In Preaching Articles: "Preaching Challenges"

3 Reasons Why I Give My Listeners Homework (And Why You Should, Too)

By Ray Hollenbach on Oct 21, 2025

When we ask something more of our congregation we will quickly discover whether we are preaching for spiritual entertainment or spiritual formation.

Tags: Discipleship

Why Preparing Sermons Takes Me So Long

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 31, 2020

A candid walk through sermon preparation, showing how prayer, Bible study, reflection, and disciplined refinement shape faithful and Spirit-led preaching.

Scripture: Exodus 14:8-14

Tags: Teaching, Study, Preaching, BIBLE STUDY, preparation, Homiletics, Bible Study, Pastoral Ministry, Sermon Preparation, bible study, preaching, teaching, sermon preparation  (view more)  (view less)

The Future Of The Church Depends On Developing Deep People

By Ray Hollenbach on May 8, 2020

Gordon MacDonald argues that preaching and programs cannot secure a church’s future. Only intentional disciple-making and leadership development can.

Scripture: Mark 3:13-14, 2 Timothy 2:2, Matthew 28:18-20, John 15:5, Ephesians 4:11-16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: leadership, training, Church Renewal, Leadership

6 Benefits To Not Changing Churches

By Dean Shriver on Jul 10, 2021

Staying with one congregation models commitment, grows maturity, deepens preaching, builds trust, reveals generational fruit, and prepares pastors for final accountability.

Scripture: Colossians 3:13-14, Colossians 3:13, John 10:11-13, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 13:17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ministry, Church, mistakes, affliction, Leave, ministry, church  (view more)  (view less)

Pride: The Pitfall Of Preachers

By Peter Mead on Apr 4, 2025

Preaching exposes pastors to subtle forms of pride. These twelve dangers warn leaders to rely fully on God as they navigate the deadly terrain of public ministry.

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-5, 1 Corinthians 8:1, James 4:6, 1 Corinthians 3:7, Galatians 6:3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Holy Spirit, Spiritual Warfare, Preaching, Pride, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why The Clarity Of Scripture Deserves More Attention

By Peter Mead on Aug 7, 2021

The church rightly affirms the authority of Scripture but often neglects its clarity. Preaching should strengthen confidence in God’s Word, not undermine it.

Scripture: Psalm 19:7, Deuteronomy 30:11-14, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 3:15-17

Tags: Preaching, Pastoral Ministry, preaching

Three Key Components Of A Solid Sermon

By SermonCentral .com on Oct 13, 2020

Every faithful sermon must include three essential components: God, the preacher, and the audience. Remove one, and preaching loses its power and purpose.

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14-15, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 1 Timothy 4:16, Ezra 7:10, Matthew 28:20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Biblical Leadership, preaching

The Perfect Length For A Sermon

By Thom Schultz on Nov 25, 2020

Many assume longer sermons are spiritually richer, but length alone does not produce transformation. Effective preaching focuses on clarity, engagement, and lasting impact.

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:8, Mark 4:33, 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:27, John 16:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, length, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

I Prepare My Sermons By Dancing

By Derwin Gray on Dec 16, 2020

Faithful preaching requires more than good communication. These five principles help pastors prepare sermons that are prayerful, Christ-centered, and life-changing.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-24, Ezra 7:10, Luke 24:27, John 5:39-40, 2 Timothy 3:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, dance, teach, preaching, Christ Centered Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Every Sermon Should Speak Of The Trinity

By Jared Moore on Jun 2, 2021

The Trinity is not a peripheral doctrine but the very identity of the God Christians worship. Faithful preaching should regularly speak of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Scripture: Zephaniah 1:1-18, Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-3, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 4:4-6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, trinity, Doctrine, Foundation, Systematic theology, preaching, Systematic Theology  (view more)  (view less)

How To Keep Sermon Illustrations Fresh And Engaging

By Erik Raymond on Jun 17, 2021

Predictable illustrations can weaken otherwise strong sermons. Preachers can refresh their preaching by intentionally filling their minds with richer sources of insight and stories.

Scripture: Luke 6:45, Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, Colossians 4:6, 2 Timothy 4:2

Tags: Read, Preaching, biography, newspaper, Classic, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

What Kind Of Christians Will People Be If They Listen To Your Sermons For A Decade?

By Ray Hollenbach on Jul 23, 2025

Beyond the weekly phrase, "Good word, Preacher," the spiritual lives of the people in your church provide excellent feedback regarding the effectiveness of your preaching.

Tags: believer, Preaching, Congregation, Generation, spiritual health, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

8 Tools To Explain A Biblical Passage Clearly

By Peter Mead on Dec 9, 2024

Why not simply read a bit of Bible and then say what you want to say, making the odd vague connection? This passes for preaching in many places.

Scripture: Genesis 49:10

Tags: Preaching, preaching

When Passion In The Pulpit Goes Too Far

By Peter Mead on Apr 28, 2020

Preaching with zeal is good, but unguarded passion can turn aggressive, shouty, distracting, or draining. Learn how to keep intensity from undermining your message.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:16, Proverbs 15:1, 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Colossians 4:6, James 1:19  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Communication, Discernment, Preaching, passion, Passion of Christ, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

5 Ways To Shorten Your Sermon

By Peter Mead on Aug 20, 2024

Preaching time is limited, and sermons easily expand. These practical tips show how to trim intros, illustrations, context, conclusions, and post-sermon elements wisely.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1-58, Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Timothy 4:2, Colossians 4:4, Ecclesiastes 5:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Communication, Preaching, Edit, Time, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)