In Preaching Articles: "Self Talk"

The Greatest Gift You Give Your Team- Part 2

By Lance Witt on Jul 15, 2024

Some of the qualities that people will applaud in your life are the very things that will wreck your soul.

Tags: sanctification, Personal Growth, pastoral care, Examine self, Time of Reflection, Guarding your heart, motives, soul care  (view more)  (view less)

What Listeners Really Wish They Could Tell Their Pastor

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Jun 14, 2021

A speaker recalls blunt feedback from a child to show how honest listener frustrations can shape better preaching—especially length, self-focus, and dryness.

Scripture: John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 9:16

Tags: Communication, leadership, Preaching, Church Health, Feedback, Leadership, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The One Thing Nearly Everyone Forgets When It Comes To Hermeneutics

By Peter Mead on Nov 5, 2024

One key dimension tends to be overlooked when we talk about hermeneutics: the interpreter's heart.

Scripture: Psalm 10:1-17

Tags: Revelation, Preaching, advice, hermeneutics, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Are You A Preacher Or A Motivational Speaker?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jan 7, 2023

Many sermons sound inspiring yet leave out the cross and the coming kingdom. When preaching mimics self-help, it loses the gospel’s power and eternal focus.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Luke 9:23, Galatians 6:14, Matthew 6:19-21

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

The Double-Edged Sword Of Ambition

By Lance Witt on Jul 10, 2024

Ambition is a blessing and a curse. When it is God-directed and Spirit-managed, it can bear tremendous fruit. But when it is hijacked by self and ego, it can leave a wake of destruction in its path.

Tags: Faithfulness, motivation, Ambition, Rest in Christ, pastoral leadership, personal holiness, entering God's rest, ministry vision  (view more)  (view less)

Leadership And Church Size Dynamics

By Tim Keller on Jan 3, 2025

Tim Keller explores one of the most talked-about church issues: the relationship of size to church health and culture.

Scripture: Hebrews 11:9-11, Jeremiah 23:16, Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:22, Matthew 22:29, 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, Malachi 2:1-17, Isaiah 33:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Church, Growth, leadership, pastor, Church Growth, size, Leadership General, Pastor, Leadership, church  (view more)  (view less)

Why We Avoid Political Preaching

By Daniel Darling on Mar 20, 2024

To cut and paste partisan talking points or to substitute consistent exegesis with sample "election season" sermons is spiritual malpractice.

Tags: Preaching, Politics, preaching

Six Stages Of A Dying Church

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 22, 2022

It’s not a pleasant topic. But if we don’t talk about dying churches, we will act like there are no problems.

Tags: leadership, Church Attendance, Pastoral Ministry, Dying Church, church ministry, revitalization, Correcting Mistakes, Facing Problems, e, Leadership, church attendance  (view more)  (view less)

Hal Seed: Who Decided What Went Into The Bible?

By SermonCentral .com on Jun 3, 2021

When scholars talk about how a book qualified to be called Scripture, they list five characteristics called "the laws of canonicity."

Tags: Bible, History, bible truth, Hal Seed, canon, Bible Truth, bible  (view more)  (view less)

Last-Minute Messages: How To Craft A Short Devotional With No Notice

By Rob O'lynn on Sep 7, 2021

"Hey, Pastor, could you say a few words..." Use this strategy to deliver short, meaningful talks with little or no prep time.

Scripture: Luke 19:1-19

Tags: Preaching, picture, passage, point

10 Easier Ways To Preach About Money

By Margaret Marcuson on Jan 16, 2024

Talking about money is hard for pastors, but it shapes discipleship. These ten reminders help leaders teach stewardship with clarity, courage, and less anxiety.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:5-14, Matthew 6:24-33, Proverbs 3:9, Luke 12:15

Tags: Money, Stewardship, Preaching, Generosity, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

8 Lame Excuses Church Leaders Make

By Carey Nieuwhof on Mar 28, 2023

One of the best practices you can develop as a leader is to identify your excuses and eliminate them. Start thinking and talking a different game.

Tags: leadership, Preaching, church culture, Explanation, Rules, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

It's All About The Groom

By Lance Witt on Apr 12, 2024

In a healthy church Jesus is the most famous person. He gets the most airtime, he is the most talked about, and he is clearly center stage.

Scripture: Revelation 19:7, John 3:29, Song of Songs 8:1-4

Tags: Church Health, Pastoral Character, fixing eyes on Jesus, Christ Centered

The Weight And Joy Of Being A Pastor: Loneliness

By Josh Reich on Oct 9, 2021

If you talk to any pastor or his wife and ask them about friends, more than likely you will get a sad, longing look.

Tags: Counselor, Loneliness, Prayer General, Suffering Loneliness

Plan To Pray

By SermonCentral .com on Jun 28, 2023

I have been a pastor and spend a lot of time talking to pastors, and as I do I learn that one of the struggles many pastors have is prayer.

Tags: Prayer, Spiritual Discipline, Paul on prayer, Intentional Growth