Sermons on Ministry Struggles:

It's Hard Out Here For A P.i.m.p (Person In My Position)

Contributed by Paul L Brantley on Sep 12, 2013

It interesting that no matter how you love God and how much you remember what he done for you, you still find yourself struggling. Struggling with issues of life, struggling with this thing called our flesh. Yes we love God, but we still struggle.

It's Hard Out Here For A P.I.M.P. Romans 7:14-24 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:14-24

Denomination: Pentecostal

Revealing Jesus’ Mission-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Sep 18, 2012

1 of 6. Luke recorded the public assignment of Messiah’s mission to Jesus. Jesus’ mission is publicized/revealed. But for whom is it publicized/revealed? Jesus’ mission is revealed for the...

REVEALING JESUS’ MISSION-I—Luke 4:16-21 Attention: My having to introduce myself to the people I worked with UPS hub in Raleigh, NC(seminary 1991-1994). Need: We all are searching for truth. Some knowingly & others appearing oblivious, resigning themselves to believing, ’it’ll all come out in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:16-21

Denomination: Baptist

Revealing Jesus’ Mission-2

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Oct 2, 2012

2 of 6. Luke recorded the public assignment of Messiah’s mission to Jesus. Jesus’ mission is publicized/revealed. But for whom is it publicized/revealed? Jesus’ mission is revealed for the...

REVEALING JESUS’ MISSION-II—Luke 4:16-21 Attention: This morning, there were expectation in our home. Getting ready for church. Usually wear a suit, so I dress differently on the Lord’s Day. Even my dog knows that Sunday day is different. She knows that we will never take her ‘for a ride’ on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:16-21

Denomination: Baptist

A Long Campaign

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 16, 2025

In God’s time we will see the results of what we have done, even if someone else completes the work, just as Timothy built on Paul’s foundation.

My own graduation from high school and departure to college is so long ago and far away that I can hardly remember it. On the other hand, I graduated from seminary almost 30 years later, and so it’s much closer. There’s a lot the two have in common: leaving behind the old familiar, and going off ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Pastor Is The Church's Theologian

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 10, 2015

Pastor's are responsible to prepare themselves to present theology, making it a joy to the flock.

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Who Really Needs Help? Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 29, 2012

Christ will act towards you on his terms, not yours.

There is a scene in C.S. Lewis' children's book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, in which the children of the story are learning about the great lion king Aslan from Mr. & Mrs. Beaver. One asks the question, "Is he safe?" Mr. Beaver replies, "Safe?… Who said anything about safe? ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-27

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What's A Preacher To Do? Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jun 20, 2022

After Paul's customary, brief introduction, he moved right into the challenges facing Timothy in his ministry in Ephesus. We can distill Paul's advice to Timothy down into four directives.

Introduction: A. Ministry can be a challenge for ministers and for members – How’s that for an understatement? B. But imagine seeing this “want ad” for a preacher: 1. “Must have experience as a shepherd, CEO, office manager, educator, salesman, diplomat, referee, writer, theologian, politician, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Bad Is Favoritism Really? Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 12, 2024

On the topic of pure religion and our interactions with other people, James addresses the topic of favoritism.

Mean Girls and Bullies Are a common theme in the movies and entertainment in part because… It is a part of human nature - to be accepted and to be close to people who can help us get ahead. In school that might look like working your way into the crowd of cool kids - even if that means ...read more

Scripture: James 1:27, James 2:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Finishing Strong Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Nov 25, 2010

We are called to finish the race, and it takes endurance. We need to be (1) prepared for the struggles that will come, and (2) focus our attention on Jesus. Ministry flows out of a love relationship with Christ. Our vision of Him will enable us to fini

[Some of the thoughts in this sermon are taken from Max Lucado’s book Just Like Jesus.] Let’s learn about endurance today. We want to finish strong, not just starting well. I don’t always finish what I start. Chances are I am not alone. • We have unfinished tasks lying around - like a book ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Being Under The Influence I

Contributed by Monty Newton on Jul 12, 2008

There are two ways to be controlled: Our minds are either under the influence of our sinful nature or the Holy Spirit.

Title: Being Under the Influence Text: Romans 8:1-11 The Big Idea: There are two ways to be controlled: Our minds are either under the influence of our own sinful nature or the Holy Spirit. Introduction The conflict between good and evil is as old as time… the earliest was a cosmic battle ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

This Thing Called Marriage

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Apr 4, 2011

A sermon that can also be used as a marriage or relationship seminar. Ephesians 5:22-30

Have you noticed that, as much as couples seem to ’get along’, they also spend just as much time ’not’ getting along? Statistics show that in the late 1800’s, only one out of every 34 marriages ended in divorce. By the mid 1900’s, one out of every 7 marriages ended in divorce, and through ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-30

Denomination: *other

How To Handle Conflicts

Contributed by Adrian Rogers on Apr 26, 2011

A classic sermon from Adrian Rogers about resolving conflicts in relationships, particularly in marriage.

Take your Bibles and find James chapter 1, would you please, and when you’ve found it look up here. In a moment we’re going to begin reading in verse 19. One Lord, one love - achieving intimacy in marriage: that is not easy. Why is it? Well, we’re different, male and female. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19

Denomination: Baptist

Help, I Married The Wrong Sister!

Contributed by Brian Buriff on Feb 2, 2010

When you feel like Jacob - "Help, I married the wrong person." Within every man and woman there lies 2 dimensions - the lovable Rachel side and the difficult Leah side. Successful marriages recognize both sides and learns to embrace both sides.

HELP, I MARRIED THE WRONG SISTER! Read: Gen 29:15-31 I. HOW COULD JACOB POSSIBLY MARRY THE WRONG SISTER? A. Raises Lots Of Questions 1. Was it really that dark at night? / Did she have a bag over her head? 2. Was Jacob simply drunk at the wedding? B. Custom Practiced During Some ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 29:15-31

Denomination: Church Of God

Breakthrough For Joy

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 2, 2010

Every now and then something happens, after a long struggle, to give us a breakthrough. So with God in Christ, planning from the foundation of time for the cross and achieving a breakthrough victory at the empty tomb. So count nothing impossible.

Every now and again, in human history, we achieve a breakthrough. Something which we have worked for, hoped for, fought and died for, finally happens. There has been struggle and agony and seemingly endless defeat, but suddenly it all works out. That’s called a breakthrough. You know the feeling. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

That Was Then, This Is Now

Contributed by Ken Hubbard on Feb 2, 2010

This sermon is to encourage listeners not to let life's "detours, delays discouragements" distract them from God's sovereign work in their lives.

INTRO - Have you ever wondered - Why bad things happen to good people - When I am asked that question - I must respond with: „X God is sovereign „X His ways are higher than ours „X When you can't trace / trust - If we're not careful we will let ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 34:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational