In Preaching Articles: "Time Tested"

What Is The Church's Mission? And Why Does It Matter?

By Carey Nieuwhof on Jan 21, 2021

With the vast majority of churches struggling in some way, it’s time to rethink our future mission.

Tags: Preaching

3 Ingredients To Super Productive Sermon Writing

By Brandon Kelley on Jan 28, 2021

You have a ton of things to do every week. Wouldn’t it be great to have some super productive sermon writing time so you could put more time toward leading your church into the future? Sermon writing can be overwhelming when you have other major projects to worry about. But don’t worry anymore! There’s a way to get more productive in less time.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Francis Chan On The Holy Spirit & Preaching

By Francis Chan on Mar 6, 2026

"Preaching is a time of blessing for me: I am closer to the Lord the more I teach, the more I preach."

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

Tags: Holy Spirit, Blessing, Preaching, francis chan, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

10 Differences Between Borrowing And Stealing Someone Else's Sermon

By James Emery White on Sep 27, 2021

Good communicators borrow material all the time. But how should you communicate your sources of ideas and inspiration?

Tags: Plagiarism, Quotes, Steal, Preaching, Borrow  (view more)  (view less)

The Final Piece Of Sermon Prep: What To Cut, What To Add

By Peter Mead on Aug 22, 2025

Rookie preachers wonder how they will fill the time. Experienced preachers know the real challenge is in what to leave out.

Scripture: Exodus 6:1-9

Tags: Preaching, Balance, information, sermon prep, selective, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

How We Moved From Theological To Therapeutic Preaching--And Why It Matters

By Joseph Mattera on Oct 7, 2025

Some pastors preach messages that show they spend more time studying behaviorism and sociology than they do the Scriptures.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

R.c. Sproul: The Difference Between Preaching & Teaching

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 28, 2025

"What shepherd would so neglect his sheep that he never took the time or trouble to feed them?"

Tags: Preaching, preaching

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

Busting Out Of Sermon Block

By Haddon Robinson on May 28, 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, love, sermon preparation, Pastoral Ministry, Expository Preaching, Sermon Preparation, preaching, church, expository preaching, prepare, Homiletics, Result, Time, length, Leadership General  (view more)  (view less)

6 Reasons Why Pastors Must Be More Courageous Today

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 14, 2026

Thom Rainer believes we are in the midst of a cultural shift--and it's no time to shrink back from our calling.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Vacation Bible School Promotion And Communication, Part One

By Lisa Eifert on May 15, 2024

What strikes simultaneous fear and joy in the hearts of church staff and volunteers this time of year? Yep, you guessed it, Vacation Bible School (VBS). Anyone who has been a part of planning VBS knows the vast amount of time, resources and imagination that go into making these events memorable experiences for kids.

Tags: Communication, Technology, delegation, VBS, communication  (view more)  (view less)

How To Plan A Preaching Calendar

By Josh Reich on Apr 15, 2025

Planning your preaching calendar in advance brings clarity, balance, and creativity, helping pastors steward their time, teams, and congregations faithfully.

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:11-18, Habakkuk 2:2, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 4:2, Proverbs 16:3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Teaching the Bible

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: Preaching, picture, passage, point

How To Finally Break Through And Work Ahead On Sermon Prep: The Ultimate How-To

By Jeramie Rinne on Nov 26, 2024

Some gifted preachers can regularly craft solid sermons on an abbreviated schedule. But most of us mortals need ample time.

Tags: Preaching, Research, writer, rehearse, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Trust Your Stuff: Two Ways To Know When Your Sermon Is Ready

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Mar 13, 2023

You could study and prep for 100 hours and still find something wrong with the sermon. Eventually, it's time to stand and deliver.

Scripture: Proverbs 3:20-30, Judges 6:1-16

Tags: Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep, Preaching, prepare, practice, Edit, sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)