In Preaching Articles: "Entertainment"

Tethered Preaching Vs. Entertainment Preaching

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 30, 2025

John Piper’s concept of tethered preaching draws a clear line between Bible-saturated proclamation and entertainment-oriented speaking that merely garnishes its ideas with Scripture.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:27, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, Nehemiah 8:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, pulpit, Entertain, Pastoral Ministry, tether, preaching, Pulpit  (view more)  (view less)

John Piper: Bible-Oriented Preaching Or Entertainment?

By John Piper on Aug 23, 2024

True preaching is bound to Scripture, not personality. A Bible-tethered preacher speaks with God’s authority, while entertainment preaching drifts from the Word.

Scripture: John 17:20, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 66:2

Tags: Scripture, Entertainment, john calvin, John Calvin

3 "Sacred Cows” In Preaching That Must Be Challenged

By Jared Moore on Jun 17, 2025

Modern preaching often chases entertainment, relevance, and visible success. Scripture calls pastors instead to pursue faithfulness to God’s Word.

Scripture: Matthew 12:22-37, 2 Timothy 4:1-5, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, Colossians 1:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

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

How To Stop People From Playing On Their Phones In Church

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 19, 2025

Cell phones in church don't bother me because I've discovered an ancient secret that keeps people from getting bored in church.

Tags: Discipleship, Preaching, Entertainment, Boredom, better church, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

10 Sacred Cows That Need To Be Tipped

By Jared Moore on Sep 6, 2024

From entertainment-driven sermons to numbers-obsessed ministry, this article challenges common church practices that subtly undermine biblical faithfulness.

Scripture: John 21:20-22, Matthew 28:18-20, John 4:23-24, 1 Corinthians 1:21, Galatians 1:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Faithfulness, Method, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership, Preaching Ministry  (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

Eugene Peterson On The Dignity Of Local Pastoring

By Eugene Peterson on Jul 13, 2021

"I grew up in a culture that was very entertainment-centered. Pastors were really good storytellers, and they were attractive people, glamorous." –Eugene Peterson

Scripture: John 3:16, 1 Peter 5:2-3, Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, 2 Corinthians 4:7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Growth, Preaching, Growth in Christ, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Preach The Gospel, Not Just The Garnishes

By Jared Moore on Jul 24, 2025

Common grace can entertain, inspire, and even convict, but it cannot save. Preachers must ensure that special revelation drives every sermon, not the wit, storytelling, or skill surrounding it.

Scripture: Romans 1:16-17, Romans 1:18-20, Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Tags: Gospel, Preaching, Lost, style, garnish, gospel, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Five Ways To Turn Off Younger Listeners

By Adam Ramsey on Nov 6, 2024

New preachers often default to good advice over Good News, entertainment over conviction, and eloquence over gospel identity. Here are five mistakes worth naming early.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Romans 1:16, Colossians 1:28

Tags: Preaching, God's Love, Laughter, Young people, good advice, young people, preaching  (view more)  (view less)