• Impository Preaching and How to Avoid It
    Nov 18 2024

    In this episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Mike Neglia interviews David Jackman about his preaching journey and insights from his book Proclaiming the Word. Jackman recounts his early preaching experiences and the influence of mentors like J.I. Packer and Alec Motyer. He emphasizes the balance of hard work and dependence on the Holy Spirit, stressing the importance of thorough sermon preparation. Drawing on the impact of influential figures like John Stott and Chuck Smith, Jackman discusses the growth and challenges of expository preaching and the need for biblically centered sermons.


    David Jackman shares practical insights on staying "on the line of the text," ensuring that Scripture remains central, and contrasts this approach with preaching styles that either add to or subtract from the Bible. The discussion also touches on Chuck Smith's and Stott’s commitment to letting the Bible speak for itself. Jackman discusses the global spread of expository preaching and its ongoing relevance in addressing cultural challenges.

    Biography:
    David Jackman, born in 1942, studied at Downing College, Cambridge, and completed theological training under J.I. Packer and Alec Motyer at Trinity College, Bristol. He served as senior minister at Above Bar Church in Southampton before founding the Cornhill Training Course in 1991 under Dick Lucas, training evangelical preachers in exegesis and communication. Jackman has also written several expository works and served as president of The Proclamation Trust. He currently teaches at Oak Hill Theological College and continues to contribute to evangelical preaching through books and conferences.

    For more resources, visit:

    • Cornhill Training Course : https://www.proctrust.org.uk/cornhill.php
    • Crossway - Proclaiming the Word : https://www.crossway.org/books/proclaiming-the-word-tpb/
    • Proclamation Trust: https://www.proctrust.org.uk/index.php
    • Christopher Ash Interview : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/seeing-christ-in-the-psalms-avoiding-burnout-and-pastoral-preaching-with-christopher-ash
    • Mentoring the Next Generation of Bible Teachers: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/from-age-to-age-mentoring-the-next-generation-of-bible-teachers


    Support the work of Expositors Collective: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective



    For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com


    The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/



    Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

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    45 mins
  • Does Your Preaching Pass The Rock and The Reed Challenge?
    Nov 12 2024

    In this episode of the Expositors Collective Podcast, Mike Neglia interviews Dr. Douglas D. Webster, professor of pastoral theology and preaching at Beeson Divinity School. Dr. Webster reflects on his personal journey into preaching, sharing his early experiences and the wisdom he gained from seasoned pastors. They discuss the prophetic and pastoral aspects of preaching, with Dr. Webster emphasizing the necessity of taking the Word of God seriously in every sermon. He shares insights into the different preaching styles, comparing "rock quarry" and "art gallery" approaches to communication.


    Dr. Webster also explores the unique challenges of preaching parables and the importance of understanding their Old Testament roots. They discuss the balance between engaging the audience and ensuring faithfulness to the text, highlighting the contrast between implicit and explicit communication in preaching. Personal preaching styles, the importance of manuscripting, and the role of self-denial in delivering effective messages are central themes throughout the conversation.

    Douglas D. Webster (Ph.D., University of St. Michael’s College) is professor of pastoral theology and preaching at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University. He served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of San Diego for fourteen years, as well as churches in New York City, Denver, and Toronto. His books include Follow the Lamb: A Pastoral Approach to The Revelation and Preaching Hebrews: The End of Religion and Faithfulness to the End.


    Resources Mentioned:

    More Than a Sermon: https://blog.lexhampress.com/2024/05/09/more-than-a-sermon-an-interview-with-doug-webster/

    The Parables: Jesus's Friendly Subversive Speech: https://www.kregel.com/douglas-d-webster/the-parables/

    Hope, Suffering and Glory - CGN's recent conference based on 1 Peter: https://cgn.org/2024archives/

    Beeson Divinity School: https://www.samford.edu/beeson-divinity/

    Fellow Beeson Professor Gerald Bray's episode about learning preaching from Chrysostom: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/pastoral-preaching-brevity-and-john-chrysostom-gerald-bray


    For 30% off More than A Sermon, visit: www.LexhamPress.com/Expositors in the month of November for a 30% discount


    Support the Cause:

    https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective


    For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com


    The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/


    Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

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    45 mins
  • How to Build a Sermon Outline / Kako Napraviti Nacrt Propovedi
    Nov 5 2024

    In this episode, Pastor Nick Cady walks us through the essential elements of crafting a clear and compelling sermon outline, which serves as a vital tool for ensuring your Bible teaching stays organized and impactful. Nick shares his tried-and-true process for avoiding the common pitfall of "read and ramble" preaching and instead delivering a focused, powerful message.

    The episode is especially unique as it was originally recorded in Novi Sad, Serbia, and translated into Serbian—one of the many languages spoken by over 12 million people worldwide. This is a fantastic opportunity to break through language barriers and learn practical techniques for sermon preparation.

    Nick’s outline for outlining includes:

    1. Why You Need an Outline: Discover the importance of having a structured plan to guide your sermon and ensure clarity.
    2. How to Build an Outline: Learn the step-by-step process of organizing your thoughts and main points for maximum impact.
    3. My Process: Nick shares his personal approach to developing sermon outlines, offering practical tips from his own experience.
    4. An Example: A real-life example that brings everything together, showing how these principles can be applied in your teaching.

    Tune in for a session that will not only enhance your sermon preparation but also inspire you to preach with greater confidence and conviction.


    U ovoj epizodi, pastor Nick Cadyi nas vodi kroz ključne elemente kreiranja jasne i ubedljive skice propovedi, koja služi kao vitalni alat za osiguravanje da vaša biblijska učenja ostanu organizovana i uticajna. Nik deli svoj proveren proces kako bi se izbegla uobičajena greška "čitanja i lutanja" u propovedanju i umesto toga isporučila fokusirana i snažna poruka.

    Ova epizoda je posebno jedinstvena jer je prvobitno snimljena u Novom Sadu, Srbija, i prevedena na srpski—jedan od jezika kojim govori preko 12 miliona ljudi širom sveta. Ovo je fantastična prilika da se probiju jezičke barijere i nauče praktične tehnike za pripremu propovedi.

    Nikova skica za skicu obuhvata:

    1. Zašto vam je potrebna skica: Otkrijte važnost posedovanja strukturiranog plana koji vodi vašu propoved i obezbeđuje jasnoću.
    2. Kako napraviti skicu: Naučite korak-po-korak proces organizovanja vaših misli i glavnih tačaka za maksimalan uticaj.
    3. Moj proces: Nik deli svoj lični pristup razvijanju skica propovedi, nudeći praktične savete iz svog iskustva.
    4. Primer: Primer iz stvarnog života koji sve spaja, pokazujući kako se ovi principi mogu primeniti u vašem učenju.

    Slušajte ovu sesiju koja će ne samo poboljšati vašu pripremu za propoved, već vas i inspirisati da propovedate sa većim samopouzdanjem i uverenjem.



    For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com


    The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/


    Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective


    Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

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    36 mins
  • Discovering God's Sovereign Theme in Your Life
    Oct 29 2024
    What if the key to unlocking your preaching voice lies not in mimicking others, but in embracing the unique way God has shaped you—through your experiences, challenges, and divine calling? In this episode, recorded during the final session of the Reliance Church in August 2023, Mike Neglia reflects on the unique journey every preacher undertakes in finding their authentic preaching voice. Starting with the humorous challenges he faces as having an unexpected accent, Mike explores how "your voice" in preaching is not just about accent or regional dialect, but the genuine expression of who you are—shaped by both human experience and divine calling. Mike shares personal insights into the development of a preacher’s voice, noting how imitation is a natural and essential part of the process, but warns against getting stuck in mere imitation. Drawing from his own life experiences and struggles, including being a parent to a special needs teenager, he highlights how preachers can discover their "sovereign themes"—those deep, personal truths God has worked into their lives, which resonate with authority and impact when shared from the pulpit. This conversation offers practical advice for preachers to reflect on their unique contributions, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the grace of God in overcoming feelings of inadequacy. Pastor Mike encourages listeners to embrace their God-given voice, sharing how the themes of grace, shame, and the patient love of God have shaped his ministry and teaching. Tune in to hear more about the process of discovering your preaching voice, the balance between human influence and divine guidance, and how to avoid the pitfalls of imitation. "Preaching is the communicating of divine truth through human personality." – Phillips Brooks Key Takeaways: Finding your preaching voice is a journey from imitation to authenticity.Your voice is shaped by both personal experiences and divine calling.Sovereign themes—deep truths God has worked in you—carry unique authority in your preaching.Imitation is a natural part of the learning process but must lead to the discovery of your authentic self. "We discover our voice through a process that starts with imitation and ends with confidence and a distinct, unique, unrepeatable gift of your authentic self." Recommended Listening: Tucker Maile on Finding your sea legs and finding your own voice: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/getting-your-sea-legs-and-finding-your-own-voice-with-tucker-maile Brian Brodersen on Finding Your Own Voice: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/episode-77-finding-your-own-voice Mike Doyle | Cultural Engagement and The Importance of Maintaining a Prophetic Voice : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/episode-63-mike-doyle-cultural-engagement-and-the-importance-of-maintaining-a-prophetic-voice For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective
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    31 mins
  • Sermon Preparation: Step by Step with Brian Brodersen
    Oct 22 2024

    Mike Neglia and Brian Brodersen discuss the practical and spiritual aspects of sermon preparation. They kick off this workshop (recorded at the 2024 CGN International Conference) by speaking about the time commitment that is needed to prepare a sermon, and then talk about the following 7 steps:

    1. Selecting a Passage: For many Calvary Chapel pastors, the text is simply the next chapter, but it's not always that straightforward. Brian shares how he approaches determining the right passage length and selecting the next sermon series, while leaving room for the Spirit's guidance.
    2. Meditating on the Text: How do you go from reading the passage to truly internalizing it? Brian talks about "marinating" in Scripture—letting it sink in, both mentally and spiritually.
    3. Crafting an Outline: A good sermon should lead your congregation on a journey, with each point helping them take a step closer to the main message. Brian emphasizes that the sermon should have a clear focus, guiding listeners from biblical history into personal application.
    4. Using Commentaries: Commentaries can be a great resource, but Brian cautions not to rely on them too quickly. They should act as consultants, not the first stop in preparation.
    5. Preaching the Gospel from Every Passage: Faithful Bible teaching must consistently point to Jesus as the ultimate Hero of the story.
    6. Collaborating with Others: Preaching is a solo endeavour, but it is also a community effort, and Brian and Mike discuss (and disagree!) about the importance of involving other church leaders, creative teams, and even new tools like ChatGPT to refine and communicate sermon ideas effectively.
    7. Prayer in Preparation: One of the most crucial parts of sermon prep is knowing when to stop studying and start praying.


    Resources Mentioned:

    Nick Cady on Outlining "Start with the Destination in Mind" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-64-start-with-the-destination-in-mind/id1397572249?i=1000449242754

    John Whittaker on Using Commentaries Well: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/preaching-matthew-using-commentaries-well-and/id1397572249?i=1000659360763

    Jonathan Pennington on the First Minute of your Sermon: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-first-and-last-minute-of-your/id1397572249?i=1000531570597



    For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com


    The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/


    Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective


    Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Bad Preaching Harms People with Danijel Zaharjanksi
    Oct 15 2024

    In this open and candid episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Danijiel Zaharjanski shares his remarkable journey of being called by God to remain and serve in his homeland of Serbia, despite his initial plans to leave. Danijiel recounts how he and his wife, Wendy, planted a church in the city of Kragujevac, Central Serbia, where they’ve been living since 2012. Their church is one of only a very small handful of Protestant congregations south of the Danube River, which drives their mission to plant even more churches in the surrounding towns and villages in this under-reached region.

    The conversation explores Danijiel's reflections on American preachers, offering unique insights into cultural differences in preaching styles. More profoundly, Danijiel discusses the harsh reality that bad preaching and misguided theology can cause genuine harm to people’s lives. His reflections highlight the importance of sound, gospel-centered preaching in ministry, particularly in a place where spiritual needs are great.

    Danijiel, Wendy, and their son, Tadija, continue their faithful work in Serbia, helping to bring the gospel to a region that desperately needs it.


    Recommended Resources:

    Dr Jeremy Treat on the importance of learning from global Christianity: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/expositorscollective/episodes/Preaching-Teams--The-Treat-Sheet-and-Global-Christianity-with-Jeremy-Treat-e2c61sd/a-aakqvk4

    Dr Timothy Keller on Gospel Centered Ministry (aka the podcast that changed Mike's life) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3MO7CtP6WU

    Theology for the People episode featuring Wendy Zahorjanski discussing her book Hard Is Only Half the Story: Real Adventures from My Journey into the Unknown https://nickcady.org/2024/04/24/hard-is-only-half-the-story-the-role-of-taking-steps-of-faith-spiritual-growth-with-wendy-zahorjanski/

    Read more about her book here: https://calvarychapel.com/posts/new-book-hard-is-only-half-the-story-real-adventures-from-my-journey-into-the-unknown/



    For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com


    The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/


    Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective


    Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

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    51 mins
  • Don't Be That Guy! (A Gospel Centered Approach to the Book of Jonah)
    Oct 8 2024

    The Bible holds its greatest meaning and richness when interpreted through the lens of Jesus-shaped goggles, revealing its Main Character and guiding us toward explicitly Christian sermons. It is through this transformative perspective that the profound wisdom of the scriptures emerges, showcasing how each passage, story, and verse converges to illuminate the life, teachings, and grace of Jesus.
    In this episode, seasoned pastors Nick Cady and Josh Black from Victory Calvary Chapel lead an insightful and dynamic workshop recorded in the picturesque setting of Temecula, California, in August 2023. Their mission: to equip pastors, ministers, and aspiring preachers with the tools to deliver Gospel-centered sermons that resonate deeply with the core message of the gospel, no matter which part of the Bible they are preaching from.
    Throughout the event, participants were immersed in a captivating atmosphere of learning, exploration, and revelation. They learned to discern the gospel's truth and significance on every page of the Bible, discovering how each biblical narrative weaves into the grand, redemptive story of Jesus Christ. This workshop emphasized expository preaching, biblical hermeneutics, and Christ-centered exposition as the foundation for effective, impactful ministry.
    Nick and Josh’s approach to gospel-driven, Christ-centered preaching included practical insights on how to craft sermons that are theologically sound, pastorally sensitive, and relevant to the challenges faced by modern congregations. The speakers encouraged participants to connect the timeless truths of Scripture with the real-life experiences, challenges, and struggles of their audience—effectively bridging the gap between ancient biblical texts and contemporary issues. The ultimate goal was to equip pastors and preachers with strategies to point people toward the transformative power of the gospel, urging them to embrace the profound love, redemption, and grace found in Jesus Christ.
    Whether you're a seasoned pastor or new to preaching, this episode is designed to provide valuable insights for delivering Christ-centered messages that change lives. As the event concluded, attendees left inspired and empowered to proclaim the gospel from every passage, impacting lives and transforming hearts with the eternal truth of Jesus's love. Join us in this episode as we explore the intersection of biblical exegesis, homiletics, and the power of preaching the gospel in a way that captivates and transforms your congregation.

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    1 hr
  • Seeing Christ in the Psalms, Avoiding Burnout and Pastoral Preaching with Christopher Ash
    Oct 1 2024

    In this episode of Expositors Collective, Mike Neglia interviews Christopher Ash, reflecting on his 50 years of preaching experience. Christopher shares how his preaching has evolved over the decades, shifting from a focus on making sermons interesting to embracing the seriousness and weight of preaching God’s word. He discusses the importance of pastoral preaching to a congregation he knows and cares for, and the dangers of seeking larger preaching platforms for self-promotion.

    Mike and Christopher explore the challenges of preaching the Psalms, particularly the imprecatory Psalms, and how they relate to suffering and covenant promises. Christopher shares his ongoing passion for the Psalms and his work on a Christ-centered interpretation of them, encouraging preachers to help their congregations see the Psalms as songs and prayers for believers in Christ.

    The conversation also touches on sustainable ministry, as Christopher reflects on his book Zeal Without Burnout and shares his personal experience with breakdown and recovery. He emphasizes the importance of rest, the Sabbath principle, and avoiding the pride that can lead to burnout in pastoral ministry. Finally, Christopher shares his upcoming writing projects, including a book focused on the unique challenges and opportunities for those in their 50s and 60s.


    Key Topics Covered:

    • Evolution in Preaching: Shifting from creating "interesting" sermons to the weight and seriousness of preaching God's word.
    • Pastoral Preaching: The importance of preaching to a congregation one knows and loves, versus preaching at larger, unfamiliar events.
    • Challenges of the Psalms: Handling imprecatory prayers and the importance of a Christ-centered understanding of the Psalms.
    • Sustainable Ministry: Lessons from Zeal Without Burnout and the critical role of Sabbath rest in avoiding burnout.
    • Future Writing Projects: Christopher’s focus on writing for those in mid-life and reflections on preaching that connects deeply with both heart and mind.

    Keywords: preaching evolution, pastoral preaching, Christ-centered interpretation, Psalms, sustainable ministry, Zeal Without Burnout, imprecatory Psalms, rest in ministry, Sabbath, burnout prevention, sermon development.





    For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com


    The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/



    Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective


    Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

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    49 mins