In Preaching Articles: "First Things"

Do We Need A broader Definition Of Church Growth?

By Karl Vaters on Oct 12, 2023

Any definition of church growth that doesn’t allow for, even celebrate, churches that contribute in non-numerical ways is incomplete.

Tags: Church Growth, priorities, pastoral leadership, First Things First, Right Values  (view more)  (view less)

The Ultimate Character Test Any Great Leader Passes

By Carey Nieuwhof on Nov 13, 2023

Moral failure takes out more leaders than it should. But real success is deeper than just avoiding the ditch.

Tags: leadership, Character, Faithfulness, Home Life, Integrity, Popularity, pastoral leadership, church leadership, First Things First, Leadership Failure, True Success, e, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

The Essential Me-First Of Biblical Preaching

By Ken Burge on May 8, 2025

Biblical preaching demands personal application before public proclamation. The preacher must first live the message before declaring it.

Scripture: Ezra 7:10, James 2:18, 1 Corinthians 4:16, Acts 20:28, 1 Timothy 4:16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Self, example, application, Pastoral Ministry, preaching, Application  (view more)  (view less)

Grab Attention In The First 30 Seconds

By Dr. R. Larry Moyer on Oct 12, 2025

Listeners often decide within seconds whether a sermon deserves their attention. Strong openings, clear relevance, and sustained enthusiasm help preachers win attention and keep it.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17, Colossians 4:6, Nehemiah 8:8, 1 Corinthians 14:9, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: entice, preaching, Preaching, Attention, Enthusiasm, skill  (view more)  (view less)

The First Step In Being A Great Pastor

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 11, 2022

The first step in being a great pastor is to walk with God.

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:11

Tags: pastor, Basics of Christianity, Intimacy With God, intimacy with Christ, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

The First Step In Bringing Change To Your Church

By John Holm on Jan 23, 2023

Healthy leadership protects what must never change while courageously adjusting what must. Churches fail when they confuse strategy with identity.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Matthew 28:19-20, Proverbs 29:18, Ephesians 2:20, Jude 1:3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Change, Strategy, Guide, strategy

Preach What Has First Burned In You

By Brian Orme on Jul 6, 2025

Powerful preaching begins before the pulpit. When the Word grips the preacher’s own heart, it carries weight, conviction, and authenticity to those who hear.

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37, Ezra 7:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 2 Corinthians 4:13, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Christ, Preaching, Sinner, Persuade, preach, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The First Step To Sparking Innovation In A Stuck Church

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 29, 2021

Church leaders need to spark the creativity of innovative believers by figuring out how to say yes to their passion.

Tags: Teamwork, Lay Leadership, ideas, work for God's glory

Matt Chandler: First And Foremost, I'm A Preacher

By Matt Chandler on Jul 18, 2025

There's no limit to the distractions facing a pastor, but in the end we are called to preach.

Tags: Preacher, Matt Chandler, limit, Distraction, preaching, preacher, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

5 Must-Know Facts About First-Time Visitors

By Rick Ezell on Nov 2, 2021

Most guests decide whether they’ll return within minutes. Churches that prioritize hospitality, friendliness, and clear navigation create the best chance for impact.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, Luke 15:20-24

Tags: Grace, guest, Celebrate, Hospitality, Visitors, grace  (view more)  (view less)

Say Hard Things

By Marshall Segal on Apr 13, 2021

When was the last time someone told you you were wrong? If you can’t remember, you may have reason to be concerned. Sometimes the most loving thing someone can do for us is point out an error or inconsistency in the way we think or live.

Scripture: Matthew 6:16, Romans 12:3, Galatians 5:22-23, Galatians 1:6-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Galatians 2:11-14, Acts 10:28, Acts 15:11, 2 Chronicles 7:14-19, Matthew 6:18, 1 Peter 1:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Love, Humility, Confrontation, Grace and Truth

7 Things Forgiveness Is Not

By Ron Edmondson on Jun 9, 2022

Understanding forgiveness doesn’t make it easier to forgive, but it does make it more meaningful. I believe understanding the process could make us more likely to offer the forgiveness we are commanded to give.

Tags: Grace, Forgiveness, relationships, Loving Others, Being merciful , grace  (view more)  (view less)

7 Things Forgiveness Is

By Ron Edmondson on Jun 10, 2022

As difficult as forgiveness may be to extend, it is often a most important ingredient in healthy relationships and in being a completely healthy person.

Scripture: Romans 12:19, Hebrews 12:1, Colossians 3:13, Romans 12:18

Tags: Grace, Forgiveness, relationships, Loving Others, grace  (view more)  (view less)

The Most Necessary Thing

By Thomas C. Brown on Jul 10, 2022

Greater is the value of personal intimacy with God than busyness for him. Service must follow surrender and solitude.

Scripture: Luke 10:42, John 17:3, Philippians 3:8-10

Tags: Scripture, leadership, devotion, priorities, God's Word, pastoral leadership, Intimacy With God, Pastoral Ministry, soul care, Guarding Your Soul, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

True Leadership Is Sacrifice, Not Privilege

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 3, 2022

Christian leadership — in the home, the church, and elsewhere — is not for those clawing for honor and recognition, but for those most ready to fall to their knees and be inconvenienced by the needs of others.

Scripture: Mark 10:45, 2 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Peter 5:2-3, Matthew 20:25-28, John 13:14-15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Sacrifice, leadership, Dying To Self, pastoral leadership, servant leadership, Others First, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)