In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Theology"

The Double-Edged Sword Of Ambition

By Lance Witt on Jul 9, 2024

Ambition is a blessing and a curse. When it is God-directed and Spirit-managed, it can bear tremendous fruit. But when it is hijacked by self and ego, it can leave a wake of destruction in its path.

Tags: Faithfulness, motivation, Ambition, Rest in Christ, pastoral leadership, personal holiness, entering God's rest, ministry vision  (view more)  (view less)

Getting Past Your Past

By Lance Witt on Jun 29, 2023

I know that on Sundays we walk into our churches, we smile, we shake hands, and we make nice. We pastor people and we preach from God’s Word. We are very respectable. But I know myself and I’ve worked with pastors way too long to believe that life is that neat and tidy.

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10 Creative Ways To Use The Bible In Counseling

By Elias Moitinho on Mar 11, 2025

Scripture is living and effective. With wise assessment and thoughtful methods, pastors can use the Bible creatively to guide, shape, and encourage those they counsel.

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12, Deuteronomy 2:25

Tags: Scripture Application

10 Last Minute Preaching Tips

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 26, 2020

Pastoral wisdom reminds us that preaching is personal, formational, and inseparably tied to humility, truth, and the living Christ. These quotes challenge and sharpen us.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2

Tags: Preaching, spiritual formation, preaching, Spiritual Formation

The Art Of Creating Change In Your Church

By John Bisagno on Aug 6, 2024

Change is necessary, but rushed change destroys churches. Wise pastors lead with patience, clarity, vision, and Spirit-led timing, not reaction or pressure.

Scripture: Proverbs 15:22, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Acts 20:28, Matthew 9:14-17, 1 Corinthians 14:40  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Vision Casting

10 Easier Ways To Preach About Money

By Margaret Marcuson on Jan 15, 2024

Talking about money is hard for pastors, but it shapes discipleship. These ten reminders help leaders teach stewardship with clarity, courage, and less anxiety.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:5-14, Matthew 6:24-33, Proverbs 3:9, Luke 12:15

Tags: Money, Stewardship, Preaching, Generosity, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching That Raises The Water Level

By Ray Hollenbach on Apr 29, 2025

Faithful preaching often works slowly. One sermon at a time, pastors nourish long-term growth that shapes congregations over the years.

Scripture: Jeremiah 2:13, John 4:14, Acts 20:27, Hebrews 5:12-14, Colossians 1:28  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: church leadership, Church Leadership

How To Preach Like A Combat Medic

By Chris Surber on Apr 21, 2025

Pastors must preach like combat medics, addressing real spiritual wounds with gospel truth rather than offering superficial encouragement.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, James 3:1, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:24, 2 Timothy 2:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership

Why Relational Preaching Is Harder And More Powerful

By Chris Surber on Apr 23, 2025

Faithful preaching is not detached proclamation but relational burden-bearing. Pastors who live among their people preach with greater urgency, intimacy, and impact.

Scripture: John 6:66-71, Galatians 6:2, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, 1 Timothy 4:16, Ephesians 4:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Discipleship

Preacher’s Tip: If You Can Keep From Preaching, Do It

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Nov 5, 2020

Pastor H.B. Charles, Jr. shares a personal story about a powerful preaching insight he received from his father.

Tags: Preaching, advice, insight, Improve

Go Ahead: Preach The Same Sermon Twice

By Joe Mckeever on Jun 9, 2021

"As a young pastor, I couldn't repeat a sermon any more than I could eat yesterday's breakfast again."

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:12-13

Tags: Preaching, repeat, twice, preaching

Is Your Preaching Missing This Key Component?

By Lance Witt on Jan 6, 2021

As a pastor I am embarrassed to admit this, but prayer has often been a struggle for me. And yet, it is crucial to our success in preaching.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4

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Pit Stops Required- Part 1

By Lance Witt on Sep 11, 2023

Many pastors and ministry leaders soar through life at breakneck speed. They give every outward appearance of being on course, cruising on autopilot.

Scripture: Proverbs 14:18

Tags: Prudence, Time of Reflection, New Year's Reflection, avoiding burnout

2 Rules For Transparency In The Pulpit

By Brady Boyd on Feb 20, 2025

Pastors should be honest, but honesty must be wise. True vulnerability builds hope, not confusion, and protects both the flock and loved ones from harm.

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Tags: Preaching, Honesty, Authenticity, Struggles, Transparency, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Study: What Preachers Won't Preach About

By Toni Ridgaway on Mar 27, 2020

Over half of pastors avoid certain topics for fear of losing attendees. This report raises hard questions about courage, clarity, and faithfulness in preaching.

Scripture: Acts 20:17-32

Tags: Preaching, preaching, Biblical Faithfulness