In Preaching Articles: "Preaching Challenges"

The Danger Of The Unrelated Point In Preaching

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 1, 2023

A sermon can contain many true statements yet still fail if those truths are disconnected from the text’s main point. Preachers must discipline themselves to maintain clarity and focus.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:15, Nehemiah 8:8, 1 Corinthians 14:33, Proverbs 4:25  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Power, Preaching, Homiletics, points, aside, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Preach Without Notes

By Ted Smith on Dec 8, 2020

Every preacher will eventually need to preach without notes. Learn three practical approaches that help pastors communicate clearly and confidently when notes are unavailable.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Nehemiah 8:8, 1 Timothy 4:13, Hebrews 4:12, Acts 4:20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, teach, memorize, note, Sermon Preparation, preaching, sermon preparation  (view more)  (view less)

When Preaching Opportunities Are Limited

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 20, 2021

Many associate or assistant ministers feel called to preach but receive few opportunities in their local church. Faithful ministry often requires serving in supporting roles while finding other outlets to proclaim God’s Word.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:24, 1 Peter 5:2-3, Colossians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 15:58  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ministry, Support, Preaching, opportunity, lead, ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching That Cultivates Life Together

By Chris Surber on May 19, 2025

Faithful preaching does more than communicate truth. It helps form a community united in Christ, where believers learn to live, serve, and grow together.

Scripture: Acts 14:14-15, Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 4:18, Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Christian Fellowship

Why Boring Preaching Is Dangerous

By Peter Mead on May 25, 2025

Preaching should never make the truth of God dull. When sermons become boring, the problem is rarely the Bible but how the message is presented.

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:29, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 4:2, Nehemiah 8:8, Acts 20:27  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, boring, excess, Pastoral Ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

6 Guidelines For Preaching To Postmoderns

By Rich Nathan on Jun 3, 2021

Postmodern culture is marked by skepticism, endless perspectives, and a hunger for authenticity. Faithful preaching must present the truth of Christ in ways that address these realities.

Scripture: John 7:17, Romans 1:21-24, Acts 17:22-23, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 3:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Evangelism, Message, Preaching, communicate, postmodern, evangelism, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Is Your Preaching Stained With Blood?

By Russell Moore on May 28, 2025

Modern Christianity often avoids speaking about the blood of Christ, yet Scripture places the blood of Jesus at the very center of redemption.

Scripture: Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 26:28, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Hebrews 9:22, Revelation 5:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Atonement, Worship, blood, Preaching, teach, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

3 Indispensable Preaching Truths

By Tim Spivey on Feb 20, 2026

Experience teaches pastors that preaching involves far more than crafting a sermon. Faithful preaching shapes hearts, theology, and the direction of the church.

Scripture: Matthew 13:3-9, Hebrews 4:12, John 6:68, 2 Timothy 4:2, James 1:21  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ministry, Truth, Preaching, effective, Sermon Preparation, ministry, preaching, sermon preparation  (view more)  (view less)

Overcoming Plagiarism In Preaching And Teaching

By Matt Perman on Feb 29, 2024

Pastors love to learn and share truth, but unclear attribution can lead to plagiarism. Faithful ministry requires honesty in acknowledging the sources of ideas and words.

Scripture: Exodus 20:15, Mark 10:19, Matthew 15:19, Romans 13:9, Ephesians 4:25  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Overcome, definition, Plagiarism, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Incomparable Value Of Expository Preaching

By Bob Hostetler on Apr 5, 2023

There's a whole lot of preaching today that makes good points and says good things in entertaining ways, but something's missing.

Tags: Preaching, Expository, points, missing, preaching, expository  (view more)  (view less)

Is Preaching Your Work Or God's?

By Peter Mead on Jul 28, 2021

Paul wrote and he wrote very strongly, but where was his confidence?

Tags: Paul, Preaching, work, action, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Preach A Stressful Sermon

By David J. Lose on Jun 28, 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

What Is The Purpose In Your Preaching?

By Ken Collins on Jun 11, 2025

Here are four reasons veteran preacher Ken Collins preaches. How many purposes do you have?

Tags: Preaching, Purpose, Glorify, ken collins, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Is Your Preaching Over-Educated?

By Chris Surber on Jul 27, 2021

If you have more theological degrees than a thermostat, you might be over-heating Sunday mornings!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:3-5

Tags: Preaching, educated

Preaching Is More Than Exhortation

By Bob Hostetler on May 11, 2023

Is your preaching style stuck in one mode? It's time to break out!

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 3:17-22

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