In Preaching Articles: "Real People"

Those Frustrating Times With Church Members

By Joe Mckeever on Dec 14, 2023

"Any pastor can tell you about it. Even when you do your best to serve God by ministering to His people, some church members are not going to forgive you. You didn’t do it their way, weren’t there when they called, didn’t jump at their bark." So how do you handle these kinds of situations?

Tags: conflict, pastoral leadership, church membership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, ministry struggles, Difficult People, Love like Christ  (view more)  (view less)

If You're Going To Do Church That Way, Do It Well

By Karl Vaters on Nov 30, 2023

Churches don’t become great by adding more programs. They get better at the ones they already have.

Tags: liturgy, Denomination, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, church leadership, People Over Programs, Form and Substance, Do What's right, e  (view more)  (view less)

3 Keys To Overcoming Barriers To Bible Engagement In The Church

By Paul Caminiti on Jan 18, 2025

In North America, we have more Bibles than ever, but less and less real engagement. Why?

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:12-21

Tags: Bible, Scripture, Preaching, BIBLE STUDY, Biblical, Bible Study, bible study, preaching, bible  (view more)  (view less)

What Really Makes A Spiritual Leader?

By Bob Hamp on Apr 5, 2023

Spiritual leadership is not defined by position or productivity, but by transformation, presence, and the ability to lead others into real encounters with God.

Scripture: Mark 10:42-45, John 15:4-5, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Thessalonians 2:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Power, leadership, Counselor, Leadership, Christian Formation  (view more)  (view less)

Why Great Preachers Are Not Always Great Leaders

By Adrian Pei on Oct 12, 2020

Confessing weaknesses can impress a crowd, but true leadership maturity requires repentance, accountability, and real change.

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-31, James 1:22, 1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 27:6, 2 Corinthians 7:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Humility, leadership, Preaching, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

3 Reasons Pastors Don't Connect With Millennials

By Tyler Braun on Sep 10, 2020

Millennial faith is declining, but blame is not the answer. Real change begins with relationships, honesty about doubt, and personal engagement.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Matthew 11:3, Mark 3:14, John 13:35, Jude 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Youth, Preaching, Relevant, church culture, preaching, Church Culture  (view more)  (view less)

The Final Piece Of Sermon Prep: What To Cut, What To Add

By Peter Mead on Aug 22, 2025

Rookie preachers wonder how they will fill the time. Experienced preachers know the real challenge is in what to leave out.

Scripture: Exodus 6:1-9

Tags: Preaching, Balance, information, sermon prep, selective, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

Randy Alcorn: Are You Willing To Be Hated For Speaking The Gospel Of Truth?

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 13, 2022

"It's not our job to be popular. Let's represent the real Jesus, the whole Jesus, not just the culturally acceptable one."

Scripture: Mark 8:33-38

Tags: Preaching, Hated, gospel of truth, preaching

The Ultimate Character Test Any Great Leader Passes

By Carey Nieuwhof on Nov 14, 2023

Moral failure takes out more leaders than it should. But real success is deeper than just avoiding the ditch.

Tags: leadership, Character, Faithfulness, Home Life, Integrity, Popularity, pastoral leadership, church leadership, First Things First, Leadership Failure, True Success, e, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

7 Ways To Help Prevent Leadership Loneliness

By Paul Loyless on Apr 22, 2020

Pastoral isolation is real, but preventable. These practical rhythms help pastors resist burnout, build community, and serve without losing heart.

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-33, 1 Corinthians 12:14-20, Exodus 20:8-10, Mark 6:31, Galatians 6:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Spiritual Renewal

Why Authentic Preaching Could Be A Trap

By Maurilio Amorim on May 15, 2020

Authenticity blesses the church, but permissive confession erodes repentance. True vulnerability must lead to real change, not sympathy without transformation.

Scripture: James 5:16, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Proverbs 28:13, Psalm 51:10-12, 1 John 1:8-9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Integrity

The Most Common Preaching Mistake: No Hook

By Bruce D. Johnson on Aug 26, 2023

Many sermons lose listeners in the first few minutes. Effective preaching begins by connecting the message to the real struggles and questions of the congregation.

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:8, Matthew 13:34, Colossians 4:6, 1 Corinthians 9:22

Tags: Preaching, mistakes, Homiletics, interest, hook, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Are You Serving Slop In The Pulpit?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Aug 25, 2021

Sherman Cox warns, "There's an inclination today to resort to tactics and tricks to manufacture a connection to the congregation that is neither real nor helpful."

Scripture: Romans 14:1-23

Tags: Preaching, pulpit, Insult, frown

A Preacher's Gut-Check: Seven Hard Questions About Your Sermon

By J.s. Park on Jun 20, 2025

After you have your three points, consulted all the commentaries and fit in your illustrations, then it's time to get real.

Scripture: John 14:1-6

Tags: Preaching, Good, questions, preaching

How To Preach Like A Combat Medic

By Chris Surber on Apr 22, 2025

Pastors must preach like combat medics, addressing real spiritual wounds with gospel truth rather than offering superficial encouragement.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, James 3:1, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:24, 2 Timothy 2:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership