In Preaching Articles: "Personal Growth"

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

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

Pastoring Shouldn't Be This Hard (With 4 Steps To Make It Easier)

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 7, 2021

Our obsession with numerical growth may be the unseen culprit behind a lot of burnt out pastors and unhealthy churches. Here's a short list to help you make the task of pastoring less burdensome and far more joyful.

Tags: Preaching, difficult, Pastoring, shepherding, Shepherding, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

7 Things I Love About Serving In The Established Church

By Ron Edmondson on Feb 9, 2021

Whether it’s church planting or encouraging church revitalization and growth of an existing church – if God calls you to it, and you are faithful to the call – you’ll feel His pleasure upon your obedience and service.

Tags: Church, Preaching, Serving

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

How To Preach A Stressful Sermon

By David J. Lose on Jun 28, 2021

What might our personal and congregational lives look like if we took Jesus' words more seriously at home, work, school and in our communities?

Scripture: Luke 18:31-34, Proverbs 17:1-5

Tags: stress, Preaching, Stress

Are Small Churches Less Fruitful?

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 25, 2022

Does the size of a church always speak of its faithfulness?

Scripture: John 15:5, Matthew 7:20, Matthew 12:33-34, Luke 3:9-14, Luke 3:8, Matthew 13:23  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ministry, Fruit, Faithfulness, Trusting God, Church Growth, Church size, Love One Another, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Ten Facebook Promotion Tips For Churches

By Jonathan Howe on Sep 30, 2022

How can using Facebook help you promote your church?

Tags: strategy, Church Growth, facebook, Promotion, social media, reaching the lost, church ministry, Digital Strategy  (view more)  (view less)

Mentoring For Pastors: How To Find The Right Mentor At The Right Time

By Hal Seed on Oct 28, 2022

"Do you need a mentor? Only if you want to become more like Christ, live for Jesus more purposefully, and see your church take ground for God’s glory."

Tags: leadership, Grow, Mentor, pastoral leadership, Christian growth, mentoring, call to discipleship, church leadership, Leadership  (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)

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

By Hal Seed on Mar 4, 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)