In Preaching Articles: "Spiritual Disciplines"

Is Your Preaching God-Centered?

By Bernie Van Eyk on Sep 10, 2024

People crave practical help, but their deepest need is God Himself. God-centered preaching lifts hearts from self to the glory revealed in Jesus Christ.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:4, Genesis 1:1, Psalm 73:17-26, John 1:18, 1 Corinthians 2:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, spiritual formation, preaching, Spiritual Formation

Do You Know Your Pulpit Blind Spots?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Feb 12, 2023

Every preacher gravitates toward familiar themes. Addressing pulpit blind spots requires intentional planning, biblical breadth, and pastoral self-awareness.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:13, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:28

Tags: Preaching, spiritual growth, preaching, Spiritual Growth

How To Preach To The Heart

By John Bjorge on Nov 15, 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

Preaching When Times Are Tight

By David R. Stokes on Mar 29, 2020

When finances shake confidence and fear grows, preaching must lift weary hearts toward Heaven, reminding them of the unshakable kingdom God has prepared.

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1

Tags: Spiritual Renewal

7 Ways To Help Prevent Leadership Loneliness

By Paul Loyless on Apr 21, 2020

Pastoral isolation is real, but preventable. These practical rhythms help pastors resist burnout, build community, and serve without losing heart.

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-33, 1 Corinthians 12:14-20, Exodus 20:8-10, Mark 6:31, Galatians 6:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Spiritual Renewal

3 Ways I Overcome My Fear Of Preaching

By Greg Stier on Jun 15, 2020

Preachers get nervous. Paul did too! These three practices transform fear into fuel by driving you to study harder, pray deeper, and preach like it’s your last time.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7-9, 1 Corinthians 2:3, Matthew 22:35-40, Ephesians 6:19, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Spiritual Dependence

6 Ways Pastors Can Help People Deal With Doubts

By Ray Hollenbach on Jun 11, 2020

It seems like doubt is a popular subject these days, but doubt comes with a price. Here are six ideas that could help any pastor when asked to speak about the subject of doubt.

Scripture: John 20:24-31, Jeremiah 29:13, Mark 9:24, Acts 9:1-9

Tags: Faith, doubt, Belief, spiritual formation, Spiritual Formation  (view more)  (view less)

Move Your Church From Consumers To Disciples

By Bill Couchenour on Mar 21, 2024

"Too often, we have allowed people to settle for giving 2 percent of their income, or attending 4 out of 5 Sundays."

Tags: Commitment, leadership, Body, Attendance, Church Discipline, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Hidden In My Heart

By Megan Briggs on Apr 7, 2024

Have we lost sight of the need to memorize Scripture in our digital age?

Scripture: Psalm 119:11, Romans 12:2

Tags: memory, Disciplines Scripture, children's ministry, Memory Devices

How I Learned To Preach–and What I'm Learning Still

By Doug Paul on Jul 14, 2020

Most effective teachers do not start original. They learn through listening, imitation, and practice before discovering a voice that is truly their own.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Timothy 2:2, Proverbs 22:6, Hebrews 13:7

Tags: leadership, Preaching, spiritual formation, Leadership, preaching, Spiritual Formation  (view more)  (view less)

Why Preaching Without The Holy Spirit Isn’t Really Preaching

By Leslie Holmes on Apr 16, 2025

Without the Holy Spirit, preaching becomes little more than religious speech. True proclamation depends on surrender, prayer, and the Spirit’s guiding power.

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 4:18-19, Acts 2:7-8, 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, John 16:13  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Holy Spirit, Preaching, Triune, spiritual power, preaching, Spiritual Power  (view more)  (view less)

Now That Easter Is Over…

By Lance Witt on Apr 4, 2024

As pastors we need to do a better job with the discipline of “sanctified lingering”.

Tags: gratitude, graciousness, Volunteer, Time of Reflection

When Passion Fades: 5 Reasons Preaching Becomes Lifeless

By Peter Mead on Aug 9, 2024

Passionless preaching drains a congregation. These five causes, from frozen delivery to cold hearts, reveal why sermons fall flat and how pastors can revive authentic zeal.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6, Romans 12:11, Psalm 34:8, Colossians 3:23, Revelation 2:4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Spiritual Renewal, preaching

57 Leadership Tips For Pastors

By Joe Mckeever on Mar 21, 2025

Joe McKeever distills decades of pastoral wisdom into fifty-seven clear, practical leadership lessons that help pastors lead with integrity, courage, humility, and spiritual focus.

Scripture: Exodus 18:1-12

Tags: Ministry, leadership, Preaching, Delegate, spiritual formation, Leadership, ministry, preaching, Spiritual Formation  (view more)  (view less)

Check The Mirror, Pastor – After Five Years, Your Church Looks Like You

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 26, 2021

Show me a spiritually healthy church and I’ll show you a spiritually healthy pastor. Show me a spiritually unhealthy church and I’ll show you a spiritually unhealthy pastor.

Scripture: Hebrews 13:7

Tags: Humility, pastor, spiritual leadership, Pastoral Character, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)