In Preaching Articles: "Surprise"

What Do You Do When Your Sermon Is Interrupted? Try This Five-Point Checklist

By Joe Mckeever on Mar 11, 2023

Sooner or later, every pastor has it happen. You're in the middle of a sermon, all is going well, you're on top of your game, the Lord is near, the people are listening well. And then, bam!

Scripture: Psalm 75:4-7, Matthew 12:8-13, John 12:25-30

Tags: Preaching, guidance, Surprise, interrupted, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Surprising Requirement For Being An Elder

By Don Carson on Jan 23, 2023

D.A. Carson suggests that there is one unique biblical requirement for a church elder--and it may surprise you!

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Tags: elder

Five Surprising Insights About The Unchurched

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 16, 2023

Many church leaders and members have such misperceptions about the unchurched, churches often fail to reach them, or even attempt to reach them.

Tags: Evangelism, Unchurched, habit, evangelism

Preach The Surprising Connection Between Christmas And Repentance

By David J. Lose on Dec 1, 2020

Instead of demanding repentance, what if you invited people into it?

Scripture: John 3:1-3, Matthew 3:1-2

Tags: Advent, Preaching, repentance, Inviting People, Repentance, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

6 Surprising Leadership Principles From The Bible

By Tom Harper on Jan 21, 2025

Tom Harper traveled through the whole of Scripture looking for one fresh leadership principle in every book ... learn what he found.

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

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

Close Your Sermon Powerfully: A Surprising Secret

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Feb 3, 2020

Sherman Cox points to one critical area frequently left untouched by preachers--resulting in untouched hearts of listeners.

Scripture: Romans 6:1-4

Tags: Preaching

Bold Preaching: The Surprising Connection Between Amos And Us

By Nathan Aaseng on Jul 25, 2019

This article challenges preachers to reflect on whether they resemble Amos or the court prophets, and urges courage in proclaiming hard truths from God’s Word.

Tags: Preaching, Prophetic Preaching, preaching, Church and Culture, Courage in Ministry, Preaching Challenges  (view more)  (view less)

God Works In Mysterious Ways—through Your Sermon!

By Danny Macmunn on Aug 27, 2021

Sometimes even the messenger is surprised at what the people hear.

Scripture: Mark 15:1-18, 2 Timothy 2:1-15

Tags: Scripture, Preaching, Word of God, mysterious ways, inspired by god, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

All The World Respects Fatherhood--20 Quotes You Can Use

By SermonCentral .com on Jun 11, 2020

Dip into surprising sources to catch your listeners' attention with these unique quotes.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-21

Tags: Father's Day, Fatherhood, Respect, Quotes

How Does John Piper Do Sermon Prep? (Surprise! He Starts On Fridays)

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 1, 2023

John Piper shares what works for him--but cautions that it may not work for you.

Scripture: Acts 20:17-38

Tags: Preaching, prepare, Time, john piper, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

6 Important Reasons Every Pastor Should Preach On Singleness

By Josh Reich on Jan 21, 2020

Josh Reich thinks some pastors shy away from this topic for surprising reasons.

Tags: Preaching

What Do Your People Want To Hear From The Pulpit?

By Ron Allen on Sep 14, 2020

"The most surprising challenge to emerge from the data is a request to preachers to bring controversial issues into the pulpit."

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Do You Blame Others For Your Ministry Failures? 12 Ways To Escape This Foolish Trap

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 24, 2020

I don’t blame anyone but myself for my failures in ministry -- Why are people so surprised by that?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

What Do We Mean When We Say Church?

By Dr. Rowan Williams on May 13, 2023

Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams presents a surprising--and thoughtful--view of what it means to be the church. See if you agree.

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Tags: Church, Body, Church Body of Christ, Church General, church  (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)