In Preaching Articles: "Sin General"

Doubt Busters

By Lance Witt on Jun 27, 2024

"One of the things I love about the Bible is how honest it is. The pages of Scripture don’t gloss over the flaws and sins and weaknesses of people. Even the great heroes of the faith are not airbrushed or photo-shopped to make them look superhuman."

Scripture: Psalm 77:4-14, Isaiah 40:26

Tags: Faith, doubt, Remember, Trust, God's Character, God's faithfulness, doubt and fear, Crisis Of Faith  (view more)  (view less)

The 5 Most Dangerous Assumptions In Preaching

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Feb 15, 2024

False assumptions in preaching hinder communication and weaken impact. Clear thinking, clarity, and humility protect the preacher and strengthen the message.

Scripture: John 15:5

Tags: Church, Communication, Humility, Preaching, pastor, care, assumptions, Communication General, Pastor, communication, preaching, church  (view more)  (view less)

6 Surprising Leadership Principles From The Bible

By Tom Harper on Jan 20, 2025

A journey through every book of Scripture uncovered six counterintuitive leadership principles that reshape how we handle critics, conflict, love, power, and plans.

Scripture: Judges 8:3, Proverbs 29:22, Hosea 3:1-5

Tags: John, Wisdom, leadership, pastor, anger, Pastors, lead, Leadership General, Pastoral Ministry, Pastor, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

3 Ways To Defeat Leadership Discouragement

By Charles Stone on Dec 10, 2023

Discouragement comes with the territory for ministry leaders. Unmet goals, putting out fires, staff issues, displeasing people, and general tiredness all contribute to discouragement. When it weighs us down, how can we dig out? The life of the prophet Elijah gives us hope.

Tags: Perseverance, leadership, Discouragement, Depression, Elijah's faith, Pastoral Ministry, Elijah's Depression, Fighting for Joy, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

3 Tools Small Group Leaders Need To Succeed

By John Gilman Ii on Aug 7, 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

Should I Use Bible Software In My Sermon Prep?

By Jonathan J. Watson on Jul 3, 2023

Is software (and technology in general) a help or a hindrance? Considering I’m typing this on a laptop, and many of you will read it on your smartphones, it’s obvious that technology is an integral part of our lives. But should we use it when preparing sermons? And does it have any additional impact on my life?

Tags: Technology, sermon prep, bible software, Sermon Prep, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

The Barnabas Factor: Five Traits That Build Leaders

By Larry Osborne on Jan 29, 2024

Barnabas quietly shaped world-changing leaders. Discover five traits that made him a master encourager and team builder, and how they can transform your ministry.

Scripture: Acts 4:36

Tags: Growth, Discipleship, leadership, pastor, encouragement, Barnabas, development, lead, team building, Mentor, Leadership General, Pastor, Leadership, Encouragement, Team Building  (view more)  (view less)

The 25 Most Influential Preachers Of The Past 25 Years

By Michael Duduit on Jan 1, 2025

From Billy Graham to Tim Keller, this article profiles 25 preachers who have most shaped the American pulpit over the last 25 years and why their influence endures.

Tags: Church, leadership, Preaching, pastor, Influence, Circumstance, Pivotal, Leadership General, church leadership, Pastor, Leadership, preaching, church, Church Leadership, Ministry History  (view more)  (view less)

Ten Principles For Pastors Leading Plateaued Churches

By Joe Mckeever on Dec 12, 2022

Many churches plateau, but pastors don’t have to. These ten principles guide leaders toward renewal through prayer, humility, small improvements, and practical, Spirit-led steps.

Tags: Church, Growth, leadership, pastor, Church Growth, Apathy, Fail, Leadership General, pastoral leadership, shepherding, Pastor, Leadership, Shepherding, church, Pastoral Leadership, Plateaue, Ministry Health  (view more)  (view less)

When Is A Sermon Good Enough?

By Stephen Gregory on Jul 15, 2024

A pastor wrestles with preparation, expectations, and perfectionism, discovering how God uses imperfect sermons when the preacher is faithful, honest, and attentive to the flock.

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3

Tags: Church, Preaching, pastor, spiritual growth, Communication General, Pastoral Ministry, Ministry Leadership, Pastor, Sermon Preparation, preaching, church, sermon preparation, Preaching Challenges, Spiritual Growth  (view more)  (view less)

Reasonable Compensation For Pastors And Ministers

By Thomas J. Winters on Jan 9, 2025

Pastoral compensation must be fair, transparent, and compliant with IRS standards. This guide explains how churches determine reasonable pay and avoid excess benefit violations.

Tags: Money, Leader, Budget, pastor, finances, practice, Speculation, Church Practices, Leadership General, Church Governance, Pastor, leader, Pastoral Compensation, IRS Compliance, Nonprofit Accountability, Minister Pay  (view more)  (view less)

Secrets To Sermons On Giving

By Bob Russell on Jan 7, 2025

Stewardship preaching doesn’t have to repel people. With timing, tone, and practical teaching, pastors can address money biblically and help believers grow in generosity.

Scripture: Mark 10:21

Tags: Faith, Money, Healing, Giving, Stewardship, Power, Preaching, miracles, Funeral, Generosity, Homosexuality, Tithes, election, Tithing, Labor, Giving General, Christian Giving, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

10 Things Healthy Churches Do Well

By Joe Mckeever on Jan 23, 2025

Healthy churches face problems with wisdom, unity, and Christlike leadership. These ten traits show how congregations grow stronger even through crises.

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Tags: Church Growth, Healthy Church, Pastors, CHURCH LIFE, Church General, Accept, Christian community, church leadership, Biblical wisdom, Church Leadership, Biblical Wisdom, Congregational Health, Christian Community  (view more)  (view less)

Is Your Church Telling The Truth About Evangelism?

By Greg Stier on Jan 14, 2025

Many churches claim evangelism is their priority, but few practice it. This article exposes the disconnect and outlines five steps to make evangelism a true, lived mission.

Scripture: Acts 4:31

Tags: Evangelism, Church, Gospel, Honesty, great commission, Church General, Evangelism How To, Pastoral Ministry, church leadership, evangelism, gospel, church, Church Leadership, Evangelism Training, Great Commission, Mission Statements  (view more)  (view less)

Busting Out Of Sermon Block

By Haddon Robinson on May 27, 2020

Weekly preaching can feel creatively exhausting. Learn a two-phase approach, practical rhythms, and daily habits that keep your sermons biblical, fresh, and deeply fed all from Haddon Robinson.

Scripture: Luke 6:39-45, John 16:8-11

Tags: Love, Church, Preaching, Prayer, dedication, preparation, prepare, Homiletics, Result, Time, length, Leadership General, Pastoral Ministry, Expository Preaching, Sermon Preparation, preaching, church, expository preaching, love, sermon preparation  (view more)  (view less)