In Preaching Articles: "Personal Devotions"

The Value And Necessity Of Authentic Preaching

By Craig Groeschel on Feb 13, 2025

Authentic preaching demands more than skill; it requires transparency. When Scripture shapes the preacher personally, the message gains depth, credibility, and power.

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-24

Tags: identity, authentic, Leadership General, Communicator, Authentic  (view more)  (view less)

John Piper: Bible-Oriented Preaching Or Entertainment?

By John Piper on Aug 23, 2024

True preaching is bound to Scripture, not personality. A Bible-tethered preacher speaks with God’s authority, while entertainment preaching drifts from the Word.

Scripture: John 17:20, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 66:2

Tags: Scripture, Entertainment, john calvin, John Calvin

10 Ways To Avoid Indecent Exposure In The Pulpit

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on May 13, 2025

Sermon illustrations can clarify truth or distract from it. Here are ten principles to help preachers use personal stories with wisdom and restraint.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5, Proverbs 11:13, James 3:1, Ephesians 4:29, 1 Corinthians 10:31  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Exposure, preaching, Pulpit, Sermon Illustrations, Preaching, pulpit, Modesty  (view more)  (view less)

The Main Reason Our Sermons Don't Get Through To People

By Nathan Aaseng on Dec 2, 2025

Ask the average person in the street what Christianity is about and the answer will be nowhere near what most of us proclaim in our pulpits every week.

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Tags: Preaching, preaching

It's All About The Groom

By Lance Witt on Apr 11, 2024

In a healthy church Jesus is the most famous person. He gets the most airtime, he is the most talked about, and he is clearly center stage.

Scripture: Revelation 19:7, John 3:29, Song of Songs 8:1-4

Tags: Church Health, Pastoral Character, fixing eyes on Jesus, Christ Centered

Is Your Preaching Teacher-Centered Or Learner-Centered?

By Thom Schultz on May 18, 2023

Effective preaching prioritizes spiritual growth over personal preference. Pastors must ask whether their methods truly serve the people they are called to teach.

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 9:22, Colossians 1:28, 2 Timothy 2:15, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: New, Preaching, embrace, Preacher, Method, preaching, preacher  (view more)  (view less)

Why I Pace Before I Preach

By Walter Wangerin Jr. on Apr 30, 2020

Preaching demands the whole person, and fear often accompanies love for God and His people. Pacing, trembling, and praying become part of delivering a faithful message.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:3, Jeremiah 20:9, Exodus 4:10-12, 2 Corinthians 4:7, James 3:1  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Emotions, Preaching, pulpit, preparation, preaching, Pastoral Life, Pulpit  (view more)  (view less)

When Preachers Intrude Too Much

By Joe Mckeever on Aug 21, 2024

Personal stories can help a sermon—but too much “me” distracts from Christ. This reflection warns preachers to minimize self and elevate the Savior.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5, Psalm 141:3, John 3:30, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 1 Peter 4:11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Self examination, Sermon Craft, Self Examination

Can Preaching Be Taught? Four Traits Of Effective Preachers

By Hershael York on May 24, 2021

While natural gifts may influence preaching ability, effective preaching ultimately depends on deeper spiritual and personal qualities that can be developed over time.

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:2, Jeremiah 20:9, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Timothy 4:16, Acts 4:31  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Price, better, Homiletics, Improve, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Preach Like You’re Having A Conversation

By Lane Sebring on Jan 20, 2026

Want your sermons to connect on a deeper level? Learn how a conversational preaching style can make your message more personal, relatable, and engaging.

Tags: authentic ministry, Authentic Ministry

Why Too Many Sermon Illustrations Hurt Your Preaching

By Bruce D. Johnson on Oct 13, 2024

Many modern sermons rely too heavily on the preacher’s personal stories. Effective illustrations should clarify truth and help ordinary listeners apply it.

Scripture: Colossians 1:28, Romans 10:14, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 2 Timothy 4:2, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: preaching, Preaching, pastor, Self, Homiletics, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

There Is No 'us' Or 'them,' There Is Just 'us'

By Jeff K. Clarke on Dec 16, 2021

One of the primary reasons we struggle with differing views on any subject is that we believe acceptance equals agreement. That is, to accept a person or their argument is to agree with them.

Scripture: John 13:34-35

Tags: Love, Fear, conversation, anger, disagreement  (view more)  (view less)

3 Levels Of Leadership: Are Your Leaders In The Right Place?

By Brandon Kelley on Sep 4, 2022

Every church has leaders, but not every church has leaders in the right place. If there’s a person in the wrong place in leadership, extensive damage can be done.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:12

Tags: leadership, Teamwork, Dependability, pastoral leadership, servant leadership, church leadership, Leader of Others, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

10 Suggestions For The Shepherd Of A Stagnant Flock

By Joe Mckeever on Jun 2, 2020

Most churches plateau or decline, but pastors don’t have to. These ten truths challenge leaders to grow personally and guide struggling congregations toward renewed health.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:6, Acts 2:47, James 1:5, Philippians 1:9, Zechariah 4:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Sheep, Apathy, lead, Church Purpose of, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

10 Things We Should Never Tell A Preacher

By Joe Mckeever on Oct 30, 2025

When I honor the Lord’s shepherd, I honor the Lord Jesus Christ. He takes personally my treatment of His servant. That should put the fear of the Lord into us. And keep it there.

Tags: Preaching, preaching