In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Theology"

12 Simple Ways To Be A Pastor Who Prays Like A Warrior

By Hal Seed on Nov 10, 2022

I believe every pastor ought to be a prayer warrior.

Scripture: Isaiah 56:7, 1 Samuel 3:10

Tags: Prayer, daily prayer, Prayer for Others, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, Holy Spirit's Power, Seek God's Face, God hears prayer  (view more)  (view less)

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

Are You A Preacher Or A Motivational Speaker?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jan 6, 2023

Many sermons sound inspiring yet leave out the cross and the coming kingdom. When preaching mimics self-help, it loses the gospel’s power and eternal focus.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Luke 9:23, Galatians 6:14, Matthew 6:19-21

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

How To Engage The Whole Congregation

By Bruce D. Johnson on Jun 4, 2025

All of us have a propensity to want to communicate in our own preferred style. But what if your style doesn't reach everyone?

Scripture: Luke 8:4-15

Tags: Congregation, Engage, Engagement, Pastor, preaching, Preaching, pastor  (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: Congregation, Encourage, Partnership, Pastor, preaching, Preaching, pastor  (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)

Death By Ministry

By Eugene Cho on Jan 22, 2025

Pastoral ministry is rewarding yet deeply taxing. These insights and statistics reveal its strain, spiritual battles, and the urgent need to care for our pastors well.

Tags: Ministry, leadership, pastor, Servanthood, Church Body of Christ, Pastor, Pastor Encouragement, Clergy Wellness, Leadership, ministry challenges, ministry, pastor encouragement, Pastoral Health, Ministry Challenges  (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

Young or old, we all have a list of the things we want to pass on to the next generation. Are any of these yours?

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

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

One Pastor's View: Which Bible Translations Should You Read?

By Clay Smith on Jul 16, 2021

Here's how one pastor answers a commonly-asked question. How would you answer?

Tags: Bible, Holy Spirit, Guide, translation, Bible Influence, bible  (view more)  (view less)