In Preaching Articles: "Pastors"

The Overwhelming Majority Of Pastors Don’t Have One

By Lance Witt on Jul 26, 2023

The truth is those of us in ministry often don’t do the friendship thing very well. One survey among pastors found that 70 percent do not have a close friend, confidant, or mentor. Henri Nouwen wrote, “Most Christian leadership is exercised by people who do not know how to develop healthy, intimate relationships.” What an indictment.

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How Does A Pastor Fight Through The Preaching Hangover

By Brian Croft on Sep 6, 2023

You may call it something different, but every pastor knows about it. It is the mental, emotional, and spiritual crash that takes place the next day (Monday) as a result of pouring your heart and soul out in the proclamation of God’s word to God’s people the day before.

Tags: Preaching, Silence, Rest, intimacy with Christ, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

4 Ways Pastors Can Refill Their Depleted Souls

By Charles Stone on Apr 21, 2022

Although we intuitively understand how to refuel ourselves, we often don’t do it. He challenged us to ask why we don’t.

Scripture: Mark 1:35-39

Tags: relationships, Rest, soul care, intimacy with Christ

How To Be A Strategic Pastor And See Your Church Grow

By Hal Seed on Aug 29, 2022

You make a dozen decisions a day. How do you know what’s the right decision? What moves your church forward? What’s wasting time?

Tags: leadership, strategy, Retreat, Effectiveness, productivity, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church leadership, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

When Pastors Misplace Their Identity: 10 Probing Questions

By Charles Stone on Sep 19, 2022

“No one is more influential in your life than you are, because no one talks to you more than you do.” ––Paul Tripp

Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:1

Tags: Ministry, identity, Identity in Christ, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church leadership, Right Priorities, self assement, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Shepherd God’s Flock: Our Job As Pastors

By Chris Pascarella on Sep 20, 2022

As pastors, we’re called to shepherd the flock (1 Peter 5:2). In fact, God holds us accountable for our shepherding (Hebrews 13:17). But what does it look like to shepherd?

Scripture: Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:2

Tags: Shepherd, strategy, Eldership, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, shepherding, Shepherding  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching God's Dangerous Truth

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jun 17, 2020

Preaching must resist political birthright-stealers and proclaim the dangerous truth that God has come. Advent calls us to vision, courage, and bold proclamation.

Scripture: Luke 2:10, Matthew 13:17, Matthew 10:7, Revelation 10:10-11, Micah 4:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, preaching, pastoral courage, Pastoral Courage

Ten Passages For Preachers To Memorize Cold

By SermonCentral .com on Jun 24, 2021

What passages do you have at your fingertips, word-for-word? What passages would you add to this list?

Scripture: Matthew 11:28

Tags: Scripture, pastor, memory, memorization, memorize, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

Can You Separate The Man From The Message?

By Carl Trueman on Mar 6, 2024

Years ago I caused trouble when I started my message by declaring that it really did not matter if the pastor was an adulterer or not.

Tags: Separation, Preaching, pastor, adultery, Pastor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

10 Gifts Only A Preacher's Wife Can Give

By Joe Mckeever on Oct 15, 2025

Joe McKeever: "She has the best seat in the house and the hardest job."

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Tags: Preaching, pastor's wife, preaching, Pastor's Wife

12 Powerful Questions Pastors Should Ask About Effective Leadership

By Charles Stone on Jun 9, 2023

Here are a helpful set of questions about effective leadership pastors should ask themselves and ask about those who serve on their staff.

Tags: leadership, Preaching, pastor, Pastor, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

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

By Hal Seed on Nov 11, 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 27, 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 7, 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 8, 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