In Preaching Articles: "Sermon Uses"

Parables Plus Preaching Equals Power

By Leslie Holmes on Jan 15, 2024

When we preach using modern-day parables, we're in good company. We're following the example of Jesus.

Scripture: Matthew 13:34

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Preaching God's Dangerous Truth

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jun 17, 2020

We love to preach the Good News, but it doesn't reach its full potential until it challenges us to dream big.

Scripture: Luke 2:10

Tags: Preaching, preaching

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: picture, passage, point, Preaching

Just What Is Pulpit Plagiarism?

By Ron Forseth on Jan 1, 2024

Executive Editor of SermonCentral.com Ron Forseth answers the thorny question in defining pulpit plagiarism.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Corinthians 10:29

Tags: Preaching, Character, Integrity, Honesty, Plagiarism, Homiletics, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

8 Starts To Avoid In Your Preaching

By Rachel Blom on Jan 4, 2023

Thinking of starting off your sermon in one of these ways? You might want to try a different approach.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

9 Things We Can All Learn From Billy Graham's Preaching

By Dennis Phelps on Jul 3, 2021

Someone asked Billy Graham how long it took to prepare a sermon. He answered, "A lifetime."

Tags: prepare, Billy Graham, Preaching

10 Must-Have Tips For Giving A Public Invitation

By Joe Mckeever on Jan 17, 2023

Every preacher needs these practical insights if he/she plans to offer a time of response after the sermons.

Tags: Preaching, Invitation, public, Speaking, preaching, speaking  (view more)  (view less)

God Doesn't Need Cops In The Pulpit--He Needs Preachers

By Ray Hollenbach on Dec 11, 2019

There's a big difference between drawing a crowd and preaching a sermon. The church is desperate for life-giving preachers.

Tags: Preaching

Urban Preaching Myths In The Pulpit

By Trevin Wax on Feb 6, 2025

Trevin Wax uncovers seven often used urban preaching myths and encourages pastors to verify sources, illustrations, and stories before preaching.

Scripture: Mark 10:25

Tags: Preaching, false teaching, urban legend, preaching

How To Engage The Whole Congregation

By Bruce D. Johnson on Jun 5, 2025

All of us have a propensity to want to communicate in our own preferred style. But what if your style doesn't reach everyone?

Scripture: Luke 8:4-15

Tags: Pastor, preaching, Preaching, pastor, Congregation, Engage, Engagement  (view more)  (view less)

Is Your Preaching Less Than Christian?

By Peter Mead on Oct 12, 2021

You need more than someone in the pulpit holding a Bible. Peter Mead warns us off of three "sub-gospel" habits.

Tags: Sin, God, Preaching, Fail, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

My Joy In The Desert

By Marshall Segal on Jul 6, 2021

For most of us, the single greatest threat to our faith in God and his promises has been the miles we have walked in the desert.

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-13, 1 Peter 1:3

Tags: Desert, Joy, desert lessons

6 Soul Care Essentials For Pastors

By Charles Stone on Jul 6, 2022

In the midst of caring for others, it is easy to neglect our own soul. What are safeguards that keep us from drifting away from God?

Tags: leadership, pastoral leadership, soul care, Scripture Memory, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Building A Preaching Team – Part Ii: Calendars, Rhythms And Getting Everyone On The Same Page

By Ross Lester on May 14, 2024

Many people are intrigued but leery of using a preaching team approach. This article aims to provide some practical answers to the obstacles involved in the process.

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Preaching Help, Pastoral Ministry, Pulpit Ministry, church ministry, Preaching Team, Ministry help, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

3 Tools Small Group Leaders Need To Succeed

By John Gilman Ii on Aug 8, 2024

Small groups help churches grow because they help strangers become great friends. People stay at churches where they find friends because friendship covers a multitude of sins. Small groups involve us in others’ lives and really invest us in the church. These friendships eventually turn into deep, meaningful connections that can last a lifetime.

Tags: friendship, Small groups, church organization