Shows
Family Prayer Podcast67. The Art of Noticing - Tuesday67. The Art of NoticingTuesday - January 27, 2026Florida-born Dan marvels at the sound of falling snow. We learn that silence is a practice that helps us notice things we might normally miss.Discussion Question(s) • What surprising sounds do you hear during the 30-seconds of silence?PrayerDear God, we thank you that we are surrounded by such an amazing world filled with all kinds of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. While we may spend most days in a state of busyness and noise, you invite us...
2026-01-2706 minFamily Prayer Podcast66. Practicing Silence - Monday66. Practicing SilenceMonday - January 26, 2026Dan reflects on how different vacation felt because of the quiet that came while being away. We introduce the spiritual practice of silence as a way to better hear from God.Discussion Question(s) • Have you had a day recently that felt like the opposite of your normal routine? • What made it different, and how did you feel about it?PrayerDear God, we thank you for the gifts of noise and of silence. The sounds we hear around our home...
2026-01-2605 minFamily Prayer Podcast63. Word Became Flesh - Wednesday63. Word Became FleshWednesday - January 21, 2026Dan and his family get confused by the rules of a new board game until people who know how to play the game show them the way. Similarly, Jesus is the “Word made flesh,” and shows us what living out the Bible looks like.Discussion Question(s)• When was a time that you weren’t really understanding something until someone showed you how to do it?PrayerDear God, we admit that sometimes we read the Bible and aren’t quite sure what...
2026-01-2106 minFamily Prayer Podcast60. Breakfast Specials - Friday Evening60. Breakfast SpecialsFriday Evening - January 16, 2026Dan shares about one of his favorite breakfast meals. We then reflect on our week and what we’ve learned about prayer.Discussion Question(s)• Was there a moment this week when you thought about God being with you?• Is there anything you’d like to say to God tonight?• Is there anything you feel like God is inviting you to do sometime soon?PrayerDear God, we thank you for this week and all the things we’ve been...
2026-01-1606 minFamily Prayer Podcast56. Family Conversations - Wednesday Evening56. Family ConversationsWednesday Evening - January 14, 2026Sharing our tough feelings may not solve our problems, but they can help us feel better by reminding us that we are loved and are not alone. Dan shares why he builds discussion questions into each episode.Discussion Question(s)• Can you think of a time when someone helped you get through a hard time?PrayerDear God, we thank you for this day and for all of your blessings. We thank you that those blessings include the people around us ri...
2026-01-1404 minFamily Prayer Podcast55. Honest Prayers - Wednesday Morning55. Honest PrayersWednesday Morning - January 14, 2026When Dan’s daughter notices that he’s frustrated about something, their conversation reminds him that it’s actually good to share our feelings with the right people. We also learn that we can be honest with God because God will always respond with love.Discussion Question(s)• Do you tell other people when you’re feeling sad or mad or scared? Why or why not?PrayerDear God, we thank you that you’re always ready to listen, no matter what we have...
2026-01-1405 minFamily Prayer Podcast54. Ways God Speaks - Tuesday Evening54. Ways God SpeaksTuesday Evening - January 13, 2026Dan’s daughter celebrates Gratituesday by thanking the parents of her friends who came over to play in the snow. We look at the different ways God can speak to us.Discussion Question(s)• Why might God use our friends and family to speak to us?PrayerDear God, we thank you that you speak to us. We want to listen when we pray, but may we also keep our eyes, ears, and hearts open for when you answer us in o...
2026-01-1305 minFamily Prayer Podcast42. The Covenant Prayer - Monday Evening42. The Covenant PrayerMonday Evening - January 5, 2026Dan’s plans for the final family adventure of Christmas break fall apart when everything changes. This gives us a chance to reflect on how we can react when God surprises us with things we didn’t plan.Discussion Question(s)• How do you treat the things that belong to you - like your favorite toy, your pet, or the family car?PrayerDear God, we thank you for the Christmas season that is now ending. We thank you for the ne...
2026-01-0506 minFamily Prayer Podcast41. A New Year! - Monday Morning41. A New Year!Monday Morning - January 5, 2026Dan shares how both his family and the town of Grace Harbor celebrated New Years. We then spend some time talk about resolutions and intentions for the upcoming year.Discussion Question(s)• What is a word or two that describes how you want to approach this new year?PrayerDear God, we thank you for this new year and the way it can feel like a brand new blank piece of paper. As we begin to fill our year with al...
2026-01-0505 minFamily Prayer Podcast39. 12 Days of Christmas - Friday Morning39. 12 Days of ChristmasFriday Morning - December 26, 2025We learn that Christmas is not just a day, but it is a season that lasts 12 days. Dan suggests an activity to keep the season going.Discussion Question(s)• What is something you can do over the next week and a half to remind each other that it’s still the Christmas season?PrayerDear God, we thank you that Christmas is *not* over. Over the next couple of weeks, you invite us to keep thinking about your love for us a...
2025-12-2604 minFamily Prayer Podcast38. Somebody Must Love You - Thursday Evening38. Somebody Must Love YouThursday Evening - December 25, 2025Dan takes an afternoon walk and sees families out enjoying their new gifts. When we get a gift we need, it is a sign that the gift-giver loves us.Discussion Question(s)• When did you feel loved today?PrayerDear God, we thank you for this day full of excitement. We thank you that all of the gifts we both gave and received today are signs of our love for each other. And, of course, we thank you that th...
2025-12-2505 minFamily Prayer Podcast36. Prayer By the Christmas Tree - Wednesday Evening36. Prayer By the Christmas TreeWednesday Evening - December 24, 2025Dan shares about the end of the Christmas Eve service when everyone lights a candle as they sing “Silent Night.” We talk about the temptation to hurry through Christmas tomorrow.Discussion Question(s)• What are you most hoping for as Christmas comes tomorrow?PrayerGod, keep me from hurrying through all the things I hoped for. Amen.• Prayer courtesy of Tanner Olson (https://www.instagram.com/writtentospeak/)Episode Music: Silent Night (In The Stillness) by Joshu...
2025-12-2405 minFamily Prayer Podcast34. Love In Action - Tuesday Evening34. Love In ActionTuesday Evening - December 23, 2025Dan helps Brie the Baker close up her shop for the Christmas break. We learn that setting intentions sometimes involves keeping our eyes open for opportunities we don’t see coming.Discussion Question(s)• What was one moment from today when you gave or received God’s love?PrayerDear God, we thank you that your love is all around us. It fills our hearts, it inspires us to action, and it flows through other people to us. Give us a good...
2025-12-2304 minFamily Prayer Podcast28. Joy in Giving - Thursday Evening28. Joy in GivingThursday Evening - December 18, 2025Dan shares what he picked up at the Grace Harbor Christmas Market. We talk about how giving is a way of sharing joy with others.Discussion Question(s)• What are some of the ways your family shares joy with each other?PrayerDear God, we thank you for the joy that comes from both giving and receiving. Fill our hearts with joy so we have plenty to share with others. Give us a good night’s sleep tonight so that we c...
2025-12-1804 minFamily Prayer Podcast24. Choosing Joy - Tuesday Evening24. Choosing JoyTuesday Evening - December 16, 2025Joy is not just an emotion that comes and goes, but it something we can choose to focus on. Choosing joy is one of the most important skills we can learn as we grow up.Discussion Question(s)• Do you think choosing joy will be easy or hard for you this week and why?PrayerDear God, we thank you for this day and for all of your blessings. We thank you that joy is not just something that comes and go...
2025-12-1605 minFamily Prayer Podcast23. Joy and Happiness - Tuesday Morning23. Joy and HappinessTuesday Morning - December 16, 2025Happiness and joy can be similar, but they are not the same thing. Joy is deeper and can keep going even when we aren’t feeling happy.Discussion Question(s)• If you had dinner with the people you love the most, who would be there and how would it make you feel?Prayer Dear God, we thank you for both happiness and joy. We thank for things like our favorite foods that can provide little bursts of joy. And we than...
2025-12-1605 minFamily Prayer Podcast22. Finding Joy - Monday Evening22. Finding JoyMonday Evening - December 15, 2025Dan takes a tumble while walking downtown. But with the help of some kind neighbors, it turns into an opportunity for joy.Discussion Question(s)• Who are the people in your life who bring you joy?PrayerDear God, we thank you for the people who bring us joy. We thank you for the people who know just how to make us feel special and loved. Give us a good night’s sleep tonight so we can wake up rested and refr...
2025-12-1504 minFamily Prayer Podcast21. Intro to Joy - Monday Morning21. Intro to JoyMonday Morning - December 15, 2025The theme for the third week of Advent is joy. We begin by exploring how even mistakes can turn into sources of joy.Discussion Question(s)• Do you have any holiday traditions, favorite recipes, or special activities?• What’s a story from your family when things went wrong but now you laugh about it?PrayerDear God, we thank you for stories that make us laugh. Laughing is a great way to experience joy, and laughing together as a fami...
2025-12-1505 minFamily Prayer Podcast20. Letting the Icing Dry - Friday Evening20. Letting the Icing DryFriday Evening, December 12, 2025Letting the icing dry on a gingerbread house helps lock it in, Similarly, we reflect on our week to help lock in all the good stuff from the week.Discussion Question(s)• What was something good that happened to you this week and why was it good?• What was something good that you helped to make happen for someone else and why was that good?• What’s one word that describes this week, and what’s one word you hope describes...
2025-12-1205 minFamily Prayer Podcast19. Gingerbread House Day - Friday Morning19. Gingerbread House DayFriday Morning, December 12, 2025Today we celebrate Gingerbread House Day! We learn that when we work together, our impact can be bigger.Discussion Question(s)• What’s something good that you’d love to see happen, not just in your family, but in your community?Listener Mail• Hazel - Lake Mary, Florida• Ben - Orlando, Florida• Kaylor - Chesterfield, Virginia• William - Orlando, FloridaPrayerDear God, we thank you for this week. We thank you that peace...
2025-12-1207 minFamily Prayer Podcast18. You Are Grace Harbor - Thursday Evening18. You Are Grace HarborThursday Evening, December 11, 2025Lighthouses help ships by showing them the way around danger and to safety. We have the opportunity to be lighthouses and safe harbors for the people in our lives.Discussion Question(s)• Who could we be a safe harbor for?• Do you know of any friends or neighbors or people in your community that would be encouraged knowing that you’re there for them?PrayerDear God, we thank you for this day and for all of your blessi...
2025-12-1105 minFamily Prayer Podcast17. Becoming a Harbor for Others - Thursday Morning17. Becoming a Harbor for OthersThursday Morning, December 11, 2025Grace Harbor got its start as a Trading Post set up by a sailor named John and his wife, Grace. Their welcome and care for the ships and crews passing through defined this as a place of refuge and safety.Discussion Question(s)• What could your family do to be more like a harbor for each other?PrayerDear God, we thank you for this day, and we thank you for our family. We thank you for the ways we...
2025-12-1104 minFamily Prayer Podcast16. We All Need Harbors - Wednesday Evening16. We All Need HarborsWednesday Evening, December 10, 2025Even the strongest ships need the safety of a harbor at times. It is not a sign that the boat is weak but that the captain is wise.Discussion Question(s)• What are some times when we might need our safe places?PrayerDear God, we thank you for this wonderful day and for all of your blessings. We thank you that no matter what’s going on in our life, you love us and are always watching over us. We p...
2025-12-1005 minFamily Prayer Podcast15. What Is a Harbor? - Wednesday Morning15. What Is a Harbor?Wednesday Morning, December 10, 2025We learn that a harbor is any place that keeps us safe when life gets stormy. We also begin to learn a little bot about the history of Grace Harbor.Discussion Question(s)• What are your safe places?PrayerDear God, we thank you for this new day, and we thank you for all of the harbors in our lives. We thank you that there are people and places that make us feel safe and loved. When life starts to ge...
2025-12-1005 minFamily Prayer Podcast14. Dear God, Thank You - Tuesday Evening14. Dear God, Thank YouTuesday Evening, December 9, 2025Dan celebrated Gratituesday by going to the coffee shop on Main Street and thanking Bobby the Barista for being such a good friend. We also introduce a practice known as “breath prayers.”Discussion Question(s)• Who would you like to recognize for Gratituesday and how can you show them your gratitude?PrayerToday’s prayer is a “breath prayer,” where you pray a word or phrase as you inhale and another word or phrase as you exhale.Inhale: Dear God...
2025-12-0904 minFamily Prayer Podcast13. Gratituesday - Tuesday Morning13. GratituesdayTuesday Morning, December 9, 2025Today, we celebrate National Christmas Card Day. We also introduce a special holiday Dan’s family celebrates every week called Gratituesday!Discussion Question(s)• If you could send a Christmas card to anyone, who would it be?PrayerDear God, we want to say ‘Happy Gratituesday’ to you first. All of the good things in our lives are gifts from you. As we share our gratitude with others, may it be a way of showing your love to others as well. Amen.Episod...
2025-12-0906 minFamily Prayer Podcast12. The Peace of Advent - Monday Evening12. The Peace of AdventMonday Evening, December 8, 2025Jesus is sometimes called the Prince of Peace. It means he uses all his power to help create peace - to make good things happen and help fix what's broken.Discussion Question(s)• Is there something happening right now where you think, 'this situation could really use some peace - some good things to happen'?PrayerDear, God. We thank you for this day and for all of your blessings. We thank you for the ways we were able to he...
2025-12-0805 minFamily Prayer Podcast11. Intro to Peace - Monday Morning11. Intro to PeaceMonday Morning, December 8, 2025The theme for the second week of Advent is peace. Peace in the Bible means whole and complete, everything in its right place, and everything working together for good.Discussion Question(s)• What do you think peace means?PrayerDear God, thank you for this new week and for showing us what real peace looks like. Help us to be peace-bringers today - through our kind words, our helping hands, and our loving hearts. Amen.Episode Music: Canoe Journey by...
2025-12-0805 minFamily Prayer Podcast8. Thank You for Slow Days - Thursday Evening8. Thank You for Slow DaysThursday Evening, December 4, 2025We learn the importance of slow days, especially when we are tired and need to recover. Having a day with nothing on the calendar gives us space to rest and reflect on how God is present and active in our lives.Discussion Question(s)Tonight’s episode features a quiet reflection on our day.PrayerThank you, God, for this day - whether it was a good one or a bad one, a jam-packed day or a slow day. Thank yo...
2025-12-0404 minFamily Prayer Podcast7. Hope Begins... - Thursday Morning7. Hope BeginsThursday Morning, December 4, 2025Each week of Advent has a theme, and this week’s theme is hope. Dan defines hope as “looking forward to something good that hasn’t happened yet.”Discussion Question(s)What’s something you’re hoping for, and why would it be good if it happened?PrayerDear God, we thank you that we can get as excited as we want about your love for us. And while we are waiting for the big celebration on Christmas, we know you already love us every day...
2025-12-0404 minFamily Prayer Podcast5. Gratitude Is... - Wednesday Morning5. Gratitude Is…Wednesday Morning, December 3, 2025Starting our day with gratitude is a way of turning our hearts on in the morning. It focuses us on God’s blessings in our lives. Dan also makes final preparations for the big Christmas block party tonight!Discussion Question(s)What are you grateful for today?PrayerDear God, we thank you that we have things to be grateful for! We know that you love us, and one of the ways we can feel that love is by recognizing the things in our...
2025-12-0305 minFamily Prayer Podcast3. What is Advent? - Tuesday Morning3. What is Advent?Tuesday Morning, December 2, 2025This morning, we introduce the season of Advent. We learn that it is important to prepare our hearts for Christmas so that we can get the most out of it. Dan begins preparations for the big Christmas Tree Lighting and block party on Wednesday.Today’s Discussion Question(s)What is one word you hope describes your day today?PrayerDear God, we thank you for all of the exciting things that are coming today and tomorrow and over the next couple we...
2025-12-0205 minFamily Prayer Podcast1. Welcome to Grace Harbor - Monday Morning1. Welcome to Grace HarborMonday Morning, December 1, 2025Welcome to Grace Harbor! This morning, we meet Pastor Dan and introduce our three core disciplines: gratitude, intention setting, and prayer.Today’s Discussion Question(s)What is something you’re really looking forward to today?PrayerDear God, I thank you for all of the new friends I’ve made this morning through the podcast. I can’t wait for them to get to know more about Grace Harbor and for us to learn more about them! And we all thank yo...
2025-12-0106 minFamily Prayer PodcastWhat You Can Expect from the Podcast (Preview Episode 2)Family Prayer Podcast - Preview Episode 2Welcome back to the Family Prayer Podcast! This is the second of two preview episodes for the parents and grandparents interested in using this resource with their family. This episode dives into what you can expect from the podcast, how to get the most out of it, as well as a preview of an evening episode.After this, it’s onward to the full launch on Monday, December 1. See you in Grace Harbor!Episode Music: Rooted by LNDÖ, Fallbrook by Reveille---📝 Send Us Your...
2025-11-2415 minFamily Prayer PodcastThe Heart Behind the Podcast (Preview Episode 1)Family Prayer Podcast - Preview Episode 1Welcome to the Family Prayer Podcast! This is the first of two preview episodes for the parents and grandparents interested in using this resource with their family. This episode focuses on the heart behind the podcast - why it exists and how it came to be - as well as a preview of the first full episode coming Monday morning, December 1.Episode Music: Monte Rosa by Alsever Lake, New Tricks by LNDÖ---📝 Send Us Your Stories!We love featuring listener submissions!Voi...
2025-11-1514 minFamily Prayer PodcastIntroducing the Family Prayer PodcastIntroducing the Family Prayer PodcastThe Family Prayer Podcast transforms everyday family moments into opportunities for sacred connections through twice-daily episodes for families with elementary-aged children. Set in the fictional coastal town of Grace Harbor, Pastor Dan guides families through gratitude, intention-setting, and prayer with zero prep required by parents. Each sub-10-minute episode fits seamlessly into existing routines—breakfast, car rides, bedtime—making spiritual formation accessible for busy families who want meaningful faith practices without the overwhelm.Episode Music: New Tricks by LNDÖ---🎧 Connect With UsSocial Media:
2025-11-1502 min
Art of the SermonHow to Lead in a World of Distraction - An Interview with Clay Scroggins
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
Guest: Clay Scroggins - Lead Pastor of Buckhead Church (Atlanta, GA)
Intro to Clay Scroggins (0:45)
Philosophy of preaching (3:56)
Role of preaching in pastoral duties and identity (5:17)
Preaching when you’re not the senior leader (7:43)
How to Lead in a World of Dist...
2019-09-2335 minArt of the SermonPermission to Go Short This AdventThanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!Topic: Permission to Go Short This AdventConnect with the ShowI would love to hear what you think about the show—especially this episode. You can connect with the show and send me your feedback through the...
2018-11-1504 min
Art of the SermonResponding to Negative Feedback
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
Topic: Responding to Negative Feedback
Michael Bierut and negative feedback (0:09)
Michael's response (1:52)
Acknowledge that the feedback is heard (2:38)
Give a window into the intention (3:37)
Be realistic about next steps (4:29)
Offer positive reinforcement (5:17)
Create a space for unity (6:23)
Bonus ti...
2018-11-0108 min
Art of the SermonInside Out
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
Topic: Inside Out - A sermon based on the concepts in Simon Sinek's "Start With Why"
3 Year Anniversary (0:09)
Intro to "Inside Out" (0:52)
Is Pepsi ok? (4:47)
Power of Coca-Cola (12:26)
Start with why (14:25)
The call of Jeremiah (22:21)
Adapted golden circle (23:57)
Wh...
2018-10-1838 min
Art of the SermonReplanting the Sermon - An Interview with Abby Norman
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
Guest: Abby Norman - Pastor of New Hope United Methodist Church (Atlanta, GA)
Intro to Abby Norman (0:41)
Abby's story (2:09)
Why is preaching important when you have influence elsewhere? (9:21)
What is foundational to Abby's preaching (13:31)
How preaching fits into Abby's pastoral identity an...
2018-10-0442 minArt of the SermonOvercoming Anxiety in Sermon Planning and WritingThanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!Topic: Overcoming Anxiety in Sermon Planning and WritingThe anxiety of planning and writing sermons (0:10)Plan ahead (2:49)Match your planning to your personality (4:05)Focused time (6:22)
2018-09-2017 min
Art of the SermonThe 3 Arcs
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
Topic: The 3 Arcs
Welcome back (0:10)
Narrative Arc (3:28)
Emotional Arc (8:05)
Rhythmic Arc (14:30)
Arcs across series (18:44)
Next episode arrives September 20, 2018!
Connect with the Show
I would love to hear what you think about the show—especially this episode. You...
2018-09-0621 min
Art of the SermonI'm Still Here - An Interview with Austin Channing Brown
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
Guest: Austin Channing Brown - Author, writer, and speaker
Introduction to Austin (0:35)
How and why Austin started work in racial reconciliation (3:52)
Why "I'm Still Here" is a memoir (9:12)
The importance and uniqueness of the voice of Black women (12:13)
Helpful and unhelpful wa...
2018-05-1742 minArt of the SermonBetter Church AnnouncementsThanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!Topic: Better Church AnnouncementsImportant Announcement (0:09)Church Announcements (4:12)Use more channels (5:39)Make the channels valuable (6:18)Focus on the point, mission, or vision (7:10)Tell a story (8:41)
2018-05-0316 minArt of the SermonSecrets of a Top 5 TED TalkThanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!Topic: Secrets of a Top 5 TED TalkIntro (0:13)Feeling comfortable (1:41)But not too comfortable (4:09)Passion plus familiarity (5:50)Focus on the "why" of wh...
2018-04-1915 minArt of the SermonSuccess and Failure - An Interview with Rev. Matt Miofsky - Part 2
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
Guest: Rev. Matt Miofsky - Lead Pastor of The Gathering (St. Louis, MO)
Assessing preaching success and failure (0:32)
Success goes to the head, failure to the heart (3:47)
Preaching hard things (9:22)
Most challenging preaching experience (16:13)
Christmas Eve or Easter (17:14)
Impactful communicators (18:36)
2018-04-0526 minArt of the SermonPreaching and Church Growth - An Interview with Rev. Matt Miofsky - Part 1Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!Guest: Rev. Matt Miofsky - Lead Pastor of The Gathering (St. Louis, MO)Introduction to Matt (0:35)Why The Gathering grew early (3:26)Philosophy of preaching (8:20)The future of pr...
2018-03-1524 min
Art of the SermonThe Prayer Wheel - An Interview with David Van Biema
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
Guest: David Van Biema - Author, Former Head Religion Writer for Time
Introduction to David (1:22)
Writing about prayer (2:35)
Philosophy of communication (3:33)
The history and rediscovery of the Prayer Wheel (4:32)
Using the Prayer Wheel as a preaching tool (9:35)
Decoding the Wheel (10:55)
2018-03-0140 min
Art of the SermonIdentity and Preaching - An Interview with Rev. Justin Coleman
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
Guest: Rev. Justin Coleman - Lead Pastor, University United Methodist Church (Chapel Hill, NC)
Introduction to Justin (0:47)
Philosophy of communication (3:40)
Justin's background (7:40)
Cross-racial ministry (10:55)
The role preaching played in Justin's call to ministry (14:48)
How preaching fits into Justin's identity and ro...
2018-02-1544 min
Art of the SermonThe Original Storyteller - An Interview with Robert Carnes
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
Guest: Robert Carnes - Author, Managing Editor for the Orange Group (Atlanta, GA)
General Topic: Elements for Storytelling
Introduction to Robert (0:32)
Philosophy of communication (5:07)
The Original Storyteller (6:45)
Why storytelling is important (10:03)
Why the recent focus on story? (13:18)
Context is ke...
2018-02-0138 min
Art of the SermonBreaking the First Rule of Preaching
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
Topic: Choosing How to Begin Sermons
Introduction (0:13)
1 - Compelling preachers are interesting—even when the content is not (3:41)
2 - Recaps and small talk don’t have to be ad-libbed (4:58)
3 - The beginning of a sermon can be used to communicate priorities (6:03)
4 - Cons...
2018-01-1812 min
Art of the SermonLiving for Another - An Interview with Brent Gambrell
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
Guest: Brent Gambrell - Author, President of Brent Gambrell Ministries (Nashville, TN)
General Topic: Living for Another
Introduction to Brent (1:02)
Call to traveling preaching (4:21)
Philosophy of preaching (7:15)
Connecting to your listeners (8:52)
Inspiration for "Living for Another" (11:49)
Why we still mi...
2018-01-0435 min
Art of the Sermon2017 Year in Review
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through iTunes, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
In October 2017, this podcast celebrated its 2-year anniversary! Thank you all so much for listening and supporting the show for the last two years!
On this year-end episode, we look back at some memorable moments from 2017 on the podcast. Whether you’ve been a listener from the b...
2017-12-2136 min
Art of the SermonSongwriting and the Art of Christmas - An Interview with Ryan O'Neal (Sleeping At Last)
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
Guest: Ryan O'Neal, Songwriter and Musician (Sleeping At Last)
General Topic: Songwriting and the Art of Christmas
Introduction to Ryan (1:59)
Philosophy of songwriting (5:58)
Ryan's relationship with faith and the Church (8:59)
The Enneagram Project and Ryan's podcast (12:09)
Keeping up with the wo...
2017-12-0750 min
Art of the SermonThe Grace of Dogs - An Interview with Andrew Root
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Guest: Andrew Root - Author, Theologian, and Professor at Luther Seminary (St. Paul, MN)
General Topic: The Grace of Dogs
Introduction to Andy (2:01)
Youth and Family Ministry (2:45)
Philosophy of preaching (3:58)
Inspiration for "The Grace of Dogs" (6:32)
Why are dogs so un...
2017-11-1639 min
Art of the SermonPreparing for and Preaching Advent - An Interview with Rev. Katie Z. Dawson
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Guest: Rev. Katie Z. Dawson - Lead Pastor, Immanuel United Methodist Church (Des Moines, IA)
General Topic: Advent
Introduction to Katie (2:09)
Philosophy of preaching (3:54)
Current events and preaching (4:54)
Advent planning and preparation (7:03)
Planning chronologically (9:19)
Getting in the Advent spirit (11:07)
2017-11-0232 min
Art of the SermonPreaching as Leadership - An Interview with Carey Nieuwhof
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Guest: Carey Nieuwhof - Podcaster, Author, and Pastor of Connexus Church (Barrie, Ontario)
General Topic: Preaching as Leadership
Introduction to Carey (2:37)
Philosophy of preaching (6:15)
Passion for leadership (11:14)
Communication and leadership (15:25)
Preaching as an act of leadership (17:03)
Selecting sermon topics (22:32)
2017-10-1948 min
Art of the SermonPreaching Through a Dry Season - An Interview with Rev. Dalton Rushing
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Guest: Rev. Dalton Rushing - Senior Pastor, Decatur First United Methodist Church (Decatur, GA)
General Topic: Preaching Through a Dry Season
Introduction to Dalton (1:57)
Dalton's podcast "On Church" (3:35)
Philosophy of preaching (4:55)
The dry season (7:36)
Preaching hope when you struggle with it...
2017-10-0537 min
Art of the SermonMoney, Generosity, and Stewardship - An Interview with A.J. Thomas
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Guest: A.J. Thomas, Founder and Director of the Joyful Giving Group
General Topic: Money, Generosity, and Stewardship
Introduction to A.J. (0:29)
Philosophy of preaching (1:33)
Talking about money (2:44)
Disconnect between money and spirit (4:00)
Discomfort when talking about money (5:12)
Comfort wh...
2017-09-2136 min
Art of the SermonThe Power of Public Theology - An Interview with Sophia Agtarap
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Guest: Sophia Agtarap, Director of Communications for Vanderbilt Divinity School
General Topic: Public Theology
Introduction to Sophia (0:41)
Philosophy of communication (2:24)
Being the right person to speak (5:00)
Relationship to public theology (6:27)
Recent movements and activities (9:21)
It can be scary (13:59)
Wh...
2017-09-0744 min
Art of the SermonSermon Writing and Repurposing - An Interview with Justin Trapp
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Guest: Justin Trapp, Founder of Ministry Pass, Co-Creator of Sermonary
General Topic: Sermon Writing and Repurposing
Introduction to Justin (0:34)
Philosophy of communication (1:53)
Justin's love for preachers (3:35)
A picture of sermon preparation (5:46)
Sermonary, a new sermon writing tool (8:01)
Mechanical versus ar...
2017-08-1728 min
Art of the SermonSingle Moms and the Church - An Interview with Alisha Gordon
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Guest: Alisha Gordon, Writer and Executive For Spiritual Growth at United Methodist Women
General Topic: Single Mothers and the Church
Introduction to Alisha (1:30)
United Methodist Women (2:15)
Philosophy of preaching (4:48)
Becoming a preacher (6:44)
Single moms and the Church (10:17)
Scripture and "th...
2017-08-0342 min
Art of the SermonMinistry in Rural Communities - An Interview with Rev. Allen Stanton
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Guest: Rev. Allen Stanton, Pastor at Merritt’s Chapel UMC (Chapel Hill, NC)
General Topic: Ministry in Rural Communities
Introduction to Allen (1:03)
Philosophy of preaching (6:23)
Connection to the rural church (10:59)
Diversity in the rural church (13:16)
Opportunities and challenges of ministry in r...
2017-07-2032 min
Art of the SermonWhen Sermon Illustrations Aren't "Family Friendly" - An AOTS Minisode
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General Topic: Discernment and Pop Culture Sermon Illustrations
Happy 4th of July! (0:41)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast (2:04)
Intro to the Minisode Topic (3:01)
Step 1: Pray about it (4:21)
Step 2: Don’t automatically reject something because it’s messy (4:56)
Step 3: Let the stories of Scripture be you...
2017-07-0615 min
Art of the SermonMinistry in a Big City - An Interview with Rev. Olu Brown
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Guest: Rev. Olu Brown, Founding and Lead Pastor at Impact Church (Atlanta, GA)
General Topic: Ministry in a Big City
Introduction to Olu (1:06)
Philosophy of preaching (1:50)
What brought Olu to Atlanta (2:30)
Ministry in a big city (5:47)
Preaching in a big ci...
2017-06-1529 min
Art of the SermonPreaching with Purpose - An Interview with Rev. Adam Hamilton
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Guest: Rev. Adam Hamilton, Founding and Lead Pastor at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (Leawood, KS)
General Topic: Purposeful Preaching
Introduction to Adam (1:22)
Philosophy of preaching (2:13)
Church mission statements (3:30)
How Adam's preaching has evolved (5:48)
Categories of sermons (7:21)
Ad...
2017-06-0136 min
Art of the SermonYoung Adult Ministry - An Interview with Rev. Chris Abel
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Guest: Rev. Chris Abel, Young Adult Pastor at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (Leawood, KS)
General Topic: Young Adult Ministry
Introduction to Chris (1:30)
Defining "young adult" (4:54)
Millennials stereotype (8:12)
Philosophy of preaching (10:01)
Value of personal invitation (15:02)
Where do ch...
2017-05-1843 min
Art of the SermonThat'll Preach! - An Interview with Rev. Charley Reeb
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Guest: Rev. Charley Reeb- Author, Pastor at Pasadena Community Church (St. Petersburg, FL)
General Topic: That’ll Preach: 5 Simple Steps to Your Best Sermon Ever
Introduction to Charley Reeb (0:42)
Philosophy of preaching (2:39)
Curse of Knowledge and Imposter Syndrome (4:51)
Inspiration for “That’ll Preac...
2017-05-0434 min
Art of the Sermon8 Ways Guest Preachers Can Enhance Your Ministry - An AOTS Minisode
Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show!
General Topic: Guest Preaching
Introduction to the mini-sode (0:10)
Guest Preachers Keep Your Voice Fresh (2:19)
Guest Preachers Keep Our Perspective Aligned (4:04)
Guest Preachers Reveal the Diversity of the Body of Christ (6:04)
Guest Preachers Can Help With Unfamiliar Topics (7:40)
Guest Preachers Can Help With Difficult Topics (9:00)
Ef...
2017-04-2017 min
Art of the SermonPolitics and the Pulpit - An Interview with Rev. Jim Harnish
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Guest: Rev. Jim Harnish, author and retired United Methodist pastor
General Topic: Politics and Preaching
Introduction to Jim Harnish (0:59)
Thanks to Jim (2:26)
Philosophy of preaching (3:19)
Relationship of politics and preaching (4:48)
Should we look for political parallels? (12:38)
Sensitivity to how messages ar...
2017-04-0642 min
Art of the SermonLove, Joy, Creativity, and Space Jam - An Interview with Brad Montague
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Guest: Brad Montague, the creative mind behind Kid President
General Topic: The power of love, joy, and creativity
Introduction to Brad Montague (0:51)
Brad's love for kids (2:25)
Philosophy of communication (5:51)
Source of Brad's hope and joy (9:13)
Responding to life's challenges (13:05)
Faith li...
2017-03-1642 min