In Preaching Articles: "Practical Advice"

Work Smarter, Not Harder

By Lance Witt on Jan 10, 2022

There is a story in the Bible about a very gifted and competent leader who wasn’t working smart.

Scripture: Exodus 18:1-27

Tags: priorities, advice, Leadership Listening, walking wisely

22 Things Learned In 42 Years Of Ministry

By Ron Edmondson on Jun 25, 2022

For those of you in the vocational ministry, let me offer some reflections on 42 years of ministry.

Scripture: Isaiah 26:12

Tags: Wisdom, leadership, advice, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Preach What You Practice – Why Rehearsing Is Essential To Great Sermon Delivery

By Lane Sebring on Apr 15, 2022

I want to show you why I believe the often neglected step of rehearsing the sermon is essential to great sermon delivery.

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

Joni Eareckson Tada’s Advice For When You Don’t Wake Up Feeling Happy

By Randy Alcorn on Aug 30, 2022

It’s true that we can’t make ourselves happy in God any more than a seed can make itself grow. But we’re not just seeds. We’re greenhouse farmers who can make sure the seed is planted, watered, and fertilized.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Corinthians 3:6

Tags: Perseverance, happiness, Joy, Hope, Depression, Sorrow, Melancholy, Fighting for Joy, Up lift  (view more)  (view less)

Preacher’s Tip: If You Can Keep From Preaching, Do It

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Nov 6, 2020

Pastor H.B. Charles, Jr. shares a hard word from a father clarified a calling: true pastoral ministry is not a hobby one can drop but a necessity laid upon the soul.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:16, Jeremiah 20:9, 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:24, Galatians 1:15-16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Calling, Preaching, advice, insight, Improve, calling, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Can You Defend The Faith Without Ranting?

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 18, 2025

Excellent advice from Joe McKeever: "Stand firm, preach the word, rebuke error, and be nice about it."

Tags: advice, preach, defend the faith, ranting, preaching, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

5 Things You Should Never Say To A Small Church Pastor

By Karl Vaters on Oct 24, 2023

Don’t just get the content right. Consider how it might feel to the hurting pastors who need your help the most.

Tags: leadership, advice, Small Church, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

4 Ingredients Of A Home Run Sermon

By Rick Ezell on Feb 7, 2025

A home run sermon consistently delivers biblical substance, clarity, interest, and relevance. These four essential ingredients help preachers connect with real people.

Scripture: Mark 6:12

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, preparation, Religion, Relevance, pastoral leadership, practical ministry, preaching, teaching, Pastoral Leadership, Practical Ministry, Preaching Skills  (view more)  (view less)

How To Preach A Sermon Again Without Preaching It The Same

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 17, 2024

Repeated sermons should grow richer with time. With prayerful revision, fresh insight, and renewed engagement, a pastor can preach familiar material with greater depth.

Tags: Preaching, Homiletics, Church Practices, Pastoral Ministry, Biblical Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

When Church Members Leave: How Pastors Carry The Quiet Wound

By Greg Surratt on Apr 29, 2020

Pastors feel deep pain when people leave their church. Understanding why it happens and how to respond wisely can turn hurt into growth, humility, and renewed strength.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25-35, John 6:66-67, Proverbs 19:11, Romans 12:18, 2 Timothy 4:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Church, Church Growth, Connect, Assimilation, Church Practices, connect, church  (view more)  (view less)

3 Spiritual Lessons From Jonathan Edwards

By Kyle Strobel on Jun 7, 2025

Jonathan Edwards teaches that spiritual practices are not about technique but about knowing God. True Christian disciplines must be God-centered, relational, and filled with affection.

Scripture: John 15:5, Mark 9:24, Psalm 27:4, Jeremiah 9:23-24

Tags: Jonathan Edwards, Spiritual, spiritual, Preaching, practice, jonathan edwards, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Smart Christians Believe Dumb Spiritual Cliches

By Larry Osborne on Jun 12, 2021

Many believers unknowingly build their faith on popular Christian sayings rather than the full teaching of Scripture. Pastors must help people test these ideas against the Bible.

Scripture: John 14:6, Colossians 1:28-29, Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 2:15, Matthew 7:13-14  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Christian Growth, Preaching, advice, cliche, platitude, Christian growth, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Understanding Halloween: A Biblical Perspective For Believers

By Josh Read on Oct 28, 2025

As the autumn leaves start to crunch underfoot and the air is turning crisp, Halloween pops up on our calendars once again. For so many, it's all about the costumes, candy, and a bit of harmless fun. But for us as believers, it often sparks some thoughtful questions: Is this just a lighthearted holiday, or is there more we should consider in light of our faith? Let's dive into Scripture together and explore a gentle, biblical lens on Halloween that helps us navigate it with grace and joy.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Philippians 2:4, Matthew 22:39, Ephesians 6:12, Deuteronomy 18:10-12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Halloween, advice, Pastoring, church leadership, Church Leadership, pastoring, halloween  (view more)  (view less)

Reasonable Compensation For Pastors And Ministers

By Thomas J. Winters on Jan 10, 2025

Pastoral compensation must be fair, transparent, and compliant with IRS standards. This guide explains how churches determine reasonable pay and avoid excess benefit violations.

Tags: Money, Leader, Budget, pastor, finances, practice, Pastoral Compensation, IRS Compliance, Nonprofit Accountability, Minister Pay, Speculation, Church Practices, Leadership General, Church Governance, Pastor, leader  (view more)  (view less)

A Dozen Bad Easter Eggs: 12 Mistakes We Should Avoid This Year

By Joe Mckeever on Mar 17, 2026

Joe McKeever gets real with advice learned by the hard experience of many Easters.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Tags: Easter, Preaching, mistakes, Fail, preaching  (view more)  (view less)