In Preaching Articles: "Why Pain"

Why My Sermon Notes Don't Rhyme, And What I Do Instead

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 9, 2023

For generations, rhymes and alliterations were expected from public speakers. It made them seem credible, authoritative and prepared. Not any more.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-5

Tags: Preaching, phony, sermon notes, rhyme, insincere, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Successful Churches Aren’t Turning The World Upside-Down – But The Outcasts Might

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 31, 2023

Jesus was the most culture-challenging, paradigm-shifting, tradition-breaking, change agent who ever lived.

Tags: leadership, Small Church, church in society, prophetic voice, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

How To Land Speaking Engagements

By Ben Arment on Feb 5, 2026

Ben Arment suggests eight practical steps that could expand your ministry beyond the pulpit. Why not give them a try?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

7 Bad Reasons Pastors Don't Share The Gospel In Every Sermon

By Greg Stier on Aug 14, 2023

In my interactions with pastors I’ve heard seven primary reasons for why some chose not to give the Gospel in every sermon.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Timothy 4:1-5

Tags: Evangelism, Gospel, Excuses, preaching Christ, evangelism, gospel  (view more)  (view less)

Embrace The 5 Types Of Church Visitor

By Ron Edmondson on Aug 7, 2020

Not all church visitors come for the same reasons. Understanding why people visit can help churches respond wisely and increase the likelihood they return.

Scripture: Romans 15:7, Hebrews 13:2, 1 Corinthians 9:22, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:41-47  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: guest, Hospitality, Pastoral Ministry

8 Tools To Explain A Biblical Passage Clearly

By Peter Mead on Dec 9, 2024

Why not simply read a bit of Bible and then say what you want to say, making the odd vague connection? This passes for preaching in many places.

Scripture: Genesis 49:10

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Five Of The Hardest Challenges Pastors Face

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 10, 2020

Pastoral ministry carries unique pressures that few see. These five challenges reveal why shepherding God’s people requires grace, wisdom, and endurance.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-7, Galatians 6:9, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:2-4, James 3:1  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: gentle, Pastor Care

Preach Like A Storyteller

By Ray Hollenbach on May 11, 2021

If audiences will sit for hours watching story-driven films, preachers must ask why sermons often struggle to hold attention. The answer is narrative power.

Scripture: Joshua 2:2-5, Luke 24:27, Mark 4:34, Acts 17:2-3

Tags: Expository Ministry

Fruit Over Size: What Jesus Really Measures In Ministry

By Mike Breen on May 14, 2021

Church success is often measured by size, but Jesus measured fruitfulness. Discover why disciple-making and spiritual reproduction matter more than growth metrics.

Scripture: John 15:8, Matthew 28:19, Luke 10:1, Acts 2:42, 2 Timothy 2:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Tree, Fruit, Reformation, lead, Movement  (view more)  (view less)

The Whisper That Made Me Leave My Church

By Tod Bolsinger on Sep 10, 2021

I would hear that line echoed in my mind long after each conversation was over: "Why didn't seminary prepare me for this?"

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-25

Tags: Preaching, prepare, Theology, Seminary, curriculum  (view more)  (view less)

What Pastors Are Trying To Do

By Joe Mckeever on Aug 16, 2022

The church member stares and wonders what’s going on and why you’re making so much noise until the day he/she meets Jesus.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6, 1 Timothy 5:17

Tags: Faithfulness, Transformation, Follow Jesus, preaching Christ

9 Points For Preaching On The Problem Of Evil

By Norman Geisler on Jan 22, 2025

Evil raises hard questions about God, suffering, and justice. This article equips preachers to answer honestly, show why evil presupposes God, and preach real hope.

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:6, Colossians 4:6

Tags: Christian, Apologetics, Evil, Satan, Hope, suffering, tragedy, Difficulties, problem of evil, Sin General, Trials  (view more)  (view less)

6 Reasons To Preach The Same Sermon Twice

By Joe Mckeever on Apr 23, 2020

Many pastors avoid repeating sermons, but revisiting them can deepen impact, sharpen insight, and better serve a changing congregation. Here’s why repeats matter.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Matthew 13:1-23, Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 4:13-16, 2 Corinthians 4:5-6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Expository Teaching

Does Your Sermon Outline Serve You Or Do You Serve It?

By Joe Hoagland on Jan 20, 2026

Think you don’t need a sermon outline? Discover why using one can sharpen your message, increase clarity, and enhance your connection with the congregation.

Tags: Preaching, preaching tips, sermon prep, Sermon outline, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep, Preaching Tips, Sermon Outline, Preaching Structure  (view more)  (view less)

4 Ways Pastors Can Refill Their Depleted Souls

By Charles Stone on Apr 21, 2022

Although we intuitively understand how to refuel ourselves, we often don’t do it. He challenged us to ask why we don’t.

Scripture: Mark 1:35-39

Tags: relationships, Rest, soul care, intimacy with Christ