In Preaching Articles: "Preaching Challenges"

The Chase Scene Of The Cross

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 15, 2024

Great preaching follows a line to its climax. Hal Seed points to the glory of the cross and resurrection as the climax of God's story with humanity.

Tags: Easter, Preaching, Cross, Hal Seed, preaching, Jesus  (view more)  (view less)

Bethlehem This Day Resembles Heaven

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 20, 2023

One the earliest--and one of the best--Christmas sermons ever preached. You're invited to John Chrysostom's place for Christmas!

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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)

The Worst Thing About My Own Sermons

By Joe Mckeever on Aug 22, 2024

Joe McKeever loves praise as much as the next guy. He also knows the preaching error he is most likely to make.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:5

Tags: Preaching, preaching

How Should Preachers Respond To Tragic Events?

By Leslie Holmes on Jan 29, 2024

From the recent Oklahoma tornadoes to 9/11, what do you do when tragic events overtake your preaching plans?

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One Question That Can Ruin Your Sermon Prep—in The Best Way

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Mar 20, 2023

If you have never asked yourself this question, you might end up preaching to the mind while steering totally clear of the soul.

Scripture: Luke 1:46-56

Tags: Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep, Soul, Preaching, Mind, need, sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

4 Deadly Dangers In Shortcutting Quality Exegesis

By Peter Mead on Dec 18, 2024

Shortcuts in exegesis result in a passage idea that does not carry the true content--nor the character--of the passage on which we claim to be preaching.

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Tags: Preaching, preaching

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

Pastor And Prophet

By Lance Witt on May 11, 2024

"When it comes to our preaching, we live in the constant tension between pastor and prophet. On one hand, as pastors we want to encourage and care for the sheep. So, in our preaching we want to be uplifting and hopeful. On the other hand, as prophets we must sometimes say the hard things that the sheep don’t want to hear."

Scripture: Jeremiah 5:30-31, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Galatians 1:10

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Pride, People pleasing, pastoral leadership, selfish ambition, Pastoral Ministry, Pulpit Ministry, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

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)

Dealing With The Preacher-Eaters

By Joe Mckeever on Mar 21, 2020

Joe McKeever shares practical advice for dealing with the self-appointed church rulers who try to dominate your preaching and your ministry.

Scripture: 3 John 1:9-10

Tags: Ministry, leadership, Prayer, affliction, Confrontation, Church Practices  (view more)  (view less)

3 Reasons I Began Using A Sermon Manuscript

By Jeff Medders on Aug 20, 2020

"I used to always enter the pulpit with outline in hand; but no longer. I now preach from a full manuscript — 2,500 words or so."

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Mark 6:1-8

Tags: Preaching, manuscript, Outline

How To Confuse A Sermon

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 2, 2023

It's happened to all of us: you're preaching, and a new thought pops into your head. Do you add an "aside" to your sermon?

Tags: Power, Preaching, points, aside, 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: spiritual health, preaching, believer, Preaching, Congregation, Generation  (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