I was speaking with a good friend recently about the difference between exhortational preaching and evocative preaching. Exhortational preaching challenges. Urges. Implores. It is filled with phrases like “you should'' and “we ought” and “do this” and “consider that.”...

There are certain things we pastors sometimes say while delivering sermons that run counter to our best interests — and undermine the effectiveness of the message we’re communicating. So here are five phrases I try my best to avoid: “If you don’t listen to anything...

I probably spend 20-25 hours a week preparing messages. And 8-10 in pastoral counseling and visitation. Sometimes I wish I could counsel less so I could prepare more; other times I wish I could prepare less so I could visit more. But as I have thought about that...