hardest callings in ministry. Every pastor should do everything we can to make it as easy as possible for the next pastor and the church to do great ministry after we leave.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12

Tags: leadership, servant leadership, Pastoral Transition, Decentralize, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Leadership And Church Size Dynamics

By Tim Keller on Jan 2, 2025

Tim Keller explores one of the most talked-about church issues: the relationship of size to church health and culture.

Scripture: Hebrews 11:9-11, Jeremiah 23:16, Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:22, Matthew 22:29, 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, Malachi 2:1-17, Isaiah 33:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Church, Growth, leadership, pastor, Church Growth, size, Leadership General, Pastor, Leadership, church  (view more)  (view less)

8 Preachable Marks Of A Transformed Life

By Philip Nation on Jan 8, 2025

Spiritual transformation is God’s work in believers, shaping them into Christ’s image. These eight biblical marks help pastors guide their people toward genuine gospel change.

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

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

5 Top Priorities For Increasing Your Church

By Charles Arn on Jan 10, 2025

Decades of research reveal five church-growth principles—disciple-making, relationships, felt-needs, transitions, and social networks—that help any church engage its community.

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Tags: Growth, Discipleship, leadership, pastor, Church Growth, Ministry Leadership, Pastor, Leadership, Congregational Health  (view more)  (view less)

The Word Nobody Likes… Part 1

By Lance Witt on Jun 16, 2024

A couple of years ago I had the chance to sit down with a former staff member that had served on my team more than a decade ago. We really hadn’t kept in touch very much. At one point during our lunch the conversation turned more serious. And in a moment of candor he said to me “You know, you weren’t very easy to work for.” The truth is, he was right.

Scripture: Proverbs 27:5-6, Galatians 2:11-13

Tags: Humility, leadership, Accountability, Rebuke, Teachable, pastoral leadership, unteachable spirit, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership  (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: Growth, leadership, sleep, productivity, Rest, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church leadership, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Powerful Preaching Means Transformation, Not Information

By James Scott on Jul 12, 2020

Being informed by Scripture can still leave lives unchanged. Biblical Christianity calls for Christ to be formed within us, producing real transformation, not mere knowledge.

Scripture: Galatians 4:19, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Colossians 1:27, James 1:22-25  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Transformation, preaching, Pastoral Theology

8 Must-Have Elements Of Your Easter Sermon

By Josh Reich on Dec 10, 2024

Easter preaching should not be an annual performance but the weekly pattern of faithful proclamation that points to Jesus, offers hope, and calls for clear response.

Scripture: Ezekiel 22:23-31, Luke 24:1-12, Romans 1:16, John 11:25, Colossians 1:18  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Easter, Preaching, Pastoral Ministry, preaching

How To Discover Your True North Value

By Charles Stone on Apr 12, 2023

What are the core values that guide you as a leader?

Tags: leadership, Pastoral Ministry, Values, Leadership

Why Small Churches Don’t Grow

By Joe Mckeever on Sep 20, 2024

Small church growth stalls for reasons deeper than numbers. These ten barriers reveal why congregations stay stuck and how leaders can pursue renewed health and mission.

Scripture: John 13:35, Psalm 85:6, Luke 11:1-2

Tags: Church, Outreach, pastor, Church Growth, Health, Fail, Church Health, Small Church, Church Practices, pastoral leadership, spiritual vitality, Pastor, church, Pastoral Leadership, Small Church Growth, Congregational Renewal, Spiritual Vitality  (view more)  (view less)