In Preaching Articles: "Sermon Ideas"

The Research Is In--This Is The #1 Reason Students Leave The Church

By Dr. Kara Powell on Oct 29, 2025

Research shows that 40-50% of high school graduates leave their faith in college. Youth expert Kara Powell offers ideas on reversing the trend.

Tags:

Finish Your Sermon Strong: 10 Mistakes To Avoid

By Peter Mead on Jul 18, 2024

Weak endings undo strong sermons. Learn the most common conclusion mistakes and how to land your message with clarity, confidence, and spiritual impact.

Scripture: John 19:28

Tags: Preaching, hermeneutics, Leadership General, preaching, Hermeneutics, Sermon Craft  (view more)  (view less)

Rick Warren's Advice For Stronger Sermon Points

By Rick Warren on Jan 12, 2026

What you learned in seminary isn't the only way to develop great sermons. Rick Warren offers practical advice based on years of experience.

Scripture: Hebrews 2:3, Jeremiah 31:31-34

Tags: Preaching, Strong, Assignment, Rick Warren, sermon points, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Biblical Preaching Is More Than Quoting The Bible

By Jeff K. Clarke on Jan 6, 2026

Not all ideas in the Bible are biblical. Discover how reading Scripture through the lens of Jesus helps us rightly interpret God’s redemptive story.

Tags: hermeneutics, biblical theology, Bible interpretation, Bible Interpretation, Christ Centered Reading, Biblical Theology, Hermeneutics, Narrative Theology  (view more)  (view less)

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)

How Can I Better Study A Bible Passage?

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 26, 2022

“Think over what I say,” commands the Lord. How can a faithful student of the Bible do this without leaning on commentaries and scholars?

Scripture: Romans 1:15-17, 2 Timothy 2:7

Tags: Bible, Scripture, BIBLE STUDY, Bible Study, sermon prep, Study Scripture, Study Techniques, Feast on the Word, Sermon Prep, bible study, bible  (view more)  (view less)

Three Foundational Passages For Growing Disciples Of Jesus

By Ray Hollenbach on Jul 16, 2025

"Try to imagine talking about your subject every single day for two years. If the idea still thrills you, you've found your topic."

Tags: Jesus, Gospel, Growth, Discipleship, Disciples, gospel  (view more)  (view less)

How To Recruit And Keep The Best Volunteers

By Josh Reich on Jan 25, 2022

The idea of recruiting volunteers is overwhelming and difficult at times. There never seems to be enough people, and the ones who are serving are often tired and feel like they are the only ones serving.

Tags: Communication, Lay Leadership, ministry vision, Recruiting, communication  (view more)  (view less)

Sermon Feedback: 6 Questions For Better Preaching

By Peter Mead on Jul 19, 2024

Clear, simple sermon-feedback questions help preachers grow. These six practical prompts reveal clarity, engagement, biblical accuracy, and delivery strengths.

Scripture: Acts 8:25

Tags: Preaching, Criticism, experience, Improvement, evaluation, Homiletics, WORDS THAT KILL, Pastoral Ministry, Communication skills, improvement, criticism, preaching, Communication Skills  (view more)  (view less)

How To Craft Sermon Openers That Grab Attention

By Tyler Scarlett on Feb 26, 2025

A wandering introduction loses listeners before the sermon even begins. Strong, simple, and compelling first sentences draw people in and prepare them to hear God’s Word.

Scripture: Titus 2:2, Titus 2:1-2, Philippians 4:10-15, Romans 13:11-14

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

1,000 Sermons Will Change Your Life

By Trevin Wax on Mar 25, 2020

Pastors, don’t underestimate the cumulative effect of your preaching. You are not dumping information into brains. You are forming the habits of your people, teaching them how to read and understand and apply the Bible for themselves.

Tags: New life, church leadership, Church Leadership

6 Reasons To Preach The Same Sermon Twice

By Joe Mckeever on Apr 22, 2020

Many pastors avoid repeating sermons, but revisiting them can deepen impact, sharpen insight, and better serve a changing congregation. Here’s why repeats matter.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Matthew 13:1-23, Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 4:13-16, 2 Corinthians 4:5-6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Expository Teaching

Preaching A Notable Sermon Without Using Notes

By Rev. Tejado Hanchell on Aug 18, 2020

"I believe every preacher should have at least one sermon in his heart that he could preach with or without notes if called upon at a moment's notice."

Tags: Preaching, memories, memorization, preaching

Preach A Notable Sermon Without Using Notes

By Rev. Tejado Hanchell on Mar 12, 2024

Every preacher should have at least one sermon they could preach without notes if called upon at a moment’s notice.

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Tags: Preaching, preaching

10 Ways To Plan An Amazing Sermon Series

By Herbert Cooper on Oct 8, 2020

Herbert Cooper, senior pastor of People's Church in Oklahoma City, shares strategic insights into making a sermon series work.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:14-20

Tags: Faith, Preaching, sight, walk, substance, preaching  (view more)  (view less)