Monday Morning Preacher

In this episode, co-hosts Matt Woodley and Kevin Miller reflect on what they learned about preaching, over the last four seasons of Monday Morning Preacher.  Here are the top lessons they learned in the last four years:  1.     Preaching the Word of God changes lives.  2.     Preaching is something that we never master.  3.     God uses ordinary preachers.  4.     When you do sermon prep and preach – immerse yourself in the Bible scene.  Matt said “God uses ordinary preachers, not just the superstars, not just the people with the big platforms, not just the people with the big venues but God uses ordinary preachers, sometimes in small towns, sometimes in small places.”  Your job as a preacher is to invite people into a whole new world, the life of the Kingdom of God.  Check out what was referenced on the podcast:   Wendell Berry's poem “Like Snow” on Parabola.org.   “Stick the Landing” on Preachingtoday.com “Called to Faithful, Not Successful Preaching” on Preachingtoday.com   “How to Preach with a Biblical Imagination” on Preachingtoday.com  “Preaching as a Human Exercise Centered in Christ” on Preachingtoday.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you keep Christ at the center of your preaching? In this episode, Matt Woodley explores that question with Bryan Chapell, the Stated Clerk for the Presbyterian Church in America. In his early years of preaching, Chapel wanted to both teach and reach people. Later, he learned how to restore people, build on his ministry, inspire other preachers, and unite in a common cause.As a young pastor, Chapell's message in sermons was “straighten up, fly right and do better.” But that message started to crush him, and he was convicted to preach the redemptive grace of Christ to his people. Check out what was referenced on the podcast: Bryan Chapell's book “Christ-Centered Preaching” 3rd Edition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you bring a fresh angle to your next Christmas sermon? In this episode, Matt Woodley explores that question with Timothy Clarke, senior pastor at First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio. Here are four people from the Biblical narrative, that you can encourage your listeners empathize with: Zachariah and Elizabeth: the loneliness of disappointment, for her barrenness Joseph: the loneliness he felt, trying to decide how to proceed with Mary, given the complex situation before them Mary: the loneliness she felt, in miraculously conceiving the infant Jesus and being ostracized for it “The incarnation says God became a human being!” Clarke said. He indicated that the incarnation alone is reason enough to be excited, and should offer plenty of material for Christmas preaching. Check out the show-notes:  Thy hymn “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” written by Charles Wesley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why does tension even matter in a sermon? How do you keep the tension? Co-hosts Matt Woodley and Kevin Miller explore these questions, considering the scriptures. Here are three ways that you can keep tension in your sermon: Highlight the tension that's already in the Biblical text. Keep the bold Biblical statements bold.  When presenting the Biblical truth, also give credit to what you can in the opposing view.    Miller said, “when we lose tension in our sermon, listeners lose interest.” As a result, your listeners can disengage from the Word of God. We also cannot negate, the boldness found in scripture.  Here's an example he gave, to illustrate that boldness: “But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Mt. 6:15).”  Check out the show-notes:  Jill Briscoe's sermon entitled “Yet I Will Praise Thee” on our website Tim Keller's book “Preaching: Communicating Faith in An Age of Skepticism”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you find the time you need for sermon prep? After all, time is a precious commodity. In this episode, Kevin Miller explores that question with Trevor McMaken, pastor of City Light Anglican Church in Aurora, Illinois.  He said “a big thing that's helped me in my preaching ministry is to take study days to plan a message series ahead of time, so that when I get to Monday morning and I'm looking at the message on Sunday – it's not a completely blank page.”  Here are time saving methods, to help you with sermon prep:  Start a preaching team at your church   Block off your mornings for sermon writing and research Work on your sermon offline (free yourself from digital distractions in the process)  Go for a “big idea” prayer walk  Use time management software (to block distracting social media sites) McMaken also recommends facing your internal struggles head on, without making them your entire focus. Remember, your calling is to be faithful to the Lord, and serve the congregation that He's entrusted to you.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you help people maintain faith when they are suffering? In this episode, Kevin Miller explores that question with Emily H. McGowin, Assistant Professor of Theology at Wheaton College.   She said, “silence in the face of suffering is not an indefensible reaction. We should be humbled into quietness, and not be quick to speak when we encounter suffering.”  When McGowin's mother-in-law died at 46 years-old, people tried to offer rational responses, which wasn't helpful. But the people who ministered to her with their physical presence really helped her see the love of Christ, in that difficult time.  “I work very hard to try to convince students that God is good, in His very essence, and that means that God is therefore, already opposed to evil – not orchestrating it for some sort of mysterious end,” she said.   Miller also emphasized the importance of drawing attention to the resurrection, in response to death and suffering.  Check out what was referenced on the podcast:  Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI: 1987)  The Doors of the Sea: Where Was God in the Tsunami?  by David Bentley Hart (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI: 2011) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you apply your sermon, based on the Biblical text? In this episode, Kevin Miller explores that question with Robert Smith, Jr., Chair of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School where he teaches Christian Preaching.   He said, “without a sermon application, there really is no sermon, because the Bible is not only written to answer the what question – that is information, but the so what question - that is application.”  The Holy Spirit guides the application, and the preacher explains what the text meant when it was written, and what it means for hearers today, according to Smith.  He said the application should be applied based on:  The Biblical text. How the text speaks to the preacher.  What the text is saying to the church.  How the text applies to society at large.  Smith is concerned that whites will make it a privatized matter of spiritual only, and blacks will make it a matter of the social only.  Check out what was referenced on the podcast:   Doctrine That Dances: Bringing Doctrinal Preaching and Teaching to Life (B&H Publishing Group, Nashville: 2008) The Glory of Preaching: Participating in God's Transformation of the World (Intervarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL: 2009)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is preaching? In this episode, Darrell Johnson, author of The Glory of Preaching explores that question with Matt Woodley.  “I think we're to proclaim the truth of the text, proclaim the Jesus of the text, and teach what the text is all about” Johnson said.   How does the Bible talk about preaching? “There are a number of verbs used for the preaching moment including “proclaim, herald, evangelize, good news, teach, exhort and bear witness,” he said.   He recommends asking yourself these questions, when preparing your sermon:  Do you have the main point of the author?  Are you trusting your personality or the Holy Spirit?  He has been preaching for more than 50 years, and currently serves as a Teaching Fellow at Regent College in Vancouver, Canada.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pastors aim to speak with authority, but it's not easy in the 21st century. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, there's “a widespread mistrust of societal institutions, and religious leaders around the world.” Be encouraged, the apostle Paul admonished Christians to preach the gospel with boldness and authority. He received his preaching authority “by revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1:11-12). But even if God has given you authority to preach the gospel, why should people listen?  In this episode, Matt Woodley and Kevin Miller explore that question. When Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount “he was teaching as one who had authority, and not as their scribes” (Matt. 7:29). Considering this, Kevin lays out three types of authority that preachers have:  The authority of pastoral love.  The authority of personal weakness.  The authority of proclaiming Christ.  “I have to live through a prayerful, weak dependence upon the Lord and the text” Kevin said. That's what helps him sort through his own emotions and rely on God instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you exegete like John Stott? In this episode, Matt Woodley and Kevin Miller explore that question. They reflect on Stott's sermon “The Greatest Invitation Ever Made” that's based on Matthew 11:28-30, which includes two invitations for listeners.  Sometimes, preachers don't know what to bring into the sermon and what to leave out. “We dump way too information on our people. We don't know where to stop,” Matt said.  He also indicated that pastors should read the text, observe, listen and slow down. Andy Abernathe, Associate Professor of OT Theology at Wheaton College says “read, read, read” when exegeting the text. Here are four steps you can follow:  Do your exegesis. Find your big idea. Know what to leave out. Give your people a simple path.     Check out what was referenced in this episode:  Frederick Dale Bruner's book Matthew: A Commentary, Volume 2   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you practice deliberately as a preacher? In this episode, Matt Woodley explores that question with Jared Alcantara, associate professor of preaching at Baylor University's George Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, Texas. Deliberate practice in preaching is a “relentless ongoing commitment to growth.” He also cites the work of K. Anders Ericsson, a Swedish psychologist who wrote “Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise.” He identifies four commitments people often make, who become experts in a given field, like preaching or playing the violin. The willingness to take risks Constructive feedback Focused attention  Concrete goals  This concept is more widely known from Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers where he popularized the 10,000 rule. The rule says that “it takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to achieve mastery of complex skills and materials, like playing the violin or getting as good as Bill Gates at computer programming” according to Alcantara. Check out what was referenced on the podcast: Gardner C. Taylor's article “The Preacher's Dialogue” Anders Ericsson's book Peak: Secrets From the New Science of Expertise Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers: The Story of Success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you provide a clear path for people to hear God's word? In this episode, Matt Woodley explores that question with co-host Kevin Miller. He's a rector at Church of the Savior in Wheaton, IL with ten years of preaching experience. Miller makes a case for the one point sermon, citing Haddon Robinson who said “a central unifying idea must be at the heart of an effective sermon” in his book “Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages.” He argues there are too many rabbit trails for listeners to go down, in a three point sermon. C.S. Lewis compared listeners to sheep going down a farm lane saying, “if you leave any gate open on either side, they will dash into that pasture and not go down the lane, where you want them to go.” Here are three reasons why one point sermons can be more effective: 1) The main point is clearer, because there's less content for people to digest. 2) It's easier to remember. Miller's friend conducted a research project where she asked people, after a church service what the sermon was about. He said “What she found was that when her pastor preached a three point sermon, people remembered one point.” 3) People are more likely to take action as a result of a one point sermon. Check out what was referenced on the podcast: Andy Stanley's book Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication Dave Ferguson's book The Big Idea: Aligning the Ministries of Your Church through Creative Collaboration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you preach in countries that persecute Christians? In this episode, Matt Woodley explores that question with Venerable Justice Okoronkwo, Director of Missions in the Anglican diocese of Jos, Nigeria. Justice Okoronkwo “Nigeria has been in the news lately for so many things that should make Christians concerned. The global terrorism index placed Nigeria second in the world, in terms of the effects of terrorist insurgency.” He explained that the only country ahead of Nigeria is Afghanistan. Boko Haram, a jihadist terrorist organization based in northeastern Nigeria is responsible for approximately twenty five thousand deaths, and more than two million displaced people in Nigeria, according to Justice Okoronkwo. “We're seeing victims who were raped by insurgents, houses of Christians being destroyed, dead bodies of children that were hacked by machetes, churches that have been burned, and worshipers killed while they were worshiping” said Justice Okoronkwo. People come to him, and want answers for why evil and violence taking place in Nigeria. He points out the dangers of pastors sounding hollow, when they respond to people who are suffering. He said “you can't understand what's somebody is going through, until you have sat with him, in his ash.” In light of this, He drew attention to Psalm 73:“Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 73:1-3, ESV).” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you preach to people who are suffering? Matthew D. Kim, author of Preaching to People in Pain believes that beauty is often buried beneath pain, and that unseen reality helps him connect with his congregation. Matt Woodley draws attention to different types of pain: emotional, mental and physical, to name a few. Kim said “I think there are some areas where we can help the listeners see that their pain is acknowledged by God. Their suffering is seen. Their suffering is not in vain. There's a purpose to it.”  In his book, he asks preachers to consider nine questions that will help them prepare sermons on pain and suffering. In this episode, Kim opens up about painful experiences in his own life, and how God used them as formative experiences, to help him uplift people who were suffering in the body of Christ. “I've been sharing pain whenever the text reveals that pain. I think it can help aid the preaching process,” he said.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What can preachers learn from prophets? In this episode, Matt Woodley explores that question with Danny Carroll, Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy at Wheaton College. Carroll said “Prophetic preaching means speaking truth in the public square. But it also requires a certain kind of integrity, a knowledge of the world that we live in.” He also indicated that for prophets in the Old Testament, being prophetic often had implications for worship. He was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Carroll's mother raised his family bi-lingual and bicultural, so they visited Guatemala every summer. Later on, he taught at a seminary in Guatemala City for thirteen years. To emulate the Old Testament prophets, pastors can emulate prophets' behavior or preach their message. Carroll also recommends pastors begin preaching from the Old Testament. “We need the prophets as a moral compass and we lost it, and now we're beginning to pay the social price for having silenced and ignored the prophets” he said. Check out what was referenced on the podcast: Daniel Carroll's book The Book of Amos (New International Commentary on the Old Testament. WM.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do live a life that cultivates great sermons? In this episode, Matt Woodley explores that question with Steve Norman, author of “The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.” He identifies ten roles that preachers inhabit, throughout the preaching process. Norman argues that the preacher plays a vital role in what he calls "the preaching moment." He said “For me, the preaching moment happens where four worlds converge: the paper (the text), the preacher (the voice through which that text is declared), the power of God (the author), and the people (who are the recipients).” His parents' spiritual curiosity, as hearers of the Word really shaped him as a Christian. They came to church every week, expecting to hear from God. They also taught him to love scripture, and prayer. He has served in church ministry for 25 years, in metro Detroit and in Western Michigan. BUY THE BOOK:       “The Preacher as Sermon,” website, created by Preachingtoday.com, Christianity Today, updated 2021 “The Preacher as Sermon” book, Preaching Today Books, created by Preachingtoday.com, Christianity Today, updated 2020 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What are the merits of a three point sermon? In this episode, Matt Woodley and Kevin Miller explore that question. Matt argues for the three point sermon, while Kevin believes the one point sermon is more expedient, to deliver the gospel message to a congregation. Matt said “It's underrated. Don't cast it out. I think it still works. Keep it in your repertoire.” When he references three points, in a sermon – he's showing listeners the movement of passage in the Biblical text. It's a simple way to organize your information – you're breaking it up into bite sized chunks: it gave give your listeners three scenes about the text; it can have movement. For example, in journalistic writing, they talking about writing in scenes, a discreet movement of action, something that you can see. He also talks about a sermon he gave on Hebrews 10 that focused on “Christ and His atoning sacrifice.” His three points were: The need for forgiveness The price of forgiveness The offer of forgiveness Matt said “It's not a disaster if they only remember one of the points, and they don't remember the outline. The outline isn't really the point. Transformational truth from the text — That's really important. ”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you preach with a Biblical imagination? Alison Gerber, pastor at Second Congregational Church in Massachusetts explores that question with our co-host, Kevin Miller. She uses the imagination, to help the Biblical narrative come alive for her listeners. Gerber said “If we do have this purpose to see lives change. Some imagination is going to be required.”  Her first phase in sermon prep is nailing down the big idea. Gerber still employs Haddon Robinson's method of preaching: “exegeting the text, reading the text, word studies, and coming down to the core central idea.”  After that, she starts writing and developing the sermon. If it's a narrative sermon, she asks herself the question “how am I going to tell this story, or enter into it?” “Really my goal with all of this is to bring the senses into the sermon,” said Gerber. Putting your congregation into that space, of the Biblical text. Describing tactile elements help paint a picture, so that listeners can listen and see what's happening in Biblical story – that may feel foreign to them, otherwise.  Learn more about Alison on her website. Check out what was referenced on the podcast: Edwin M. Yamauchi, and Marvin R. Wilson's book A Dictionary of Daily Life in Biblical and Post-Biblical Antiquity, Hendrickson Publishers. 2014  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you preach the good news of Easter? Bishop Timothy Clarke, Senior Pastor at First Church of God in Ohio says you don't have to make the Easter message relevant for people. It's already relevant, because it's in the Word of God.   He drew attention to Isaiah 40:8 (ESV) “The grass withers, the flower fades and the word of the Lord stands forever.” In this episode, they discuss everything from Chicago steakhouses, to preaching failures, to how the resurrection narrative stands the test of time. Bishop Clarke offers three specific words of advice for preachers: Focus on your relationship with God. Make your family a priority. Find your voice, vocation and vision. Check out what was referenced on the podcast: H. Beecher Hicks, Jr.'s book Preaching Through a Storm: Confirming the Power of Preaching in the Tempest of Church Conflict  You can also watch Bishop Clarke's sermons on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you preach the grace of the gospel in a fresh way? In this episode, Kevin Miller and Ethan Magness, pastor at Grace Anglican Church in Grove City, Pennsylvania explore explore how preaching on the grace of Jesus Christ, can speak to the everyday concerns of your people. He said “Our bond with God has experienced a tragic severing. What we need more than anything is reconciliation with the highest point of reality. We need to be totally made new before God, reconnected, re-established, and loved into loveliness.”  Magness also stressed the importance of cultivating an expectation, and is more than just a moral harangue, or a new plan to improve yourself for God. He said “But instead the heart of the Christian enterprise of preaching is to proclaim someone else besides me, and someone else besides you.” He teaches seminarians how to do three things, in a sermon: 1. Exhume the Biblical material of a given passage clearly. 2. Show how that Biblical material points to the gospel (the redemption from sin via Christ's death and resurrection.  3. They have to existentially connect with the “rocky horror picture show” of the hearer's life. You can listen to Ethan Magness' sermons on Grace Anglican Church's website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can pastors improve the tone of their preaching? In this episode, Matt Woodley and Dr. Hershael York, Senior Pastor at Buck Run Baptist Church set the record straight. He also serves as the Dean of Southern Seminary’s School of Theology. Tone can be communicated through your pace, pitch, volume, and even body language. Sometimes a person’s tone doesn’t match the content, of what they’d like to convey. And that’s often what can be harmful, in a conversation with a spouse, a friend – or in a sermon. Dr. York said “I always need to grow in delivery, passion and getting rid of verbal bridges. Those things are incredibly challenging for me, even after all of these years. I have much room to grow.” He warns pastors of preaching the emotion you feel, instead of the emotion of the Biblical text. “Your tone has to match the content of the text,” said Dr. York. Learn more about him on Southern Seminary's website: https://www.sbts.edu/dr-hershael-york-dean-of-the-school-of-theology/

How can preachers respond to a tense political climate? In this episode, Kevin Miller and Matt Woodley seek to find a way forward, after a divisive presidential election. More specifically, they delve into how pastors can disciple people in Christian citizenship and political engagement after the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Stewart Ruch, an Anglican bishop said “We, as those who treasure sacred symbols, decry the combination of holy and unholy symbols that were employed in ways that undermine the dignity of any human being.” Miller offers four steps pastors can take, to speak into politics – while maintaining a wise, Christian position: • Honor the many evangelical leaders who have spoken up. • Teach more specifically on “how to think about” politics. • Speak into the fears that created the feelings of “do-or-die urgency.” • Stop reading current political leaders into the Bible. Check out what was referenced on the podcast: Justin Gibony’s book "Compassion (&) Conviction: The AND Campaign's Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement" https://www.ivpress.com/compassion-conviction

Martin Luther said that “the ears are the organ of conversion.” How do you craft the right combination of words, so that it sticks in the minds and hearts of your listeners? The Rev. Canon David Roseberry, an Anglican pastor and executive director of the non-profit, LeaderWorks explores how to make sermons powerful with potent phrases, alongside Kevin Miller. Roseberry said “The turn of phrase – the idea of being able to sum up what you’re trying to say in a memorable phrase is really a skill that’s acquired and honed over time.” When he started preaching 30 years ago, he used manuscripts. Now Roseberry carefully crafts summary statements, a punchline that listeners can go home with. Sometimes they manifest themselves as puns, that reinforce a big idea from a particular passage of scripture. If you were summing up Jonah chapter three, you could say “you can run, but you cannot hide.” Learn more about his ministry at leaderworks.org: https://www.leaderworks.org/about

Charles H. Spurgeon, a Baptist minister from England (1834-1892) has a unique legacy as a preacher. His sermons “often contain subtle and bold references to Christ on the cross,” according to Thomas Breimaijer, author of Tethered to the Cross: The Life and Preaching of Charles H. Spurgeon. In this episode, Matt Woodley and Breimaier explore Spurgeon’s life and ministry. “His upbringing was very much steeped in this rural identity, which is interesting given that he’s known for his preaching in London at the Metropolitan Tabernacle which was the largest protestant church in the world,” Breimaijer said. He wrote his thesis “The Cross in the Tabernacle: Charles Haddon Spurgeon & Biblical Hermeneutics” while earning his PhD at the University of Edinburgh, which laid the groundwork for his new book, Tethered to the Cross. He argues that Spurgeon viewed the entire Bible through the lens of the cross of Christ. “He preached to thousands of people each week, and through his influence he started a college for pastors,” according to Breimaijer who is a Tutor of Systematic Theology and History at Spurgeon’s College in London, England. You can buy the book here: https://www.ivpress.com/tethered-to-the-cross

How do you preach on the genres of scripture? Matt Woodley and Ken J. Langley, Senior Pastor at Christ Community Church in Zion, Illinois explore this topic. He is also an Adjust Professor of Homiletics at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. They also discuss a few COVID-19 preaching challenges, like preaching to a camera in an empty room. Ken said “There are different types of literature. Some start once upon a time. Some start the White House issued a statement today. Some start with ‘thus says the Lord.’ He indicated that genre sensitivity in preaching would mean attentiveness to how different types (or forms of scripture) work.” When preaching on the Psalms, it’s important to honor the form, and the emotion of the text. Ken draws attention to “the poet’s agonized scream,” from a commentary on the Psalms. This shows how emotion should be prioritized over form, when exegeting some Biblical passages from the Psalms.

Are you preaching in a way that speaks to people, in their vocations? In this episode Matt Woodley talks to Steven Garber, author and Senior Fellow for Vocation and the Common Good for the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. He’s also the author of "Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good." Matt and Steven explore how pastors can equip people, with their preaching for their everyday lives, and vocations as teachers, garbage men, doctors, and corporate executives. Steven shares the story of a retired, Wall Street CEO who felt slighted by the church “You know – I’ve been a faithful member of the church for a long time, and I’ve tried to be there regularly whenever I could be there to be part of the church’s life. I contributed to the church’s life in many ways, as I’ve been able to. I’ve never in my life heard a sermon where the preacher thought about somebody like me when he prepared his sermon.” Check out what was referenced on the podcast: • Steven Garber's book Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good. IVP, 2014. https://www.ivpress.com/visions-of-vocation • Neil Postman’s book Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in The Age of Show Business. Penguin Books, 2006. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/297276/amusing-ourselves-to-death-by-neil-postman/ • Nicholas Karr’s book the Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains. W.W Norton & Company, 2010. https://wwnorton.com/books/The-Shallows/

In this episode, co-hosts Matt Woodley and Kevin Miller explore the intricacies of sermon openings and why they’re so critical to getting your point across. Kevin said “The opening really matters, because we have to have people’s attention.” He cites an introduction from a sermon entitled “Yet I Will Praise Thee” from Jill Briscoe, international author and speaker. She posed the question “Have you ever asked God questions and felt you haven't received a good answer?” Jill's sermon opening is relatable, and as a result gets your attention. This episode will help you craft introductions that explain what your sermon is about, and why your listeners should care.

How can you maintain spiritual health as a pastor? Matt Woodley and Kevin Miller talk about difficult seasons in their life and ministry. Over the years, Matt learned the importance of examining his own spiritual health. Here are the questions he uses for his spiritual audit: 1) Am I receiving God’s word with meekness? 2) Do some people really know me? 3) Is my prayer life growing? 4) Is there a growing affection for Jesus in my heart? Matt and Kevin also explore the importance of prayer, confession, friendship and taking time to slow down in pastoral ministry. Matt cited Rick Warren’s advice “if we would confess our temptations, we wouldn’t have to confess as many sins.”

How can pastors prepare people for Christmas? Matt Woodley talks to Matt Erickson, Senior Pastor at Eastbrook Church about how to approach this in Advent. This year, he’s doing a four week series on the genealogy of Jesus, from Matthew chapter one. The series will focus on some of the key men, and women that are part of Jesus story including Mary and Joseph. Last year, he did an Advent series entitled “Songs of the Savior: Psalms for Advent,” based on Messianic Psalms. He said “It was a powerful journey with church to engage with the Psalms.” They also explore preaching challenges in 2020: the global COVID-19 pandemic, racial tensions in the U.S., and a presidential election with high stakes.

Should pastors preach on the divisive subject of politics? Matt Woodley explores this topic with co-host, Kevin Miller. If you decide to preach on politics, keep the five principles in mind that are outlined in this episode. Remember that people at your church may identify with opposing political parties. So the important thing is to be faithful to the gospel, and the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Matt said “Christians should engage politics, because doing so provides us with a robust opportunity, to love our neighbor by acting justly, promoting human flourishing and seeking the prosperity of our community” an excerpt from the book “Compassion and Conviction.”

What role should your emotions play in expository preaching? Matt Woodley explores this topic with Greg Hollifield, Associate Dean for Assessment and Reporting at Memphis College of Urban and Theological Studies at Union University. He said “So I started listening more closely to Haddon (Robinson’s) sermons, and I realized the emotions he was evoking were in line with the content of the text that he was expositing.” He also warns preachers of being emotionally or intellectually manipulative, when preaching God’s word. Greg talks about a recent sermon he preached where Jacob wrestles with an angel, to pursue a blessing. Find out how he frames this story, to capture the emotion of the text.  Check out what was referenced on the podcast: -Kenneth Quick’s article "Your Text Has Feelings" found in “Staying True to the Text,” a preaching guide from Preaching Today. https://www.preachingtoday.com/preaching-guides/staying-true-to-text/your-text-has-feelings.html -John Walsh’s book "The Art of Storytelling." Moody Publishers, 2014. https://www.moodypublishers.com/the-art-of-storytelling/

Is the big idea more helpful or hurtful to listeners? Matt Woodley explores this question with Abe Kuruvilla, Senior Research Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministries at Dallas Theological Seminary. Abe said "The big idea is ultimately a creation of the preacher. It's not in the text. It's something the preacher creates." He argues that the text isn't a plain glass window to look through; but a stained glass window to look at. Check out what was referenced on the podcast: -Abraham Kuruvilla's article "Time to Kill the Big Idea? A Fresh Look at Preaching" found in Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 2018. https://homiletix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/KURUVILLA-Big-Idea-JETS2.pdf -Abraham Kuruvilla's book "Privilege the Text!: A Theological Hermeneutic for Preaching." Moody Publishers, 2013. https://www.moodypublishers.com/privilege-the-text/

How can you preach to people on the margins? What does this look like on a practical level? Matt Woodley explores these questions with Patricia Batten, Associate Director of the Haddon W. Robinson Center for Preaching at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. She drew attention to how a preacher can overlook certain people groups, without realizing it. Pat said she often preaches to the middle, but recently felt convicted that she should expand her audience. She also shares a story about her daughter, which demonstrates her conviction that all people are made in the image of God. Check out what was referenced in this episode: Patricia Batten's book "Parenting by Faith: What Jesus Said to Parents." Rose Publishing LLC, 2019. https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Faith-What-Jesus-Parents/dp/1628627816/

What does it mean to achieve success as a preacher? What makes a successful sermon? Matt Woodley explores these questions with Wes Oden, who has served as Senior Pastor at Houghton Wesleyan Church in New York for 24 years. When he first accepted the role, he was nervous to serve an intellectual congregation. But his wife reminded him that they were called to love people. Wes said "one of the things that scares me the most is becoming stagnant." Check out what was referenced on the podcast: For sermons from Wes, visit his church's website: https://hwchurch.org/audio-podcast-archive-links/ Get Matt Woodley's book "The Folly of Prayer," on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Folly-Prayer-Practicing-Presence-Absence/dp/0830837124/

What are people seeing in their mind's eye as you preach? Ideally, you want them to see Jesus, or how God is at work among his people. In this episode, Matt Woodley and Kevin Miller outline three ways to bring listeners into the Bible scene: point people to the picture, not to the page; bring people into the present moment; and help them hear the actors, not the author. You'll also get a backstage pass to "stump the hosts," where they put preaching methods to the test.

You’re called to be a faithful and effective communicator of God’s Word. But what exactly are the core principles of a “biblical sermon”? In this episode, Matt Woodley talks to Jeremy McKeen, author of "The Model Sermon: Principles of Preaching from the Book of Hebrews." It turns out that God did include a blueprint to guide us within the canon of Scripture—the Book of Hebrews. The Model Sermon will not only help you master the major preaching principles found in Hebrews—itself a sermon—but also offers practical steps to immediately apply each to your preaching. BUY THE BOOK:   “The Model Sermon,” website, created by Preachingtoday.com, Christianity Today, updated 2020: http://themodelsermon.com/ “The Model Sermon” book, Preaching Today Books, created by Preachingtoday.com, Christianity Today, updated 2020: https://bit.ly/3dYxAR2

How do you address racial issues at the pulpit? Maybe this question is weighing on you heavily, in light of current events. In this episode, Matt Woodley interviews Lawrence Aker III, Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York and George E. Hurtt, Pastor of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California. Based on their own life experience, George and Lawrence assess what change might look like on a practical level. They talk about the Civil Rights movement, the Great Migration, and the emergence of soul food. Check out what was referenced on the podcast: A lecture entitled "Racism and Corporate Evil: A White Guy’s Perspective – Tim Keller" given on August, 2017. https://youtu.be/EhJJcTKTVGo Genesis 1:27 (ESV) "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Galatians 6:10 (ESV) "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." Luke 10:29-31 (ESV) "But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side."

Spiritual warfare is no stranger to preachers. In this episode, Matt Woodley and Kevin Miller explore how spiritual attack manifests itself, and how you can overcome it. They share stories of spiritual attacks in their own pastoral ministry, and how God overpowered the darkness with light. One tell tale sign of an attack is feeling crippling anxiety, or self-doubt. Kevin said "spiritual warfare is the battle between what Satan wants for my life, and what God wants." Check out what was referenced on the podcast: James 3:14 (ESV) “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.” I Peter 5:8 (ESV) "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Have you ever felt like you said too much, or too little in your sermon? In this episode, Matt Woodley and Kevin Miller will help you “say what you need to say,” nothing more and nothing less. Every part of your sermon counts, especially introductions and conclusions. Matt shares the challenge of balancing humor, while pointing people to Christ. For a sermon to be a home run, you need to trust your hearers – that they are really listening to you.

Is big idea preaching a good idea? Maybe this question is plaguing you, or your colleagues in ministry. In this episode, Matt Woodley asks Russell St. John, senior pastor at Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church in Missouri to weigh in. Haddon Robinson popularized the big idea, as he aided in the revival of expository preaching in the late twentieth century. Russell emphasized the importance of knowing your own inadequacy as a preacher, and relying on the Holy Spirit. He defined the big idea as “a succinct statement of the teaching and the application of the text together.” You can achieve this by asking two questions in sermon prep: What is the author talking about? What is the author saying about what’s he’s talking about? The big idea should be biblical and faithful to the text, but catchy enough to grab people’s attention. Listen to this episode to find out if big idea preaching is right for you.

In this episode, Matt Woodley is joined by Jon Tyson, Lead Pastor at Church of the City in New York. Jon said he's dealing with “trauma at a personal and regional scale,” as a result of COVD-19. Part of the pastoring challenge is helping people navigate disorientation with Biblical hope. He’s shifted to a more pastoral tone in his preaching. “It’s basically the art of rejoicing with those who are rejoicing, and weeping with those are weeping, sometimes not even in the same sermon, but in the same point of the sermon.” Jon talks about his passion for revival in this episode, which he describes as a desire for more of God. Check out what was referenced on the podcast: • Leonard Ravenhill’s book Why Revival Tarries. Bethany House Publishers, 1959. • Louis Berkhof’s book Systematic Theology. Wm.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1932. • 1 Thess. 4:13: “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.”

Matt Woodley talks to Lawrence Aker, III, Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. He talks about preaching and caring for his congregation during the COVID-19 storm that has hit New York City hard with around 4,000 deaths as of April 8, according to the (CSSE)at Johns Hopkins University. Lawrence talks about Brookdale Hospital which has been a spotlight in the news, due to the high volume of COVID-19 patients. He said that employees have to go to Home Depot before work, to get supplies they need for their shifts. He has changed the tone, content and style of his preaching, as a result of current events. Lawrence explained this is not a time for the three point sermon. He said "the church doors are closed but the church is open." Lawrence points out this crisis as an opportunity to get into God's word. Here are a few ways you can help people in New York: Donate to World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/news/ny-nj Pray for people at Cornerstone Baptist Church, or make a donation: http://testcornerstonebrooklyn.weebly.com/give.html

Matt Woodley talks to Josh Moody, senior pastor at College Church in Wheaton, Illinois. Josh pointed out how his church had to rethink how they do church in three days. He speaks honestly about how secularism has no answer for the fear and anxiety produced by the coronavirus crisis. Last Sunday he preached a sermon "How Faith Can Free Us From Fear" which streamed on YouTube. Part of that message emphasized how fear of death is what drives all of our fears. He said this crisis is an opportunity to: 1)Reset our lives around the gospel 2)Surface what our idols are 3)For the church to be a witness You'll also learn about Josh's appreciation for Jonathan Edwards. Check out his book "Jonathan Edwards and Justification" on the subject. You can learn more about Josh's work on his website God Centered Life: https://godcenteredlife.org/

Have you ever felt afraid of preaching on Easter? Find out how Bryan Wilkerson, Senior Pastor at Grace Chapel in Boston confronts this fear, after preaching for 35 years. He says Easter preaching is scary, because "it's about sin and death." It's not a sentimental story, like Christmas. The stakes are high, because many church goers are bringing first time visitors. Get the full story from Matt Woodley and Bryan, as they discuss how to deliver the good news of Easter. Here are a few Easter resources from the podcast: A sermon entitled "The Breakfast club" preached by Bryan Wilkerson at Grace Chapel in Amherst, NH in 2016. http://www.ccnh.org/sermons/the-breakfast-club/ Walter Wengren Jr.'s book "Reliving the Passion" Zondervan, 1992. https://www.amazon.com/Reliving-Passion-Walter-Wangerin-Jr/dp/0310755301 John 21: 12-14 "Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead."

Matt Woodley and Kevin Miller discuss their own experience with “Preaching Through Personal Pain.” Consequences often include physical exhaustion, and a false belief that personal pain disqualifies you from preaching. In this episode, you’ll find that it’s not uncommon for pastors to wrestle with pain, and there are ways to sort through it. Matt reflects on preaching the most difficult sermon of his life, at his dad’s funeral. Kevin talks about his experience pastoring, while wrestling with his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Check out the show notes: St. John of the Cross' poem “The Dark Night of the Soul” http://makeheaven.com/st-john-of-the-cross.html Kevin Miller’s sermon “Learning from Job” https://friendsofthesavior.org/sermons/learning-from-job-kevin-miller 2 Corinthians 11:28-29 (ESV) “And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?” Colossians 1:24-25 (ESV) “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known."

Matt Woodley and co-host Kevin Miller will walk you through how to "stick the landing" of your sermon. After hearing your sermon conclusion, listeners should walk away knowing: what the sermon was about, what to do next, with a sense of finality — that the sermon is really over. Check out the show notes here: Daryl Johnson, the Glory of Preaching: https://www.amazon.com/Glory-Preaching-Participating-Transformation-World/dp/0830838538 Sticking the Landing: “The McKayla Maroney Vault London 2012,” London 2012 Summer Olympics, streamed on Sept 25, 2012, YouTube video, 1:48, https://youtu.be/wNG0QJw7-4A Missed Landing: "Rebecca Bross injures her knee at Nationals - From Universal Sports" US Women's National Gymnastics Championship, streamed on Aug 20, 2011, YouTube video, 1:45, https://youtu.be/jfF8ORHXB8g

How do we give a theological framework for thinking about specific sexual issues? Matt Woodley talks to Matt Erickson, Senior Pastor at Eastbrook Church about his experience with preaching on sexuality. His church took the concept of the four chapter gospel: creation (the original goodness of sexuality), fall (how sin, evil and brokenness impact our love), redemption (Jesus redeeming work is significant for love, and our life in our bodies) and restoration (points to the new heaven and the new earth). He challenged people to think about how their love, conception of the body, and sexuality fit together in that big story of God. As a result, the church can then engage with issues like adultery, pornography, homosexuality, gender dysphoria etc... A sermon series entitled "Love-Sex-Body" preached by Matt Erickson at Eastbrook Church in Milwaukee, WI in 2019. http://eastbrook.org/sermon_series/love-%c2%b7-sex-%c2%b7-body/ Pope John Paul II’s teachings "Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body." Pauline Books and Media, 2006. https://www.amazon.com/Man-Woman-He-Created-Them/dp/0819874213/ Christopher West’s CD set "An Introduction to the Theology of the Body: Discovering the Master Plan for Your Life." https://ascensionpress.com/products/an-introduction-to-the-theology-of-the-body-8-part-study-cd-set Glynn Harrison’s book "A Better Story: God, Sex and Human Flourishing. Inter-Varsity Press," 2016. https://www.amazon.com/Better-Story-God-Human-Flourishing/dp/1783594462 Tara M. Owens’ book "Embracing the Body: Finding God in Our Flesh and Bone." Intervarsity Press , 2015. https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Body-Finding-Flesh-Bone/dp/0830835938/

Sermon illustrations are a point of tension for some pastors. In this episode Matthew Woodley and Kevin Miller discuss a new angle for sermon illustrations, to help cast a vision for your church and how Christians should live. Kevin also talks about the importance of using positive illustrations, examples of people getting it right. You'll find that illustrations are opportunity to include people on the margins in your sermon, not in a political way -- to display the beauty of the gospel, that it's truly for everyone.

Season Three has officially begun. In episode one, Matthew Woodley and Kevin Miller talk about four "Bad Pressures" that preachers often face and how to deal with them. They’ll discuss how pressure manifests itself in preaching, and practical ways to address it, through personal prayer and confession. Part of that means being aware, of sensitive topics, of our own weakness and need for God’s annointing. Good pressure gives you a sense of "gravitas" to the message you're about to share. Bad pressure comes with sweaty palms, or fear and anxiety to preach the Word of God. Here’s the prayer from Martin Luther that Kevin references.  “[Lord,] you know how unworthy I am to fill so great and important an office.  Were it not for your counsel, I would have utterly failed long ago.  Therefore I call upon you for guidance.  Gladly will I give my heart and voice to this work.  I want to teach the people.  I want always to seek and study in your Word, and eagerly to meditate upon it.  Use me as your instrument.  Lord, do not forsake me.  If I were alone, I would ruin everything. Amen (Luther’s Prayers).”

For our fifth and final episode of Season 2 we sit down with Yancey Arrington, pastor in Houston, TX. Yancey is the master of creating tension in his sermons. That way he never loses the attention of his hearers. To illustrate this more practically we walk through Yancey’s sermon prep for his sermon “Hope in the Present” from Psalm 46. Yancey is very passionate about this topic and it completely comes through in this episode. We hope you can take some of the ideas he talks about and apply them in your sermons. If you would like to read the sermon discussed in this podcast you can find it here: https://www.preachingtoday.com/sermons/sermons/2019/may/hope-in-present.html

In this episode we sit down with Jeremy McKeen, pastor in West Palm Beach, FL. Jeremy does a great job reaching the skeptic in his preaching. So we discussed his sermon prep for his sermon “Building Up Your Faith” based on Hebrews 2:1-4. He also shares a fun story about having a preacher of great prominence show up one Sunday morning and listen to him preach. You will have to listen to the podcast to find out who this person was! If you would like to read the sermon discussed in this podcast you can find it here: https://www.preachingtoday.com/sermons/sermons/2019/may/building-up-your-faith.html