In Preaching Articles: "Why Pain"

Why Preachers Must Work At Their Preaching

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Aug 1, 2021

Some believe that if a preacher is truly called, preparation and training are unnecessary. In reality, faithful preaching requires both divine calling and diligent effort.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Timothy 4:13-16, Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, Isaiah 55:11, 1 Corinthians 15:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, the word, pious, notion, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Preaching Must Be God-Centered

By Bernie Van Eyk on May 25, 2021

Many sermons focus on human needs rather than God’s glory. Scripture calls preachers to proclaim the greatness of God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Scripture: Genesis 1:1, John 1:18, 1 Corinthians 2:2, Acts 20:27, Psalm 73:25-26  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: God, Preaching, focus, Center, biblical theology, preaching, Biblical Theology  (view more)  (view less)

All Pastors Plagiarize--Here's Why

By Erik Raymond on Aug 5, 2021

We read, listen, talk, think, integrate, pray and listen. This is what we do. "In one very real sense, pastors don’t know what is original and what is not."

Tags: Steal, Preaching, pastor, Plagiarism, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

A Crucial Question: The Why Of Expository Preaching

By SermonCentral .com on Oct 31, 2024

It's not just academic; it's essential for life-giving sermons.

Scripture: Numbers 6:24-27, Joshua 6:6-27, Joshua 4:5-16

Tags: Preaching, Expository, Essential, Academic, preaching, expository  (view more)  (view less)

Why Good Sermons Can Be Boring

By Joe Mckeever on Nov 13, 2025

You brought a sermon you knew beyond a doubt was from the Lord and inspired of God.Halfway through, you could sense the congregation’s minds wandering. How could this happen?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Why I Hate The Word Balance

By Lance Witt on May 29, 2023

A life of balance has always seemed like a “pipe dream”, something that just wasn’t realistic or attainable. To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever had a moment of balance in my entire life. I can’t think of a single moment when every area of my life and ministry were “spinning” smoothly.

Scripture: Mark 10:46

Tags: Pastors, rhythm, emotional health

Why So Long? A Missions Story

By Evy Yohner on May 20, 2022

These stories are like rare pearls, collecting from a way of “doing” missions no longer done, when intrepid men and women sacrificed everything to obey God’s voice.

Tags: international, god's mission, great commission, lessons from history

Why Do Christians Love The Law?

By Rev. Burk Parsons on Jun 21, 2022

Why would anyone love the law of God?

Scripture: Matthew 28:20, Romans 7:22, Matthew 5:17, Psalm 119:72

Tags: Righteousness, Theology, God's Law, obedience of faith

Why Exhortation Alone Is Not Enough In Preaching

By Bob Hostetler on Jan 13, 2023

Many sermons tell listeners what they should do but fail to move them toward real change. Effective preaching combines exhortation with identification, inspiration, and practical application.

Scripture: Romans 12:8, James 1:22, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, Colossians 1:28  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, identification, inspiration, application, Homiletics, preaching, Application  (view more)  (view less)

To A Young Pastor: Five Things I Wish I Had Known

By Rob Pochek on Nov 16, 2020

Ministry is humbling, refining, and often painful. These five lessons can steady young pastors for the long obedience ahead.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Acts 2:47, Galatians 6:1, 1 Timothy 3:4-5, Galatians 6:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Young, behavior, advice, Pastors, Foolproof  (view more)  (view less)

3 Things To Do When You’re Stuck In A Sermon Prep And Writing Rut

By Brandon Kelley on Oct 30, 2022

"Sermon prep and sermon writing can be hard. Often times, it can even be painful. Anything seems better to be doing when we get stuck in a sermon prep and writing rut. But we all know that the work is worth it. The pain is worth it. The plodding is worth it."

Tags: Teaching, Pray, writing, Teaching God's Word, Pastoral Ministry, sermon prep, tools, Preaching Rut, Sermon Prep, teaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

3 Reasons Why I Give My Listeners Homework (And Why You Should, Too)

By Ray Hollenbach on Oct 20, 2025

When we ask something more of our congregation we will quickly discover whether we are preaching for spiritual entertainment or spiritual formation.

Tags: Discipleship

Why Preaching Grace Empowers Real Obedience

By Ron Forseth on Jun 5, 2025

Some pastors fear that emphasizing grace will weaken holiness. In reality, biblical grace empowers obedience, motivates generosity, and leads believers toward lasting transformation.

Scripture: Romans 3:5-8, John 1:14, Romans 6:1-2, Galatians 5:1, 2 Corinthians 9:7-8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Grace, Preaching, Gospel Preaching, grace, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Small Churches Don’t Grow

By Joe Mckeever on Sep 20, 2024

Small church growth stalls for reasons deeper than numbers. These ten barriers reveal why congregations stay stuck and how leaders can pursue renewed health and mission.

Scripture: John 13:35, Psalm 85:6, Luke 11:1-2

Tags: Church, Outreach, pastor, Church Growth, Health, Fail, Church Health, Small Church, Church Practices, pastoral leadership, spiritual vitality, Pastor, church, Pastoral Leadership, Small Church Growth, Congregational Renewal, Spiritual Vitality  (view more)  (view less)

Why I Said Yes To Pastoral Ministry

By Chuck Warnock on Dec 15, 2022

Pastoral calling can fade under pressure, success, or discouragement. This reflection uncovers why ministers lose sight of their call and how to remember it again.

Tags: Church, Call, pastor, Pastors, Small Church, Church General, Leadership General, Pastoral Ministry, Spiritual Renewal, Pastor, church, Ministry Burnout, Pastoral Calling, Clergy Encouragement  (view more)  (view less)