In Preaching Articles: "Words Do Hurt"

The Little-Known Secret About Spontaneous Sermons

By Scott Attebery on Oct 29, 2025

There's a "curve" to sermon prep that led to great messages--do you know it?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Pastoral Transition: Setting Your Church Up For Ministry Success After You're Gone

By Karl Vaters on Oct 20, 2023

Following a long-term, successful pastorate is one of the hardest callings in ministry. Every pastor should do everything we can to make it as easy as possible for the next pastor and the church to do great ministry after we leave.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12

Tags: Pastoral Transition, Decentralize, Leadership, leadership, servant leadership  (view more)  (view less)

How To Powerfully Preach A Narrative Passage

By Brandon Kelley on Feb 17, 2021

People love stories, and that is what narrative is. When we can powerfully preach a narrative passage, we’ll see people not only respond to the message, but they’ll become more in awe at God’s word!

Tags: Preaching, preach, Narrative Passage, preaching

Everyone's Least Favorite Preacher- The Cocky Kind

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 19, 2023

You’re sitting in his church listening to him preach. He’s not five minutes into the message before you realize Mr. Hotshot is appearing before you in the flesh. His words and mannerisms give him away.

Scripture: Isaiah 57:15, Micah 6:8, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 Peter 5:3, Isaiah 6:5, Matthew 18:3, 1 Peter 5:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Humility, Pride, Preacher, self importance, preacher  (view more)  (view less)

Was Jesus Numerically Challenged?

By Ray Hollenbach on Jun 29, 2020

Do numbers alone tell the story of success? What kind of numbers caught Jesus' attention?

Tags: Growth, Preaching, number, Growth in Christ

If The Preacher Is Dead, The Sermon Will Be Dead

By Chuck Campbell on Apr 29, 2023

Chuck Campbell says what we do outside of preaching will impact how we preach.

Scripture: Job 42:2-17, Job 42:2

Tags: Preaching, preaching

50 Forgotten Days: What Will You Preach After Easter?

By Ray Hollenbach on Apr 10, 2020

Jesus provides the perfect example for our preaching and teaching in the weeks ahead. What will you do?

Scripture: Acts 1:1-4

Tags: Easter, Preaching, Easter Resurrection

Find Places To Preach Without Stealing A Pulpit

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 21, 2021

In many churches, there are simply not enough opportunities to preach for all of the unpaid associates and assistants. What to do?

Tags: opportunity, lead, Ministry, Support, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

If You Mix The Matters, Your Preaching Won't Matter

By Peter Mead on Jun 1, 2023

Four aspects of preaching sound the same, but they are radically different. Do you mix them up?

Tags: Preaching, Difference, focus, matter, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Leading Like Jesus Means Making Big Challenges

By James Scott on Jun 23, 2021

Jesus never shied away from calling people to make big changes--do you?

Tags: Jesus, obedience, challenge, Follow

One Pastor's Top Three Sacred Cows In Desperate Need Of Tipping

By Jared Moore on Jun 18, 2025

Do you agree with this very opinionated list? Which cows would YOU like to tip?

Scripture: Matthew 12:22-37

Tags: Preaching, success, Entertain, Tip, Sacred Cows, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Preach Like It's Good News!

By Travis Hearn on Jan 21, 2023

When you're giving good news to someone, how do you give it?

Tags: Biblical, preaching, fun, Fun, Preaching, Good News, available  (view more)  (view less)

Four Sharp Questions To Whittle Your Sermon Into Shape

By Tyler Scarlett on Jul 21, 2025

The sermon's not done until you sharpen the point. Here are four excellent ways to do it.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:22-24

Tags: Preaching, points, Sharpen, preaching

Slow Down, Big Fella—what A Motorcyclist Taught Me About Preaching

By Joe Mckeever on Mar 3, 2023

Nowhere in Scripture do we see Jesus shifting into oratorical overdrive and putting on a show for the people.

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-20

Tags: Preaching, slow down, suggestions, Slow down, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Understanding Your Capacity

By Steve Smith on Mar 17, 2022

If we do not understand our own limits in this life, we will never be content, satisfied or happy!

Tags: recovery, Rest, soul care, avoiding burnout, Capacity, capacity  (view more)  (view less)