In Preaching Articles: "People Over Programs"

When People Criticize Your Preaching

By Lance Witt on Jan 9, 2021

Gifted speakers and novices alike experience this unenjoyable aspect: people's criticism. In today's Pastor to Pastor, Lance Witt discusses a proper response from a biblical perspective.

Scripture: Proverbs 8:33

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Doctrine Is Not Enough: Does Your Preaching Connect With People?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Feb 21, 2023

Doctrinal sermons are fine, but do they connect to human experience?

Tags: connection, homiletical, preaching, people, Preaching, Doctrine  (view more)  (view less)

Reluctant Leadership Is Better Than Nothing

By Joe Mckeever on Jan 18, 2021

You ask the question and–this is critical–you remain standing. You are not just expressing a point of view, you are asking for answers. And you are doing so in such a sweet manner, no one can accuse you of trying to stir up anything.

Scripture: Romans 9:1-20

Tags: responsibility, Preaching, hurting people, servant leadership

It's A Wonderful Time To Be A Christian

By Garrett Kell on Apr 20, 2022

Christians are uniquely equipped to thrive in tumultuous times, not because we are great, but because our God is.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:14, 1 Peter 2:12, Matthew 7:12, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Corinthians 5:16-20, Ephesians 4:1-3, John 17:20-21, John 15:20, Luke 12:40, Mark 14:38, Romans 13:11, Matthew 24:14, Psalm 73:2-25  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Reconciliation, authentic Christian, Purified, unreached peoples

When The Church Exists For Itself

By Joe Mckeever on May 11, 2022

Churches do programs and ministries which no one will ever partake of except themselves.

Scripture: Acts 13:1, Acts 11:19-20, Acts 8:1, Mark 5:19, Romans 10:14, Luke 14:14  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Evangelism, Outreach, Persecution, church culture, evangelism  (view more)  (view less)

9 Preaching Tips That Will Change Lives

By Rick Warren on Jan 16, 2025

I'll say it over and over: The purpose of preaching is obedience. That is why you should always preach for response, aiming for people to act on what is said.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:13, Proverbs 6:18-20

Tags: pain, Eternity, Grace, obedience, Rumor, Preaching, Sex, Change, repentance, Alcohol, who is jesus, Repentance, grace, preaching, Pain  (view more)  (view less)

When The Message Ends, Where Are People Focused?

By Peter Mead on Jul 28, 2025

Where are people looking as they leave? If we're not careful, they will walk out with gaze firmly fixed on self.

Tags: Message, Preaching, Self, focus, listener, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Preacher: Tell Your People What They Are!

By Lane Sebring on May 15, 2025

Great leaders set high expectations and truly believe their church is capable of meeting them.

Scripture: Romans 8:28-31

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Seven Key Reasons People Choose A Church

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 10, 2022

Why did you choose to come to this church?

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47

Tags: Church, Children, Volunteerism, good sermon, church  (view more)  (view less)

Communicating With Confidence When People Distrust Pastors

By Ed Stetzer on Apr 20, 2024

This article is the fifth of six in a series on preaching in light of cultural shifts and biblical illiteracy.

Tags: preaching, teaching, holiness, Sermon prep, Preaching, pastor, Holiness, sermon prep, Pastor, Sermon Prep, Teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Five Steps To Respond To A Hurtful And Hateful Email

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 7, 2022

“You have no business being the pastor of our church. All you are interested in is getting your own way and changing all the good things we have going. People are saying you should be fired. I agree with them.”

Scripture: Proverbs 15:1

Tags: church ministry, Difficult People, Facing Controversy, criticism, Leadership, Perseverance, leadership, conflict, Criticism, loving people, pastoral leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Why Preaching On Thanksgiving Is So Difficult

By David J. Lose on Nov 18, 2025

Other than saying, "We ought to be thankful," what is there to say?

Tags: people, Preaching, Thanks, gratitude, Thanksgiving Holiday, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

A Dozen Ways To Kill A Great Idea

By SermonCentral .com on May 29, 2021

From preaching topics to outreach programs, how many great ideas have fallen into these potholes?

Tags: Idea, Plan, Kill, Improve, Church Practices  (view more)  (view less)

Thinking Bigger: How One Outreach Weekend Reshaped A Church’s Vision

By Hal Seed on Mar 5, 2025

A reformed mob boss drew 1,000 guests, 50 salvations, and momentum that reshaped outreach, volunteers, systems, and future vision for church-wide evangelism.

Tags: Church, Preaching, program, Church Growth, Invitation, Visitors, Market, Ministry Leadership, preaching, church, Guest Speakers  (view more)  (view less)

5 Ways To Grow Your Church's Congregation

By Ricardo Hernandez on Apr 17, 2023

Dwindling church attendance is a concern faced by almost every established or newly-created church and should be strategically addressed. Here are five simple approaches that will make your church more inviting for your existing members and help attract new ones.

Tags: connect, young people, church, members, Connect, Young people, social media, community, church members, Community, Church, Church Members  (view more)  (view less)