In Preaching Articles: "Called"

The Reverse Altar Call

By Greg Stier on Aug 1, 2023

Sometimes the words “altar call” trigger images of sawdust trails and endless verses of “Just as I am” with preachers prodding, pushing and persuading sinners to come forward down the aisle in front of God and everyone.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:2

Tags: Evangelism, strategy, Evangelism How To, Evangelism The Lost, evangelism  (view more)  (view less)

Expositional Preaching: Our Calling

By Mark Dever on Apr 23, 2026

Six pastors define and discuss their passionate calling to expositional preaching.

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-10, Genesis 1:1-3

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Does Preaching Really Matter?

By Lance Witt on Apr 6, 2026

Like most pastors, I will never forget the first sermon I preached. Basically, we had to hold people at gun point to get them to listen . . .

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:21, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Corinthians 9:16

Tags: Preaching, God's Power, Bartimaeus, calling, preaching, Calling  (view more)  (view less)

10 Reasons Not To Give An Altar Call

By Thabiti Anyabwile on Mar 12, 2020

Thabiti Anyabwile offers a compelling argument against the use of altar calls. We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions.

Scripture: Numbers 1:1

Tags: Evangelism, Preaching, altar, Evangelism How To

4 Reasons Not To Give An Altar Call

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Aug 11, 2024

There is a place for a properly given altar call, but we must maintain a correct understanding of how, when, and where to use one.

Tags: Preaching, altar, Invitation, preaching

Is There Anything Wrong With Calling God "She”?

By Aaron Armstrong on Jan 6, 2022

"It's just a pronoun, so what's the big deal?" Well, what does the scripture say?

Tags: Attributes, Masculine, feminine, preaching, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Call No One Wants To Get - Part 1

By Lance Witt on Sep 24, 2023

One of the spiritual questions every ministry leader must answer is, “Am I willing to serve in obscurity?”

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-40

Tags: Faith, obscurity, Cost of Discipleship, success in ministry

The Call No One Wants To Get - Part 2

By Lance Witt on Sep 25, 2023

Looking back, I see that obscurity allowed God to redirect my sense of identity and significance.

Tags: obscurity, Relationship to God, intimacy with Christ, Hidden work of God

The Power Of Simplicity… Part 1

By Lance Witt on Aug 27, 2023

I really do believe that many of the people you pastor are looking for simplicity.

Tags: focus, Simplicity, simplify, calling

Wayne Cordeiro: When You Want To Call It Quits

By Wayne Cordeiro on Mar 7, 2025

Wayne Cordeiro offers tips for discerning when it's time to quit and when quitting is not God's best for you or your ministry.

Scripture: Luke 5:10-15, Luke 5:10, John 20:1

Tags: Preaching, quit, retire, preaching

7 Ways To Keep From Killing Your Message

By Carey Nieuwhof on Feb 28, 2023

Every week, gifted communicators kill the messages they bring by making at least seven predictable, fixable mistakes.

Tags: Preaching, Feedback, call to action, preaching

Pastor, I'm Called To Preach–gimme Your Pulpit!

By Brian Croft on Feb 1, 2026

Brian Croft gives three sound suggestions for encouraging others as they explore their calling.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Listen To Your Sermon Just Before You Preach

By Mark Mohler on Dec 3, 2024

Sermons are not made for paper--they're made for the human ear. Have you tried listening to yours?

Scripture: Matthew 8:1-2

Tags: Preaching, Listen, Creativity, call to action, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

4 Reasons Why Some Preachers Get Better And Others Don't

By Hershael York on Aug 12, 2025

What makes the difference between someone who grows in preaching versus someone who doesn't?

Tags: calling, preaching, Preaching, passion, stagnant, Improve  (view more)  (view less)

Avoid The Wreck: 7 Ways To Crash A Sermon

By Carey Nieuwhof on Sep 23, 2025

What's the difference between a sermon that changes someone's life and one that no one can remember even as they drive out of the parking lot?

Tags: Preaching, Resistance, Ruin, call to action, preaching  (view more)  (view less)