June 22, 2008
Who Am I?
Chuck Sackett reflects on pastor titles, preaching ministry, eldership, and the tension between professional labels and the actual work of serving a congregation.
Preaching
Preaching helps pastors, preachers, and Bible teachers communicate God’s Word with clarity, faithfulness, and purpose. Explore practical, Scripture-shaped resources on sermon preparation, expository preaching, teaching methods, illustration and application, and leading people toward transformation. You’ll also find guidance on preaching in different seasons, teaching across age groups, handling difficult texts, and developing a healthy rhythm for study and delivery. Whether you preach weekly or teach in classes and small groups, these articles aim to strengthen your ministry of the Word.
April 2, 2008
Presidents, Preachers, Passion, and Public Speaking
A young voter’s desire for “relatable” language raises a deeper challenge for the church. Compelling speech matters, but lasting influence requires substance—especially for preachers seeking to reach a generation that’s often absent from church.
March 23, 2008
Preaching from a Well-Prepared Life
Ken Idleman explains why a well-prepared life undergirds powerful preaching, highlighting integrity, community, creativity, testimony, and study as priorities that validate the message and keep sermons fresh, relevant, and Spirit-energized.
March 16, 2008
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Taking Film Seriously
LeRoy Lawson reflects on preaching in a visual age and recommends five books by Christian film critics to help believers engage movies thoughtfully and discuss their theological and cultural themes with discernment.
October 28, 2007
How Should We Celebrate?
Bob Russell urges believers to celebrate what God has done without idolizing old methods or dismissing the past. The church’s power, he says, is found in Christ, the cross, and bold preaching of God’s Word.
September 23, 2007
NACC: It’s Time . . . to Preach
Joe Grana reflects on North American Christian Convention preaching and why the message of the cross still matters. He urges balance with media, clearer Scripture handling, and conversational delivery—while calling churches to prioritize church planting.
September 12, 2007
Interview with Ben Merold
Veteran minister Ben Merold reflects on church growth, encouraging small-church leaders, and reaching the culture without selling out. He shares practical wisdom from decades of preaching and leading Harvester Christian Church.
July 22, 2007
What’s Happening with Contemporary Preaching?
Contemporary preaching comes in many forms, but common threads are emerging. Chuck Sackett highlights investment, involvement, invention, and response—then offers wise cautions for staying faithful while adapting methods.
February 28, 2007
More Important than Trans Fat
A reflection comparing fast food to shallow spirituality, urging churches to keep the “flavor” while improving the “content.” The goal isn’t just pleasing crowds, but pursuing the long-term health of the audience.
January 21, 2007
Preaching or Sharing?
A convention comment raises a question about what’s missing in many pulpits. Gary Weedman defines doctrinal preaching, connects it to New Testament speech, and calls churches to restore doctrine with celebration, creativity, and stronger ministry preparation.
January 14, 2007
The Most Dangerous Thing You’ll Do All Week
A pastoral case for why preaching still matters. Matt Proctor explores the power of God’s Word, the responsibility of listeners, and the holy weight carried by those who step into the pulpit each week.
October 18, 2006
Line ’Em Up and Lay It on ’Em
A young adult’s comment about wanting the “best speaker” raises a deeper question: have churches reduced Sunday to a sermon-centered product? With voices from theOOZE.com and 1 Corinthians 14:26, this piece calls for greater participation.
March 19, 2006
The Times They Are A-Changin’
After 35+ years in local ministry, Phil LeMaster surveys how busyness, shifting church “brand” loyalty, worship changes, staffing growth, and bigger facilities have reshaped preaching—while reminding us people still need Jesus.
January 4, 2006
Interview with Floyd Strater
Veteran preacher Floyd Strater reflects on Scripture memorization, his first sermon, years of evangelistic travel, and the biggest changes he’s seen in church life—plus how California stretched his ministry.
December 7, 2005
Helping Preachers Set a Higher Standard
Standard Publishing introduces Preaching Standard, an online subscription service offering complete sermons, fresh illustrations, news bits, statistics, and book reviews—updated weekly and searchable, with an introductory price and a free 30 day trial.
October 2, 2005
Integrity in the Pulpit
Pulpit plagiarism isn’t just “borrowing”—it’s deception. Dean M. Christensen defines sermon plagiarism, explains why it happens, and offers a simple solution: give clear attribution and model integrity in the pulpit.
October 2, 2005
How to Preach Like an Amateur
Eddie Lowen offers two preaching principles: sermons must be biblical (even if not narrowly expository) and must be personal, with integrity in how preachers use and credit sermon material.
September 28, 2005
The Problems With Original Preaching
A letter argues that sermon originality can be overrated when ministers carry heavy weekly demands. It urges ethical transparency, shared resources, and reconsidering Sunday evening services to support faithful preaching and healthier expectations.
September 4, 2005
Ambushed by an Open Door
A professor’s classroom story becomes a warning and a guide: cultural change has made communication harder, and church technique shifts can carry hidden trade-offs. Hold tight to what endures while evaluating change with wisdom.
June 26, 2005
Two Ministers, One Mission (an interview with Rubel Shelly and John York)
Rubel Shelly and John York discuss Woodmont Hills as “The Family of God,” emphasizing acceptance, honesty, and movement toward Christ. They also describe shared preaching and dialogue sermons designed to keep the focus on Christ, not personalities.
