In Preaching Articles: "Sermon Planning"

A Good Sermon Feels Like A Good Story: 7 Minutes With Fred Craddock

By Fred Craddock on Nov 13, 2019

Fred Craddock literally wrote the book on preaching. He reminds us, "Movement is more important than structure."

Tags: Fred Craddock, Preaching, structure, Movement

10 Things You Shouldn't Say To A Pastor Right After The Sermon

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 9, 2019

These ten post-sermon comments are the ones that produced the most visceral reactions in pastors.

Tags: Preaching, Criticism

Check Your Sermon Today For Three Things You Must Have Tomorrow

By Lane Sebring on Dec 16, 2019

Even great content needs careful structure and presentation. Here's a three-point checklist that will improve any message.

Scripture: James 4:1-5, Colossians 4:5-6

Tags:

You Can Use Humor In Your Sermon--Even If You're Not Funny

By Joe Mckeever on Jan 6, 2020

This is how it’s done.

Tags: Preaching, humor, Laugh, funny, Funny story, laugh, funny story, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Jesus Illustrated His Sermons: Shouldn't We Follow His Example?

By Justin Trapp on Dec 28, 2024

Discover how one of our Lord's faous sayings was actually a vivid, up-to-date illustration.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

7 Bad Reasons Pastors Don't Share The Gospel In Every Sermon

By Greg Stier on Aug 14, 2023

In my interactions with pastors I’ve heard seven primary reasons for why some chose not to give the Gospel in every sermon.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Timothy 4:1-5

Tags: Evangelism, Gospel, Excuses, preaching Christ, evangelism, gospel  (view more)  (view less)

Why "Just Preach The Gospel” Isn’t Enough

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 2, 2019

Preaching the gospel is essential, but not sufficient on its own. Learn why living the gospel and recognizing our interpretive filters are critical for authentic ministry.

Tags: christian living, preaching the gospel, Christian Living, Preaching the Gospel, Ministry Practice, Sermon Advice, Humble Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

3 Ways To Boost Your Preaching Creativity

By Brandon Kelley on Jul 4, 2022

Do you want more people to walk away from the church gathering and actually remember the big idea from your sermon? Of course you do. Who wouldn’t?

Scripture: John 3:36, Matthew 15:21

Tags: Sermon Help, Teaching Prep, preaching, Preaching, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, poor preaching, Effective Teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Hope And Perspective When We’re Dealing With Doubt

By Randy Alcorn on Dec 3, 2022

"In times of doubt, difficulty, and trials, our fundamental beliefs about God and our faith are revealed. So how can Christians find faith in the midst of doubt? How can they trust God’s plan when their lives seem out of His control, and prayers seem to go unanswered or, sometimes it feels, even unheard?"

Scripture: Romans 10:17, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 1:11, 2 Timothy 3:16, Job 23:10, Isaiah 43:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Test of Faith, sovereignty of God, doubt, Perseverance, suffering, tragedy, Promises of God, Genuine Faith  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching On The Run: 7 Tips For Bi-Vocational Pastors

By Todd Hiestand on May 18, 2020

"My sermon prep is no longer about how many hours I 'spend studying.' With this approach, I genuinely believe that every hour of the week is sermon prep."

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Essential Me-First Of Biblical Preaching

By Ken Burge on May 9, 2025

Are you afraid to use yourself as the example for your sermon?

Tags: Preaching, Self, example, application, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Doctrine Is Not Enough: Does Your Preaching Connect With People?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Feb 21, 2023

Doctrinal sermons are fine, but do they connect to human experience?

Tags: connection, homiletical, preaching, people, Preaching, Doctrine  (view more)  (view less)

51 Easter Quotes Every Christian Should Read

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 21, 2020

These 51 Easter quotes will help you stop and reflect on this holy season of Easter. Each Easter quote comes from a meaningful Easter sermon on SermonCentral.com.

Tags: Easter quotes

11 Common Preaching Mistakes That Distract From God

By Jared Moore on Jul 17, 2019

Avoid 11 common preaching mistakes that shift focus from God to yourself. Learn how to preach Christ-centered sermons that point hearers to God’s truth.

Tags: Expository Preaching, expository preaching, Preaching Tips, Preaching Mistakes, Biblical Communication, Christ Centered Sermons, preaching tips  (view more)  (view less)

10 Things You Can Do To Make Your Pastor’s Sermons Better

By Jared Moore on Nov 19, 2020

Most people would be surprised there's anything they could do to help. Why don't you tell them?

Scripture: James 1:21-22

Tags: Preaching, pastor, teach, Learning, Improve, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)