The podcast designed to encourage preachers to be serious Bible students, successful servants, and powerful preachers.
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, August 17, 2023 Robert kicks off season 18 with a look at the first chapter of both 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy, highlighting reasons Paul gave to Timothy why he could overcome timidity and have courage to face the challenging circumstances that were ahead. Watch the Video [Coming Soon!] […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, May 4, 2023 How do you know if you are preaching for a lukewarm congregation? And what do you do if you are? Mike Vestal walks through Revelation 3, specifically the letter to the church at Laodicea, and shows us Jesus’ response to the lukewarm. Watch the Video We […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, April 27, 2023 David Pharr, pulpit minister for the Concord Street church of Christ in Orlando, Florida, offers seven things we can do to be better preachers. Watch the Video We want to hear from you! Subscription Links
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, February 16, 2023 Barton Kizer helps us learn how to reach people of different cultures, and offers practical next-steps for how to do this on a congregational level. Watch the Video We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) Subscription Links
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, February 9, 2023 If you’ve been preaching for very long, then you know about preaching ruts. What can I do if I feel I’m in one? Steve Higginbotham offers six helpful suggestions. Watch the Video [Coming Soon] We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) Subscription […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, January 26, 2023 Dale Hubbert is a financial advisor and a friend of ministers! He joins Robert to offer some tips related to a minister’s taxes. Episode Resources [Video] Values Based Investing by Dale Hubbert We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) Subscription Links
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, January 19, 2023 Go behind the scenes of the Annual Bible Lectureship at Freed-Hardeman University with lectureship director, Dr. Doug Burleson. Watch the Video Episode Resources [WEBSITE] 2023 FHU Lectureship: For Such a Time as This: Restoring God’s People in Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther We want to hear from you! Email: […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, January 12, 2023 During The Light Network’s 10th anniversary Celebrate-a-thon, Adam Faughn joined us to discuss things preachers can take to heart from the wonderful epistle of joy, the book of Philippians. Adam has been a wonderful encourager to Preachers in Training and to all of The Light Network […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, December 15, 2022 David Sproule, one of the preachers for the Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ in West Palm Beach, FL, joins Robert this week to discuss “re-baptism,” per a request from a listener. Watch the Video We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, December 8, 2022 Whether we mean to or not, sometimes church culture can treat people who are not married as though they are less important or lacking in some way. By contrast, Paul has much to say about the potential singleness offers in service to God. Westley Hazel joins […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, December 1, 2022 Chad Landman is here with the 2022 Holiday Gift Guide! Chad joins us each year at this time with picks made with ministers in mind. Watch the Video Episode Resources Digital Parenting Workshop Chad’s Picks for 2022: Anker Wireless PowerWave Charging Stand [$40] – https://amzn.to/3ASQFCf Anker […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, November 24, 2022 For Thanksgiving 2022 we are treated to six friends of Preachers in Training who join Robert to offer why they are thankful to be a preacher Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for your support of The Light Network. To God be the glory! Have you planned your […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, November 17, 2022 Jon Mitchell, pulpit minister for the East Main church of Christ in Murfreesboro, TN, joins Robert to discuss this week’s listener-requested topic, “Dealing with Difficult Brethren.” Watch the Video Episode Resource: [PODCAST] “How to Love People Who Don't Love You” with Steve Higginbotham (Preachers in Training […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, November 10, 2022 You have been honored by an invitation to officiate a couple’s wedding! Now what?! Adam Faughn stops by this week to discuss his goals for premarital counseling. He shares the “formula” he adapts for each couple, how long he meets with them, and helpful resources he […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, November 3, 2022 Brett Pharr served as an elder for over 20 years, presently serves on the Board of Trustees for Freed-Hardeman University, and is the CEO of a publicly traded bank. He brings great wisdom and insights – first from Scripture and then from the business / financial […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, October 27, 2022 Michael Hite is back to walk us through some of the new features in Logos 10! Programming note: we have both audio and video available, but the video version will probably be a better experience. We hope you enjoy! Watch the Video Episode Resources Learn more about Logos Bear […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, September 22, 2022 It’s important for preachers of the present generation to hear about the preachers of previous generations. Dr. Billy Smith, professor emeritus of Bible at Freed-Hardeman University, shares stories and observations about eight of the greatest preachers he has known. You will enjoy hearing brother Billy’s analysis […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, September 15, 2022 An understanding of history can offer both important context for the present and a greater appreciation of the past. Dr. Sam Hester, long-time professor of Bible and Christian history at Freed-Hardeman University, joins Robert on this episode to discuss why restoration history matters. Watch the Video […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, September 8, 2022 Theological is vital to any Christian’s thinking because it relates to every facet of life. This is especially true for preachers because we must communicate the importance of theological thinking to those to whom we preach. On this episode of Preachers in Training, Dr. Donnie DeBord […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, September 1, 2022 Robert has been making sermon plans for the last ten years. Today he shares ten reasons why he believes they are so important to preaching for a congregation, and he shares a resource that has been developed to aid in sermon planning! Watch the Video […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, August 25, 2022 Dr. Josh Ketchum, Bible professor at Freed-Hardeman University, stops by to make us aware of the Church Leadership Workshop sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Spiritual Leadership at FHU. This year’s theme is RESTORE and the entire event is free (including meals and lodging)! Find […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, August 18, 2022 Modern ministers have more resources available than ever. From books to podcasts and everything in between, we may wonder how to get the most from various forms of media. Brad McNutt joins Robert on this listener-requested episode of Preachers in Training to discuss how we can […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, August 11, 2022 Milton Sewell has been married to sister Laurel for over 50 years. Dr. Sewell has spent his career ministering to students through Christian education at Mars Hill Bible School in Florence, AL and at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN. During that time he has also had […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, August 4, 2022 We have a lot to think about in our time. Not only must preachers determine what they believe about issues like Critical Race Theory or Social Justice, but we also need to know if / how we should address those issues in our preaching and ministry. […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, May 26, 2022 Online evangelism is really a necessity in an age like ours. The pandemic only solidified that. On this episode, Chad Landman discusses the goals of online evangelism and how to accomplish those goals using technology. Watch the Video Episode Resources Branding Adobe Express (iOS and Android) […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, May 12, 2022 What should a minister do when he finds himself caught in the middle of contention within the congregation? Mike Vestal says, “Every stressor in ministry out to cause us to become more God-centered.” On this episode, he offers five things you can do for your own […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, May 5, 2022 Being a minster can often leave us feeling overwhelmed. What do we do in those busy seasons? Dale Jenkins offers six tips to help an overwhelmed minister. Watch the Video Episode Resources The Jenkins Institute We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, March 24, 2022 This is the 325th episode of Preachers in Training, and next year will mark ten years of this podcast (and of The Light Network)! On this episode, Robert discusses 10 (okay, it’s actually 12) episodes that made a special impact on him and shares some stories behind those […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, March 17, 2022 Lance Mosher is presently the missionary-in-residence for Freed-Hardeman University. He has spent fifteen years dedicating the majority of his time to personal evangelism, and today he shares some of his experiential training with us. Would you like to be better at initiating evangelistic conversations? What can […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, March 10, 2022 Josh Ketchum and Adam Faughn join Robert on this episode of “Preachers in Training” to discuss the ReConnect Marriage Retreat. ReConnect is a retreat for ministers and their wives. Watch the Video Episode Resources Register for ReConnect here: http://www.joshketchum.com/reconnect/ Post from Faughn Family about ReConnect: […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, February 24, 2022 Ryan Davis, the preaching minister for the Bellevue church of Christ in Nashville, TN, spent considerable time on the mission field of Cusco, Peru. He joins Robert on this episode to discuss what the church in the United States needs to hear about missions and the […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, February 17, 2022 Jake Sutton offers tips for preachers who serve congregations without an eldership. Watch the Video [Coming Soon] Episode Resources Piedy and Pals (Kaio Publications) Edify: For the Servant We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) Subscription Links
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, January 27, 2022 Billy Smith, affectionately known to his hundreds of students as brother Billy, joins Robert this week to discuss planned preaching. Bro. Billy’s doctoral dissertation was written on planned preaching and he has spent much of his career studying and teaching about the topic. You will appreciate […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, January 20, 2022 Dr. Doug Burleson, associate professor of Bible and the director of the Annual Bible Lectureship at Freed-Hardeman University, stops by to discuss the 2022 Annual Bible Lectureship which is to take place February 6-10 on campus and online via live stream. Watch the Video Episode Resources […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, January 13, 2022 Neal Pollard shares his thoughts around emphasizing evangelism in a congregation. He discusses vision meetings, vision statements, a macro and micro approach, and how media can assist evangelistic efforts. Watch the Video Episode Resources https://preacherpollard.com/ https://lehmancoc.org/ http://wvbs.org https://worldbibleschool.org/ We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, November 25, 2021 Steve Higginbotham joins us for a light-hearted Thanksgiving special episode of “Preachers in Training.” You’ll love hearing the stories of the unique things that have happened to him in ministry! Watch the Video Episode Resources Order a copy of Steve Higginbotham’s book A Day in the Life […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, November 11, 2021 It’s that time again! Chad Landman is back with his 2021 Holiday Gift Guide for Ministers! Each year, Chad joins the show to pass along some highly recommended products that make great tools for ministry. Watch the Video Episode Resources See Chad’s list here. Bonus […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, November 4, 2021 Paddy Flanagan joins Robert to have a down-to-earth discussion about ministering on social media. What are the objectives? Where should I focus? How often should I post to social media, and what types of posts should I post? There are plenty of suggestions and tools you […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, October 28, 2021 Robert is with Adam Faughn in Paducah, KY to have a practical conversation about the work of preachers and what we do from day to day. Watch the Video Episode Resources Faughn Family blog We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, October 21, 2021 Bill Burk is back on Preachers in Training to discuss principles of exegesis. After some preliminary considerations, he provides a simplified plan for biblical exegesis. It’s a great reminder for all of us as we prepare to preach the word of God! Watch the Video We […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, October 14, 2021 Most preachers and ministers wear multiple hats. If you find yourself in a “dual role” ministry position – maybe you are the associate / youth minister or perhaps you are the only preacher at a congregation – how can you position yourself to be most effective […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, October 7, 2021 On this episode, David Dixon, the preacher for the Sixth Avenue church of Christ in Jasper, AL, offers four things to consider in order to cultivate a servant mentality within the congregation. Watch the Video We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv Voicemail: […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, September 30, 2021 Robert is joined by Chance Hicks and Hiram Kemp to discuss Sunday morning routines. The conversation also takes an unscripted turn toward sermon outlining! Watch the Video We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) Subscription Links
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, September 23, 2021 Barry Grider offers practical thoughts regarding how to minister to grieving families before, during, and after a funeral. Watch the Video We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) Subscription Links
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, September 16, 2021 Dale Jenkins offers eight things that preachers can do that will help local congregations work better together. Watch the Video Episode Resources The Jenkins Institute We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) Subscription Links
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, September 9, 2021 Kevin Rhodes, director of the Brown Trail School of Preaching in Bedford, TX, discusses the need for preachers to encourage, but also their need to be receptive to encouragement. Watch the Video We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) Subscription Links […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, September 2, 2021 On this episode of “Preachers in Training,” Robert shares an excerpt of the “Today With Jesus” podcast on which he and Dan Winkler answered a question submitted by a listener. The listener wanted to know: “What would Jesus say to a Christian who would rather hear […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, August 26, 2021 Gantt Carter, pulpit minister for the 2nd and Adams church of Christ in Elk City, Oklahoma, joins Robert on this episode to discuss the differences between ministering to a “smaller” congregation versus to a “larger” one. Watch the Video We want to hear from you! […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, August 19, 2021 Chance Hicks spent six years as a college minister in Jacksonville, AL before transitioning to pulpit ministry in North Charleston, SC. On this episode, Chance discusses the importance of building relationships to connect with college students for the cause of Christ. Watch the Video We want […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, August 12, 2021 Clark Sims has preached to gatherings of youth groups that number in the thousands. On this episode, he discusses how preachers can be sure they are connecting with the youth group when they preach. Watch the Video We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv […]
Host: Robert Hatfield | Released Thursday, May 27, 2021 Westley Hazel discusses the importance of the spiritual disciplines for the spiritual formation of gospel preachers. Watch the Video Episode Resources: BOOK: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney We want to hear from you! Email: preachers@thelightnetwork.tv Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) Subscription Links