In Preaching Articles: "Starting Over"

Seven Signs A Sermon Is (Almost) Over

By Jon Acuff on Oct 27, 2020

Ending a sermon is harder than starting one. Clear, intentional conclusions prevent confusion, whiplash, and rushed prayers.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Ecclesiastes 12:13, Colossians 4:6, James 1:22, 1 Corinthians 14:40  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, pastor, End, Homiletics, Pastor, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Now That Easter Is Over…

By Lance Witt on Apr 4, 2024

As pastors we need to do a better job with the discipline of “sanctified lingering”.

Tags: gratitude, graciousness, Volunteer, Time of Reflection

What Do I Do With Church Members Who Hate Me?

By Brian Croft on Nov 23, 2021

At this point, some of you may be thinking these kinds of people are a good reason to leave and start over, but I submit to you they are actually a good reason to stay and endure. Why are these difficult people a good reason to stay and endure?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Beware Of Over-Hyped Intros!

By Peter Mead on Jan 27, 2026

Your message intro shouldn’t feel like a spiritual infomercial. Learn how to connect meaningfully with your audience without overstating your message’s impact.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Is Your Preaching Over-Educated?

By Chris Surber on Jul 27, 2021

If you have more theological degrees than a thermostat, you might be over-heating Sunday mornings!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:3-5

Tags: Preaching, educated

Dallas Willard: A Cup Running Over

By Dallas Willard on Apr 17, 2020

Men and women in ministry who are not finding satisfaction in Christ are likely to demonstrate that with overexertion and overpreparation for speaking, and with no peace about what they do after they do it.

Tags: Peace, Preaching, Satisfaction, preaching

7 Ways To Help New Staff Members Succeed

By Ron Edmondson on Apr 22, 2022

Getting a new person started in a good way is probably equal to finding the right people – especially if we hope to keep them.

Tags: leadership, staff, church staffing, good start, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Good Sermons Start With Listening

By Mary Hinkle Shore on Jan 16, 2024

Before we start writing, perhaps we should start listening. Here are three very practical suggestions.

Scripture: John 12:20-33

Tags: Preaching, Listen, preaching

5 Ways Ministry Leaders Start The Journey To Failure

By Ron Edmondson on Jul 31, 2022

One of the hardest things I do in ministry is interact with those who are no longer in ministry, but wish they were. They’ve been derailed. They messed up and either they got caught or the guilt got the best of them and they confessed. Watching this process over the years there appear to be some common reasons failure occurs. It doesn’t start at the failure. It starts months – and, perhaps years – prior. My hope is if we expose some of them we can catch a few people before it is too late.

Tags: leadership, e, Leadership, pastoral leadership, avoiding trouble, avoiding burnout, church ministry, Leadership Failure, Exposing Blindspots  (view more)  (view less)

8 Starts To Avoid In Your Preaching

By Rachel Blom on Jan 3, 2023

Thinking of starting off your sermon in one of these ways? You might want to try a different approach.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Great Preaching Starts With These Four Essentials

By Artie Davis on Feb 15, 2023

Artie Davis recommends the "4 Ts" we should all keep in mind.

Scripture: Acts 1:10-24

Tags: Team, Essential, Time, preaching, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Start With A Bang! Crafting A Memorable Sermon Opener

By Tyler Scarlett on Feb 26, 2025

If you lose your congregation at the beginning, you will have to work twice as hard to get them back by the end. Why not give your message the best possible chance to connect with people at the outset?

Scripture: Titus 2:2, Titus 2:1-2, Philippians 4:10-15, Romans 13:11-14

Tags: Communication, Preaching, Introduction, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Start With A Bang! Open Your Sermon Strong

By Tyler Scarlett on Nov 20, 2024

A preacher's worst fear is that the congregation will stop listening. What's far more dreadful is if the people never were listening in the first place.

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Tags:

Great Leadership Often Starts With A Broken Heart

By Brandon Cox on Oct 1, 2023

Usually, knowing what breaks your heart is knowing what you should do with your life, and how you should be leading others.

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4

Tags: broken, Brokenhearted, authentic ministry, Call to ministry

Should You Start A Chapter Of The Boring Preacher's Club?

By Michael Duduit on Sep 27, 2020

In a culture obsessed with activity and extremes, a little bit of boring can build character.

Tags: Preaching, preaching