In Preaching Articles: "Paying Attention"

When Is A Sermon Good Enough?

By Stephen Gregory on Jul 16, 2024

A pastor wrestles with preparation, expectations, and perfectionism, discovering how God uses imperfect sermons when the preacher is faithful, honest, and attentive to the flock.

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3

Tags: Church, Preaching, pastor, spiritual growth, Communication General, Pastoral Ministry, Ministry Leadership, Pastor, Sermon Preparation, preaching, church, sermon preparation, Preaching Challenges, Spiritual Growth  (view more)  (view less)

How Long Should A Sermon Be?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jul 11, 2020

There is no universal sermon length. What matters most is clarity, focus, and the preacher’s ability to hold attention around one central point.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, Nehemiah 8:8, 1 Corinthians 14:8, Colossians 4:6

Tags: Communication, Preaching, preparation, Homiletics, Time, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Use Humor Like A Hammer (Plus 4 Other Great Preaching Tips)

By Chris Foster on Feb 5, 2024

The average attention span has dropped from 12 minutes to 5 minutes. If this is true, what does that mean for you as a communicator of the Gospel?

Scripture: Exodus 3:7-17, John 14:26

Tags: Preaching, humor, social media, storytelling, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Top 7 Myths About Seminary

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 29, 2022

If you want to get people’s attention or have the room go silent, just announce that you’ve decided to go to seminary.

Tags: BIBLE STUDY, Seminary, study bible, Bible Study, Jesus Relationship, bible study  (view more)  (view less)

The Secret To Memorable Preaching

By Larry Osborne on May 10, 2023

Linking small groups to weekend sermons increases attentiveness, note-taking, and application, turning preaching into lasting transformation rather than forgettable moments.

Scripture: Acts 2:42, James 1:22, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 10:24-25  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Discipleship, Preaching, Small groups, Great, preaching, Small Groups  (view more)  (view less)

Why Illustrations Make Preaching Unforgettable

By Dr. Larry Moyer on May 22, 2020

Illustrations turn speakers into communicators. They clarify truth, reveal the preacher’s understanding, awaken attention, and help listeners see biblical realities clearly.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, John 6:44, Matthew 13:34, Proverbs 25:11, Psalm 78:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, illustration, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

You Can Preach About Pentecost Then, But What About Pentecost Now?

By David J. Lose on May 23, 2023

Few holidays present themselves as ripe for nostalgia as Pentecost. Weren't these the glory days of the church--spirit-filled preaching, attentive listening, 3,000 converted in a single day?

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18, John 2:1-12

Tags: Preaching, preaching

8 Starts To Avoid In Your Preaching

By Rachel Blom on Jan 4, 2023

The first moments of a sermon shape whether people will stay engaged. These eight common but ineffective sermon starts reveal what preachers should avoid to maintain attention and build trust with listeners.

Tags: Homiletics

Update Your First Impression

By Chet Gladkowski on Jun 22, 2020

Churches often obsess over greeters and giveaways while ignoring the real first impression: their digital presence, unified message, and attention to detail. These oversights quietly drive people away before they ever walk through the doors.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:8, Habakkuk 2:2, Colossians 4:6, Proverbs 11:14, Matthew 28:19-20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: strategy, Strategy