In Preaching Articles: "Seek First"

5 Qualities To Seek In The Heart Of A Leader

By Ron Edmondson on Jan 29, 2022

Someone asked me recently what I primarily look for in the hiring of a staff position. I said, without reservation, first and foremost, I look for the heart.

Tags: leadership, Integrity, Innovation, pastoral leadership, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

God Seeks People To Worship Him In Spirit And Truth

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 20, 2022

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24)

Scripture: John 3:6, John 3:20, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, John 4:4-6, Proverbs 13:14, John 7:37-39, John 4:14, John 14:26, Matthew 15:8, 1 Thessalonians 1:5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Gospel of John, Dead in sin, Jesus Teachings, Spirit and Truth, Spiritually Dead, Woman at the well  (view more)  (view less)

Do We Need A broader Definition Of Church Growth?

By Karl Vaters on Oct 13, 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 Essential Me-First Of Biblical Preaching

By Ken Burge on May 9, 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 13, 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: Preaching, Attention, Enthusiasm, skill, entice, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The First Step In Being A Great Pastor

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 12, 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 24, 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: Guide, strategy, Change, Strategy

Preach What Has First Burned In You

By Brian Orme on Jul 7, 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 30, 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

Why Passion For God Must Lead Christian Leadership

By Brad Lomenick on Dec 25, 2020

Effective Christian leadership does not begin with strategy or management skills but with a deep and growing passion for God rooted in Scripture and prayer.

Scripture: Joshua 1:8, Psalm 63:1, John 15:4-5, Mark 1:35, Hebrews 4:9-11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Face, Seek, Time, christian living, preaching, Christian Living  (view more)  (view less)

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

By Matt Chandler on Jul 19, 2025

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

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

5 Must-Know Facts About First-Time Visitors

By Rick Ezell on Nov 3, 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)

The Ultimate Character Test Any Great Leader Passes

By Carey Nieuwhof on Nov 14, 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)

True Leadership Is Sacrifice, Not Privilege

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 4, 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)

Is There A Word From God? Preaching Messages That Come From Heaven

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 23, 2021

Anyone can assemble a sermon from Scripture, but faithful preaching seeks more than a well-structured outline. Pastors must seek the message God wants delivered to their people.

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:1-15, Jeremiah 37:17, Jeremiah 23:22, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 15:16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Discernment, Preaching, difficult, hard, preaching  (view more)  (view less)