In Preaching Articles: "Practical Advice"

Crafting A Strong Sermon: 10 Checkpoints

By Outreach Inc. on Aug 30, 2024

From prayer to practice, this pastoral reflection outlines a sermon preparation process shaped by reverence, responsibility, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Scripture: Proverbs 21:31, Matthew 16:18-19, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 6:4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Holy Spirit

Pulpit Abuse: What It Is And How To Stop It

By Calvin Miller on Sep 23, 2024

Do your sermons always circle back to your favorite topics? If so, you might be practicing pulpit abuse.

Scripture: Matthew 24:28

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Spiritual Discipline Of Anticipation

By Lance Witt on May 25, 2022

Let me ask you, what are you trusting God for? Where are you practicing the spiritual discipline of anticipation?

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20

Tags: Preaching, anticipation, active faith, Possible with God, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

4 Ways To Keep Your Evangelistic Edge In Preaching

By J. John on Apr 2, 2020

Evangelistic preaching flows from a heart on fire for the lost. Be yourself, be prayerful, be clear, and be practical so the gospel connects and bears fruit.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:5, 2 Corinthians 5:14, Isaiah 6:9-10, Matthew 13:13-15, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Evangelism, evangelism, Evangelism Training

7 Ways To Help Prevent Leadership Loneliness

By Paul Loyless on Apr 22, 2020

Pastoral isolation is real, but preventable. These practical rhythms help pastors resist burnout, build community, and serve without losing heart.

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-33, 1 Corinthians 12:14-20, Exodus 20:8-10, Mark 6:31, Galatians 6:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Spiritual Renewal

Top 10 Tips For Handling Church Critics

By Charles Stone on Aug 9, 2024

Criticism is unavoidable in ministry, but how pastors respond shapes their health and leadership. Here are practical ways to face critics with maturity and grace.

Scripture: Proverbs 15:1, James 1:19-20, Galatians 6:1, Proverbs 27:6, Colossians 3:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ministry Skills

How I Learned To Preach–and What I'm Learning Still

By Doug Paul on Jul 15, 2020

Most effective teachers do not start original. They learn through listening, imitation, and practice before discovering a voice that is truly their own.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Timothy 2:2, Proverbs 22:6, Hebrews 13:7

Tags: leadership, Preaching, spiritual formation, Leadership, preaching, Spiritual Formation  (view more)  (view less)

10 Sacred Cows That Need To Be Tipped

By Jared Moore on Sep 7, 2024

From entertainment-driven sermons to numbers-obsessed ministry, this article challenges common church practices that subtly undermine biblical faithfulness.

Scripture: John 21:20-22, Matthew 28:18-20, John 4:23-24, 1 Corinthians 1:21, Galatians 1:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Faithfulness, Method, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership, Preaching Ministry  (view more)  (view less)

How To Land Speaking Engagements

By Ben Arment on Oct 14, 2020

Ben Arment suggests eight practical steps that could expand your ministry beyond the pulpit. Why not give them a try?

Tags: Speak, Preaching, Ability, public, language, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Power Of Vivid Description

By Peter Mead on Jul 22, 2024

Peter Mead: "I’m convinced that one of the key ingredients for effective preaching is effective and vivid description. Practice it. Learn it."

Scripture: Proverbs 22:6

Tags: Power, Preaching, illustration, descriptions, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

7 Ways To Affair-Proof Your Ministry

By Ron Edmondson on Jul 7, 2020

Moral failure devastates families and churches. These seven practical guardrails help leaders protect their hearts, marriages, and ministries from the pull of lust.

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Matthew 5:28, 1 Timothy 3:2

Tags: Character

Preaching For Deep Change: Are You Sharing Information Or Changing Lives?

By Ed Stetzer on Jun 24, 2025

Does your preaching give people everything they need to embrace change? Ed Stetzer offers practical suggestions for moving people forward.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:6-9

Tags: Preaching, Transformation, Forward, deep change, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Top 13 Preaching Mistakes

By Bob Hostetler on Jan 13, 2025

A practical guide outlining 13 common preaching mistakes, with tips to avoid them and deliver sermons that are clear, Christ-centered, and spiritually nourishing.

Tags: Preaching, Homiletics, preaching tips, Pastoral Ministry, Expository Preaching, Sermon Preparation, preaching, expository preaching, sermon preparation, Preaching Tips  (view more)  (view less)

8 Lame Excuses Church Leaders Make

By Carey Nieuwhof on Mar 28, 2023

One of the best practices you can develop as a leader is to identify your excuses and eliminate them. Start thinking and talking a different game.

Tags: leadership, Preaching, church culture, Explanation, Rules, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Building A Preaching Team – Part Ii: Calendars, Rhythms And Getting Everyone On The Same Page

By Ross Lester on May 14, 2024

Many people are intrigued but leery of using a preaching team approach. This article aims to provide some practical answers to the obstacles involved in the process.

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Preaching Help, Pastoral Ministry, Pulpit Ministry, church ministry, Preaching Team, Ministry help, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)