In Preaching Articles: "Preaching Recovery"

10 Ways To Half-Bake Your Sermon: Part 2

By Peter Mead on Aug 13, 2024

Preaching suffers when structure is imposed, cross-references take over, application is neglected, or commentary replaces proclamation. Let the text lead.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Nehemiah 8:8, Jeremiah 23:29, Luke 24:32, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Bible, Preaching, Text, preparation, Homiletics, preaching, bible  (view more)  (view less)

When Creativity Crosses The Line To Become Offensive

By Calvin Miller on Apr 13, 2025

Creative preaching can clarify truth or quietly undermine it. This article reflects on when creativity serves worship and when it crosses into embarrassment.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40, Colossians 3:16, Romans 14:19

Tags: Church, Communication, Preaching, Confidence, Creativity, communication, preaching, church  (view more)  (view less)

Don’t Waste Your Creative Energy In Sermon Prep

By Peter Mead on Jul 20, 2020

Effective preaching requires both discipline and creativity. Knowing when to restrain creativity and when to unleash it can transform sermon preparation and delivery.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:6-8, 2 Timothy 2:15, Ezra 7:10, Nehemiah 8:8, James 1:5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, preaching, teaching

How To Handle Homosexuality In A Sermon

By Tim Wilkins on Sep 30, 2021

Faithful preaching on homosexuality requires more than correct doctrine. It demands humility, clarity, and gospel-shaped compassion that leads sinners to Christ.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:12-13, Matthew 2:9-15, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Acts 20:27, 1 Peter 3:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Love, Preaching, motivation, Homosexuality, counsel of god, preaching, love  (view more)  (view less)

How Should Preachers Respond To Tragic Events?

By Leslie Holmes on Jan 28, 2024

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

Tags:

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

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Mar 19, 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: Soul, Preaching, Mind, need, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

4 Deadly Dangers In Shortcutting Quality Exegesis

By Peter Mead on Dec 17, 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 20, 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 30, 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 7, 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 9, 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 3, 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 6, 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

3 Reasons I Began Using A Sermon Manuscript

By Jeff Medders on Aug 19, 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 1, 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)