In Preaching Articles: "The Long View"

Why Was I So Hard On That Church I Visited?

By Karl Vaters on Jul 2, 2022

How might a newcomer view your church? What barriers may they face? What obstacles could be unintentionally in the way of them connecting and finding a place to belong?

Tags: leadership, Visitors, church ministry, Welcoming Others, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

How To Overcome Tone Deaf Preaching

By Dr. Tom Long on Apr 25, 2023

Tom Long suggests two radically different ways to prepare to preach--for the same message!

Tags: Preaching, preparation, communicate, preaching

How To Preach Without Notes

By Ted Smith on Dec 9, 2020

Like all good preaching, good impromptu preaching depends on the long-term habits of the preacher.

Tags: Preaching, teach, memorize, note, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Is The Problem Really A Lack Of Deep Teaching?

By Eric Geiger on Jul 30, 2021

For a pastor who longs to faithfully feed people the Word of God, there are few statements that sting as deeply.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:6-10

Tags: Preaching, Lack, problem, deep teaching, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching That Keeps Bibles Open

By Peter Mead on May 27, 2025

Many preachers begin with "Open your Bibles ..." But how long do those Bibles stay open?

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-22

Tags: Bible, Preaching, average, interest, preaching, bible  (view more)  (view less)

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: Preaching, prepare, Billy Graham

Preach The Present Pentecost, Not The Past

By David J. Lose on Feb 20, 2023

There's nothing more resistant to purposeful, hopeful action in the present than nostalgia, the longing for a bygone era.

Scripture: Acts 5:1-30

Tags: Pentecost, Present, Preaching, past, festival, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

10 Traits Of Joyful Pastors

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 5, 2025

Follow the example of these leaders. You'll find joy in the midst of the hard work and long hours of pastoral ministry.

Tags: Leader, Joy, Preaching, preach, preaching, leader  (view more)  (view less)

Pit Stops Required - Part 2

By Lance Witt on Sep 13, 2023

Leaders who stay spiritually healthy long term are those who learn this sacred rhythm of advance and retreat.

Tags: Retreat, rhythm, Solitude, Rest, Disciplines Silence  (view more)  (view less)

Deal-Breakers: 7 Ways God May Tell A Pastor To Leave A Church

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 18, 2022

Long-term pastorates are almost always good for the church and the pastor. But when these things happen, it's time to go.

Tags: Discernment, Resignation, Knowing God's Will, church ministry

Tap The Power Of Storytelling In Your Preaching

By Ray Hollenbach on May 11, 2021

How long can you hold your audience? Steven Spielberg can hold them for two and a half hours.

Scripture: Joshua 2:2-5

Tags:

How To Stop Flirting With Sin

By Chad Ashby on Nov 14, 2022

Brothers and sisters, “As long as it is called ‘today,’ [be sure] that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin!” (Hebrews 3:13)

Scripture: Judges 16:1-31, Matthew 5:29, Judges 16:4-5, Matthew 7:13, 1 John 3:8, Hebrews 3:13  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: God's Grace, Personal Growth, Know the Truth, Discipline, Abide in Christ, personal holiness, fighting ungodliness, fighting sin  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching That Makes Disciples: Three Texts You Must Preach

By Ray Hollenbach on Sep 14, 2022

For anyone who longs to preach about something more than a fire-insurance relationship with Jesus, these three passages will help you make disciples.

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-15

Tags: Preaching, yoke, Make Disciples, conformed, his image, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

5 Ways To Help Your Sermon Last Deep Into The Week

By Brandon Kelley on Feb 5, 2020

Instead of allowing your sermon content to be forgotten, do these things to bring the point of your message back to your listeners all week long.

Tags: Preaching

The Weight And Joy Of Being A Pastor: Loneliness

By Josh Reich on Oct 9, 2021

If you talk to any pastor or his wife and ask them about friends, more than likely you will get a sad, longing look.

Tags: Counselor, Loneliness, Prayer General, Suffering Loneliness