In Preaching Articles: "Sermon Preparation"

The Secret To Memorable Preaching

By Larry Osborne on May 10, 2023

Linking small groups to weekend sermons increases attentiveness, note-taking, and application, turning preaching into lasting transformation rather than forgettable moments.

Scripture: Acts 2:42, James 1:22, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 10:24-25  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Discipleship, Preaching, Small groups, Great, preaching, Small Groups  (view more)  (view less)

What Do Your People Want To Hear From The Pulpit?

By Ron Allen on Sep 14, 2020

Research with 263 churchgoers reveals what listeners truly want from sermons: biblical depth, real-life connection, and courage on hard issues.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Nehemiah 8:8, James 1:22, Acts 20:27, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership

From Information To Transformation: Preaching That Changes Lives

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Oct 16, 2020

Great preaching goes beyond inspiration and information. Transformative sermons call both preacher and congregation into present-tense obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Scripture: John 10:10, 1 Corinthians 2:4, John 16:8, 1 Timothy 4:16, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

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

You Preach, I'll Doodle

By Thom Turner on Nov 4, 2020

Most sermons primarily serve auditory learners. Wise pastors consider visual, kinesthetic, and other intelligences so the whole congregation engages the Word.

Scripture: Romans 12:4, Nehemiah 8:8, James 1:22, Colossians 3:16, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Learning, Psychology, Effectiveness, Versatile, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Great Preaching Lives In The Tension: Here's How

By Brandon Kelley on Jan 5, 2021

A sermon speaks from the grand narrative of Scripture to the grand narrative of your life. These two stories have identifiable tension points: use them!

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Why Illustrations Matter In Preaching: Learning From Jesus’ Use Of Parables

By Leslie Holmes on Jan 15, 2024

Parables and illustrations bring preaching to life. These seven tests help pastors use stories wisely to clarify truth, reduce resistance, and make sermons memorable.

Scripture: Matthew 13:34, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 4:2, Psalm 78:2, Luke 8:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Expository Preaching, expository preaching

Why Powerful Preaching Requires Getting Personal

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 24, 2023

Solid sermon structure matters, but preaching becomes powerful when pastors risk personal vulnerability and let real life carry biblical truth home.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Psalm 40:1-3, James 5:10-11, Romans 8:18-25, 2 Corinthians 12:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Story, storm, Pastoral Ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Preach To The Heart

By John Bjorge on Nov 16, 2021

Faithful preaching requires more than good exegesis. When sermons speak to the heart with trust, integrity, and lived faith, real gospel transformation follows.

Scripture: Colossians 1:3-6, 2 Corinthians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, James 1:22

Tags: Preaching, spiritual formation, preaching, Spiritual Formation

How To Plan A Preaching Calendar That Reaches And Grows

By Herbert Cooper on Oct 9, 2020

Strategic sermon planning helps churches reach new people and disciple believers. Here are ten practical principles for building a balanced, effective teaching calendar.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:14-20, Acts 20:27, James 1:22, Ephesians 4:11-12, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

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

Preach Like A Storyteller

By Ray Hollenbach on May 11, 2021

If audiences will sit for hours watching story-driven films, preachers must ask why sermons often struggle to hold attention. The answer is narrative power.

Scripture: Joshua 2:2-5, Luke 24:27, Mark 4:34, Acts 17:2-3

Tags: Expository Ministry

Why Preaching Must Be God-Centered

By Bernie Van Eyk on May 26, 2021

Many sermons focus on human needs rather than God’s glory. Scripture calls preachers to proclaim the greatness of God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Scripture: Genesis 1:1, John 1:18, 1 Corinthians 2:2, Acts 20:27, Psalm 73:25-26  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: God, Preaching, focus, Center, biblical theology, preaching, Biblical Theology  (view more)  (view less)

How To Preach Like You’re Having A Conversation

By Lane Sebring on Jan 21, 2026

Want your sermons to connect on a deeper level? Learn how a conversational preaching style can make your message more personal, relatable, and engaging.

Tags: authentic ministry, Authentic Ministry

8 Ways To Hook Your Congregation Into Your Message

By SermonCentral .com on May 12, 2020

Your sermon text is central, but it doesn’t always need to come first. Strong hooks help listeners connect their lives to Scripture before exposition begins.

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:8, Luke 24:27, Ecclesiastes 12:10

Tags: Bird, Preaching, Anxiety, Field, flowers, preaching, anxiety  (view more)  (view less)

10 Preaching Mistakes Everyone Can Avoid

By Jared Moore on Jun 9, 2020

If you want people leaving your sermon focused on God, avoid these common preaching mistakes. These ten pitfalls distract hearers from the text and diminish exposition.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Nehemiah 8:8, James 1:21-22, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Psalm 19:7-10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, mistakes, preaching, Preaching Mistakes

10 Ways To Authenticate Your Preaching

By Jared Moore on Aug 11, 2020

Your hearers often hear you before they hear the Scriptures. If your people know you, they’ll have a better basis for understanding your sermons.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Tags: Service, Humility, Preaching, Biblical, Context, authentic, preaching, context, Authentic  (view more)  (view less)