Sermons on Congregational Autonomy:

What's A Man To Do? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 21, 2013

The men of a congregation are to provide leadership in public prayer.

“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.” [1] Males receive bad press in this present day. Social engineers, many thoroughly indoctrinated in feminist philosophies, appear determined to ensure that little boys will be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:8

Denomination: Baptist

Growing Pains Series

Contributed by Russ Adams on Jul 26, 2013

This message looks at the challenges of a growing changing congregation.

July 14, 2013 Church Planting Growing Pains Acts 6:1-7 Opening words: After a one week absence we return to the Books of Acts. You know the story. Jesus was executed on a Friday. Everyone thought it was over. However, everyone was wrong. (I love it when everyone is wrong!) It was just the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Methodist

Look Up! Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Dec 5, 2017

Our congregational worship involves glory to God.

1. There is an old French proverb that says, "A good meal ought to begin with hunger." It is hard to enjoy a good meal when you are not hungry, but when you are starving anything tastes good! The same is true with worship. When we approach worship with a hunger for God, starving for a spiritual ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

That Which Each Joint Supplies

Contributed by Charles Payne on Aug 28, 2018

A study of our contribution to the local church congregation

THAT WHICH EACH JOINT SUPPLIES TEXT: Ephesians 4:10-16 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

No Place Like It!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 18, 2025

By focusing on the first congregation, we can discover how we can transform our own church into the powerful congregation God intends it to be.

“When [the disciples] had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:31-35

Denomination: Baptist

You Don't Have To Be A Star To Be In My Show

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 23, 2021

Recognition of those who advance the cause of Christ through quiet service within the assembly of the righteous.

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:3-16

Denomination: Baptist

One In The Spirit: God Shows No Partiality

Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Apr 22, 2007

This sermon compares Peter’s ministry with Cornelius in Acts 10 to the open door God is giving our congregation to be partners in ministry with a Hispanic speaking congregation.

One in the Spirit: God Shows No Partiality --Acts 10:34-48 On Sunday evening, January 27, 2002, Olympic gymnasts Mary Lou Retton-Kelley, Kerri Strug, and Bart Conner appeared on the Celebrity version of the TV Reality-Game Show “The Weakest Link,” along with five other famous Olympic athletes. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:34-48

Denomination: Methodist

A Hymn To The Redeemer.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 10, 2023

Worship is not only a duty for the congregation, but also of the individual Christian.

A HYMN TO THE REDEEMER. Psalm 149:1-9. PSALM 149:1. The exhortation to “Praise ye the LORD” is especially addressed to “saints” = those loved by God with His covenant love. All of God’s people are saints, and we are envisaged as met together in congregation, singing His praise. It is only those ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 149:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Responding By Faith

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Aug 30, 2002

This is a farewell sermon that I preahced to my previous congregation.

RESPONDING BY FAITH Text: Genesis 12:1-9 It is truly interesting that the last Sunday before moving day in the South Carolina Methodist Conference corresponds to this text of Genesis 12:1-9 that is a suggested text of the lectionary. It was thirteen years ago that I first entered the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9

Denomination: United Methodist

The Power Of Our Words

Contributed by Jeff Simms on Sep 27, 2004

to encourage the congregation to use their words to build others up.

The Power of Our Words Ephesians 4:29-32 Primary Purpose: To encourage the congregation to use their words to build others up. In his book “The Weight of Your Words” author Joseph Stowell tells the following story: "My junior high school had scheduled its annual operatic production. Talented ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Vision And Prayer Of Jabez

Contributed by Wes Richard on Apr 11, 2005

The vision and prayer of Jabez provides inspiration for the local congregation

When we lived in Japan, we often rode the trains. Just outside the train window we could see houses very close to the tracks as we whizzed past. Then as we slowed for a stop we were able to see, for a moment, people going about their daily activities: kids playing, housewives hanging up wash, or ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Denomination: Brethren

What Does This Mean?

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jun 15, 2005

This sermon leads the congregation to an understanding of the meaning of the Pentecost experience.

What Does This Mean? - Acts 2: 1 - 21 Intro: What does it mean when: 1) You are given your10 year service pin by your boss and it comes with& resume writing kit 2) The love of life give ticket to Paris because they know you’ve always wanted to go there but the ticket is one way. 3) You have ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Hypocritical Older Brother

Contributed by Stephen Carroll on Nov 7, 2004

A sermon calling the congregation to Love the unlovable and marginalized by the the church.

The Hypocritical Older Brother Luke 15 October 24, 2004 Captain Delia and I were away at continuing education this week and while we were there the Bible teacher reminded me something very important about studying the bible the three letters “CIE”. Remember those letters you’ll need them later. We ...read more

Denomination: Salvation Army

Service -- A Mark Of Discipleship Series

Contributed by W Pittendreigh on Jan 30, 2004

One of the Seven Marks of Discipleship is service in and beyond the congregation.

(Preface note to the reader: Our church elders identified 7 Marks of Discipleship. Six are suggested by Michael Foss in his book, "Power Surge." To his six, we added the seventh -- Evangelism. These marks are: Spiritual Friendships, Serve Others in and beyond the congregation, Pray Daily, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-16

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Greater Grace Builds A Greater Church

Contributed by Cary Paulk on Feb 22, 2002

Sermon to motivate congregation in doing their part in church growth.

Introduction: • For many years the Ocean View community has not had a good reputation. • Many in our city would not consider Ocean View a Great place to live. • When I was a young sailor, it had a reputation of being the place where people picked up prostitutes and they remain to this day. • There ...read more

Scripture: James 4:6-10

Denomination: Baptist