In Preaching Articles: "Pastoral Theology"

What Do You Do When Your Sermon Is Interrupted? Try This Five-Point Checklist

By Joe Mckeever on Mar 11, 2023

Sooner or later, every pastor has it happen. You're in the middle of a sermon, all is going well, you're on top of your game, the Lord is near, the people are listening well. And then, bam!

Scripture: Psalm 75:4-7, Matthew 12:8-13, John 12:25-30

Tags: Preaching, guidance, Surprise, interrupted, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Seeing Is Not Always Believing

By R. C. Sproul on Nov 29, 2022

One comment that Christian pastors sometimes hear from people they are counseling is that it would be easier for them to have a strong faith if they could see God doing the same kinds of miracles today as are recorded in the Bible.

Scripture: Joshua 7:6-9, John 11:45-53

Tags: Faith, doubt, Joshua, Believe, miracles, Courage, Seeing, faith and obedience  (view more)  (view less)

Why Preparing Sermons Takes Me So Long

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 31, 2020

A candid walk through sermon preparation, showing how prayer, Bible study, reflection, and disciplined refinement shape faithful and Spirit-led preaching.

Scripture: Exodus 14:8-14

Tags: Teaching, Study, Preaching, BIBLE STUDY, preparation, Homiletics, Bible Study, Pastoral Ministry, Sermon Preparation, bible study, preaching, teaching, sermon preparation  (view more)  (view less)

3 Reasons Good Preaching Is As Important As Ever

By Joe Hoagland on Jul 28, 2022

People love to tell you that preaching is irrelevant in this day and age. But contrary to this kind of thinking, good preaching does remain important. In fact, preaching remains as important as it has ever been.

Tags: Communication, Preaching, Teaching God's Word, Pastoral Ministry, faithful preaching, Value of Preaching, Modern Age, Busy Culture, Shepherd the Flock, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Preaching Grace Feels Dangerous

By Peter Mead on Jun 27, 2020

Many pastors affirm grace while quietly qualifying it. This piece challenges preachers to proclaim God’s grace in its full, radical purity without diluting it with human safeguards or legal add-ons.

Scripture: Galatians 2:21, Galatians 5:1, Romans 6:1-4, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 2:11-14  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: law and Gospel, Law And Gospel

The Gift Of Being Unproductive

By Lance Witt on Mar 21, 2023

In some ways I am the least likely pastor to write an article on Sabbath keeping. For the first thirty years of my Christian life, the concept of Sabbath wasn’t even a blip on my spiritual radar.

Tags:

Restore Passion To Your Preaching: Three Essential Steps

By Ken Davis on Aug 28, 2024

Many pastors quietly lose passion in the pulpit, preaching out of duty rather than delight. This article explores why that happens and how renewed preparation, dependence on the Spirit, and gospel-centered humility restore joy and power.

Scripture: John 12:20-30, Isaiah 55:11, Philippians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 4:5, John 15:5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Holy Spirit

Should I Leave My Current Ministry Position?

By Josh Reich on Feb 25, 2021

Too many pastors work at churches they would not attend if they didn’t get paid to be there. Think about this: If you work at a church, would you attend it if you didn’t get paid to be there?

Tags: Job, Preaching

7 Things That Get Harder As Your Church Grows

By Carey Nieuwhof on Nov 7, 2023

Ever think that growth will solve all your problems?

Tags: leadership, Church Growth, Healthy Church, pastoral leadership, church ministry, church problems, church priorities, Effective Leadership, Focus on Numbers, Elias livingstone, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

The Ultimate Character Test Any Great Leader Passes

By Carey Nieuwhof on Nov 14, 2023

Moral failure takes out more leaders than it should. But real success is deeper than just avoiding the ditch.

Tags: leadership, Character, Faithfulness, Home Life, Integrity, Popularity, pastoral leadership, church leadership, First Things First, Leadership Failure, True Success, e, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Dave Stone’s 8 Principles To Great Preaching

By Brandon Kelley on Sep 10, 2022

Dave Stone’s 8 Principles to Great Preaching

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10

Tags: Communication, Teaching, Preaching, Preaching Help, Communication Speech, Pastoral Ministry, sermon prep, effective preaching, Sermon Prep, communication, preaching, teaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

Relevant, Old Paths

By Rev. Burk Parsons on Nov 26, 2022

If we are to redirect the current paths of young people, we must begin in the church by taking up the charge to come alongside younger men and women, and teach them the old, ancient values of God's Word.

Tags: teach, BIBLE STUDY, bible truth, Bible Study, Bible Truth, pastoral leadership, teach children, call to discipleship, guard the truth, child training, bible study  (view more)  (view less)

What Brian Williams Has To Teach Us About Preaching

By Rob Pochek on Nov 15, 2021

Pastor Rob Pochek details four solid lessons we can draw from current events. Image source: David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Tags: Lesson, Preaching, current events, brian williams, nbc nightly news, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Crafting A Culture Of Honor

By Lance Witt on Oct 22, 2020

In the middle of this election year, the amount of vicious attack and trash talking has reached a new high (or low). I think it is time that we as pastors take the lead in helping our congregations and communities know how to treat one another.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:32, 1 John 4:7-8, John 13:35, Romans 12:10

Tags: honor

Why Some People Aren’t Happy With Your Preaching

By Peter Mead on Feb 28, 2025

Many pastors are blindsided when members quietly express frustration with their preaching. The reasons vary widely, ranging from communication issues to personality friction to the discomfort of genuine conviction. Preachers can respond well, shepherd wisely, and preach faithfully for the glory of Christ.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12, James 3:1, Galatians 1:10, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Communication, Preaching, Criticism, church leadership, criticism, Sermon Preparation, communication, preaching, sermon preparation, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)