In Preaching Articles: "Purpose Of Preaching"

The Strange Glory Of Ordinary Things

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 13, 2021

John Piper's antidote to keep a preacher from going crazy.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-15

Tags: Glory, Preaching, Ordinary, john piper

All Pastors Plagiarize--Here's Why

By Erik Raymond on Aug 5, 2021

We read, listen, talk, think, integrate, pray and listen. This is what we do. "In one very real sense, pastors don’t know what is original and what is not."

Tags: Steal, Preaching, pastor, Plagiarism, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

The Top Secret Agendas Carried By Your Congregation

By Chris Surber on Sep 10, 2021

Every church member carries an agenda in the secret briefcase of their heart. What's their agenda?

Tags: Preaching, challenge, Congregation, Agenda, Affirm  (view more)  (view less)

The Whisper That Made Me Leave My Church

By Tod Bolsinger on Sep 9, 2021

I would hear that line echoed in my mind long after each conversation was over: "Why didn't seminary prepare me for this?"

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-25

Tags: Preaching, prepare, Theology, Seminary, curriculum  (view more)  (view less)

10 Differences Between Borrowing And Stealing Someone Else's Sermon

By James Emery White on Sep 26, 2021

Good communicators borrow material all the time. But how should you communicate your sources of ideas and inspiration?

Tags: Steal, Preaching, Borrow, Plagiarism, Quotes  (view more)  (view less)

7 Subtle Signs Your Church Is Dying

By Carey Nieuwhof on Feb 17, 2021

As with almost everything in life, there are subtle signs your peak may be near or you may be cresting past it. Other times, the signs of death are evident to everyone but the leaders. If you recognize the signs early enough, you can reverse the trend.

Tags: leadership, Preaching, Church Health, Leadership

A Preacher's Cheat-Sheet For Prayer And Final Sermon Prep

By Tony Evans on Feb 23, 2024

Tim Challies relies on prayer and prep—but he doesn't leave it to his memory. Here's his cheat-sheet.

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-21

Tags: Preaching, Prayer, sermon prep, cheat sheet, tim challies, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

Never Waste A Good Sermon!

By Brandon Cox on Nov 8, 2023

Do you ever get that post-sermon, anti-climactic feeling that all of your research, all of your writing, all of your preparation just got burned up in a single half-hour shot?

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, podcast, video, Effective Teaching, Maximize Usefulness, Sermon Uses, ebook, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

On The Shoulders Of Giants: Sermon Preparation Resources For Pastors

By Matthew Redder on Sep 9, 2025

In this article, we’ll explore how pastors work with others—both living and long gone—to craft sermon content. We’ll reflect on the value of community, the discipline of study, and the humility that comes when we realize that our sermons are enriched by the wisdom of many.

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1

Tags: Preaching, pastor, Commentary, sermon, Pastor, Sermon, preaching, sermonprep, commentary, biblical dictionary, sermoncentral, sermonmaker  (view more)  (view less)

When Is A Sermon Good Enough?

By Stephen Gregory on Jul 15, 2024

A pastor wrestles with preparation, expectations, and perfectionism, discovering how God uses imperfect sermons when the preacher is faithful, honest, and attentive to the flock.

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3

Tags: Church, Preaching, pastor, spiritual growth, Communication General, Pastoral Ministry, Ministry Leadership, Pastor, Sermon Preparation, preaching, church, sermon preparation, Preaching Challenges, Spiritual Growth  (view more)  (view less)

A Renewed Mind: The Practice Of Humble Thought

By Robert A. Fryling on Jan 3, 2025

A call to reject mind–spirit false dichotomies, embrace biblical thinking, and pursue a humble, renewed mind that deepens spiritual formation and love for God.

Scripture: Luke 10:27, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 14:15, 1 Peter 1:13, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 1 Peter 3:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Thought, Humility, Preaching, pastor, devotion, original sin, Mind, Christian Disciplines, Christian Leadership, Pastor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Thinking Bigger: How One Outreach Weekend Reshaped A Church’s Vision

By Hal Seed on Mar 4, 2025

A reformed mob boss drew 1,000 guests, 50 salvations, and momentum that reshaped outreach, volunteers, systems, and future vision for church-wide evangelism.

Tags: Church, Preaching, program, Church Growth, Invitation, Visitors, Market, Ministry Leadership, preaching, church, Guest Speakers  (view more)  (view less)

Pulpit Humour: Five Pointers

By Peter Mead on Jul 22, 2022

5 Tips on how to avoid landmines when using humor in the pulpit.

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, humor, Pastoral Ministry, Communication skills, Pulpit Helps, Humility in Teaching, e, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

What Is Saving Faith?

By R. C. Sproul on Aug 31, 2022

Faith is central to Christianity. The New Testament repeatedly calls people to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a definite body of content to be believed, which is part and parcel of our religious activity.

Scripture: James 2:14-17

Tags: Salvation, justification, Adoption, Reformation, saving faith, Preach Christ, God's righteousness, preaching the gospel, salvation by grace  (view more)  (view less)

How To Handle Homosexuality In A Sermon

By Tim Wilkins on Sep 30, 2021

Tim Wilkins offers five must-know tips for dealing with the hot-button issue of homosexuality from the pulpit.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:12-13, Matthew 2:9-15

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