As pastors, preaching is one of our greatest privileges—a sacred opportunity to communicate God’s Word to His people.

But amid the demands of ministry, it’s easy to lose sight of the profound blessings that fuel our calling. When we preach from a heart of gratitude, our messages reflect humility, authenticity, and the power of the Gospel. Conversely, when we neglect thanksgiving, we risk falling into dangerous patterns that can hinder our effectiveness and joy.

In light of Thanksgiving, we wanted to reflect on four pitfalls pastors face when gratitude is missing, and why cultivating thanksgiving is critical to preaching with faithfulness and impact.

1. Pride in the Pulpit

When gratitude is absent, pride can creep in. The pulpit becomes a platform to showcase our skills or intellect rather than a place to proclaim God’s truth. This subtle shift can lead us to take credit for what is ultimately God’s work, creating a barrier between us and the very people we are called to serve.

Gratitude, however, reorients our perspective. It reminds us that every sermon we preach is an act of grace, not personal achievement. We are messengers, not the source. A heart of thanksgiving acknowledges that all we have—our calling, opportunities, and abilities—comes from God.

Tip for Preaching: Start your sermon prep by thanking God for the opportunity to serve. Ask Him to make you a vessel for His truth, not your own ego. Reflect on Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

2. A Spirit of Entitlement

Entitlement begins when we expect results, recognition, or rewards from our ministry. Without gratitude, it’s easy to see preaching as a job rather than a divine calling. We might measure success by applause or attendance instead of faithfulness to the Gospel.

Gratitude dismantles entitlement by shifting our focus from what we think we deserve to what God has already done. When we are thankful for the privilege of sharing His Word, we can preach with joy and contentment, regardless of external outcomes.

Tip for Preaching: Instead of seeking validation, focus on faithfulness. Remember that God’s measure of success is obedience, not applause. Isaiah 55:11 assures us that God’s Word will not return void.

3. Losing the Joy of Ministry

Preaching without thanksgiving can sap the joy from ministry. Sermon prep becomes a chore instead of an act of worship, and the pulpit feels like a burden rather than a blessing. Over time, this lack of joy can lead to burnout, affecting not only our ministry but also our relationship with God.

Gratitude restores joy by helping us see the beauty of our calling. It allows us to marvel at the privilege of standing before God’s people to proclaim His truth. A thankful heart sustains us, even when ministry feels difficult or overwhelming.

Tip for Preaching: Incorporate worship into your sermon preparation. Spend time in prayer and personal devotion, allowing God to renew your spirit. Approach each sermon as an opportunity to worship through the Word.

4. A Disconnect from the Gospel

Perhaps the most dangerous pitfall is losing connection to the Gospel itself. When we fail to preach with gratitude, our messages can become hollow—lacking the personal conviction that comes from deeply appreciating God’s grace in our own lives.

Gratitude anchors us in the Gospel, reminding us of the transformative power of Christ’s work in our hearts. When we preach from a place of thanksgiving for our own salvation, our messages resonate with authenticity and inspire others to experience that same grace.

Tip for Preaching: Regularly revisit your testimony. How has God’s grace shaped your life and calling? Let this awareness inform and inspire your sermons. Use 2 Corinthians 5:17 as a reminder: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

How to Be a Better Preacher Through Gratitude

Gratitude is not just a feeling; it’s a discipline that shapes how we approach ministry. Here are some practical steps to align your preaching with a posture of thanksgiving:

1. Acknowledge Your Calling

• Before you begin sermon prep, pause to thank God for choosing you to serve in this way.
• Reflect on moments when He confirmed your calling, and let those memories fuel your gratitude.

2. Reframe Sermon Prep as Worship

• Approach sermon preparation as an act of personal devotion, allowing the Word to shape your heart before shaping your sermon.
• Pray over your message, asking God to use it for His glory and to impact His people.

3. Pray with Thanksgiving

• Before stepping into the pulpit, spend a few moments in prayer, thanking God for the opportunity to proclaim His Word.
• After preaching, thank Him for using you, regardless of how you feel the sermon was received.

4. Stay Connected to the Gospel

• Regularly revisit your own salvation story. Reflect on how God’s grace has transformed your life and continues to sustain you.
• Let your gratitude for the Gospel overflow into your preaching, making it real and relatable for your congregation.

Final Challenge

Gratitude is more than a tool; it’s a posture of the heart that transforms how we preach and live. As you prepare your next sermon, ask yourself:

• Am I preaching from a place of thanksgiving?
• How can I intentionally cultivate gratitude in my ministry this week?

When we preach from gratitude, we reflect the heart of Christ to our congregations. Let thanksgiving shape not only what you say but how you say it—and watch how God uses it to strengthen your ministry and bless His people.