In Preaching Articles: "Self Importance"

5 Ways To Talk About Money

By Kent Woodyard on Dec 9, 2021

After spending the past three years working for an online and mobile giving provider, I am obviously a believer in the power of technology to increase giving to the Church. Through that time, however, I have also been confronted with the limitations of technology. Important? Certainly. Enough? Definitely not!

Tags: Money, Teaching, Generosity, Giving General, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

The 10 Commandments Of An Effective Sermon Introduction

By Brandon Kelley on Aug 26, 2022

If you haven’t grasped this yet, your sermon introduction is vitally important. But what does it look like to knock the introduction out of the park? What are some things to avoid? What are some things to ensure are a part of it? Let’s dive into the 10 commandments of an effective sermon introduction!

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Introduction, illustration, Teaching God's Word, Attention Grabber, Effective Teaching, Sermon Introduction, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

6 Reasons Pastors And Leaders Need Adequate Sleep

By Charles Stone on Jun 20, 2023

For many years scientists and philosophers have pondered why we need sleep besides to not be sleepy. Of course we all intuitively know how important sleep is to our bodies, relationships, and walk with God. But as neuroscientists are learning more about the brain, they are discovering many positive brain benefits from sleep. This list below includes some of those benefits.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:12

Tags: sleep, Walk with God, decison making, paying attention

Are You Giving Everyone A Big Church Welcome?

By John Gilman Ii on Jun 19, 2023

A proper welcome needs to have more than just a greeting. Churches need to create welcome pathways that guide people into more familiarity, connection, and relationship with the church. Creating a positive and effective welcoming strategy has never been more important. There is still time to put a great welcome process in place. Here are six tips to get you started in the right direction.

Scripture: Genesis 1:25-30

Tags: Visitors

Increasing Youth Retention And Involvement In Your Church

By John Gilman Ii on Mar 24, 2021

Families have long been the cornerstone of church congregations. Parents bring their children to church every Sunday. At a certain point, it becomes the children’s choice and responsibility to decide if they want to continue going to church every Sunday or not. That’s why it’s so important to show your children God’s grace and make Him a priority in their life from an early age.

Scripture: Malachi 2:15, Proverbs 22:6

Tags: Youth, Small groups, Equipping Disciples, Youth Ministry, paying attention  (view more)  (view less)

Pastors Lead By Example

By Philip Holmes on May 4, 2021

“The reason elders are so necessary,” says Sanchez, “is because they are the means by which our sovereign king chooses to shepherd his church to display his kingdom on earth in local churches as embassies of heaven, and also to proclaim the message of the gospel, calling all people everywhere to repent and believe and enter into the kingdom. Elders shepherd the flock of God among them, under the chief Shepherd. That’s why elders are important, because it is our ascended Lord’s chosen means by which he shepherds his church.”

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7, James 5:14, 1 Peter 5:1-2, Ephesians 4:1-32, Titus 1:5, Acts 14:23, Acts 20:17, Acts 20:28  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Teamwork, elders, authentic ministry, church leadership, e  (view more)  (view less)