Sermons on Congregational Autonomy:

Jonah's Anger Vs God's Compassion SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Oct 11, 2023

Help my congregation to understand the power of compassion.

Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I am truly blessed to be standing here before you today, as we gather in unity and fellowship to share in the Word of God. Today, we are going to embark on a journey through the pages of the Bible, specifically focusing on the book of Jonah. Our ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-4

Topics: Compassion, Anger

Flourish SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Oct 23, 2023

Help my congregation see the pathway to flourishing

Good morning, dear family of faith. As we gather together in this sacred space, we are reminded of the beauty of fellowship and the power of God's Word. We are here, not by accident, but by divine appointment. Our hearts are open, our spirits are eager, and our minds are ready to receive the wisdom ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Topics: Arising From Obscurity

Restored SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Oct 26, 2023

Help my congregation understand being restored

Good morning, dear friends. As we gather here today, let's take a moment to pause and reflect on the beauty of this day, the gift of life, and the privilege of fellowship. We are here, not by accident, but by divine appointment. God has a message for us today, a message of hope, healing, and ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:25

Topics: Restoration

Give Thanks SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Oct 28, 2023

Help my congregation see the benefits of Gratitude.

Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. As we gather here today, in this sacred space, under the watchful gaze of our Heavenly Father, we are called to reflect upon a theme that is as timeless as it is transformative. It is a theme that is woven into the very fabric of our faith, a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Topics: Gratitude

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

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

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

Falling Prey To The Popularity Trap

Contributed by James Wilson on Oct 18, 2000

Teach the congregation to break free of the need to please others.

Falling Prey to the Popularity Trip Ecclesiastes 2:14-16 14 The wise man's eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I know that one fate befalls them both. 15 Then I said to myself, "As is the fate of the fool, it will also befall me. Why then have I been extremely wise?" So ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:1

Denomination: Baptist

Get A Life- / Group

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Dec 5, 2000

This sermon was preached to introduce our LIFE Groups to the congregation

They were the ultimate church plant. They started with 11, grew to 120, then to 3000. Not bad, as a matter of fact very good. But how did they do it? I guess that question has to be asked by anyone who is even remotely interested in church growth. What was the secret that they had that allowed ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

Denomination: Wesleyan

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 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

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

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

Thanksgiving Worship

Contributed by A. Todd Coget on Nov 21, 2003

The message simply encourages particiapatory thanksgiving by the people of the congregation.

Thanksgiving Worship 1 Chronicles 16:7-36 November 23, 2003 Intro: A. Welcome to our Thanksgiving Worship at Somerset Church! B. [Getting Around to God, Citation: Joel Gregory, "The Unlikely Thanker," Preaching Today, Tape No. 110.] One Thanksgiving season a family was seated around their table, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:7-36

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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