In Preaching Articles: "Personal Life"

When Preachers Intrude Too Much

By Joe Mckeever on Aug 22, 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 29, 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

Why I Hate The Word Balance

By Lance Witt on May 30, 2023

A life of balance has always seemed like a “pipe dream”, something that just wasn’t realistic or attainable. To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever had a moment of balance in my entire life. I can’t think of a single moment when every area of my life and ministry were “spinning” smoothly.

Scripture: Mark 10:46

Tags: Pastors, rhythm, emotional health

Francis Chan: We Need To Think Biblically

By Francis Chan on Mar 10, 2025

Francis Chan says that his life is not radical compared to the lives in the Book of Acts.

Tags: Commitment, Preaching, action, radical, weird, Bible Influence, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why I Value Practical Preaching

By Bob Hostetler on Jan 13, 2023

"Exhortation without identification, inspiration or application is unlikely to produce life change in the listener."

Tags: Preaching, identification, inspiration, application, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How One Preacher Responds To The Faith Vs. Science Debate: Everyone Lives By Faith

By Joe Mckeever on Nov 2, 2024

The simple fact is everyone on the planet lives by faith. LIFE is a faith thing. For everyone.

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:4-6

Tags: Preaching, Debate, living by faith, faith vs science, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

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

By Jeff K. Clarke on Dec 17, 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 5, 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)

How To Be An Awesome Guest Preacher

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Nov 18, 2020

If you're asked to guest-speak, you need these 10 real-life rules.

Tags: guest, Preaching, Courtesy, participate, Expectation, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Four Foundations Of Handling God's Word

By Ed Stetzer on Aug 13, 2021

LifeWay Research discovered four common factors in good preaching. Are they part of yours?

Tags: Bible, Preaching, Useful, God's Word, sufficient  (view more)  (view less)

How 450 Sermons Revealed Four Preaching Truths

By Ed Stetzer on Sep 1, 2021

LifeWay Research discovered four common factors in good preaching. Are they part of yours?

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12

Tags: Truth, Preaching, the word, ed stetzer

10 Suggestions For The Shepherd Of A Stagnant Flock

By Joe Mckeever on Jun 3, 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)

The Ultimate Character Test Any Great Leader Passes

By Carey Nieuwhof on Nov 14, 2023

Moral failure takes out more leaders than it should. But real success is deeper than just avoiding the ditch.

Tags: leadership, Character, Faithfulness, Home Life, Integrity, Popularity, pastoral leadership, church leadership, First Things First, Leadership Failure, True Success, e, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Most Preachers Say No To Endorsing Candidates

By Carol Pipes on Mar 18, 2024

According to LifeWay research, the vast majority of pastors stay away from this sensitive area.

Tags: Politics, election, candidate

Christmas: Glory!

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 17, 2025

There were points in our Savior's life when His glory shone temporarily through the veil.

Tags: Christmas, Glory, Preaching, rc sproul, preaching  (view more)  (view less)