Shows
Monday Morning PreacherPreaching as a Human Exercise Centered in ChristWhat 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? 2021-08-1631 minMonday Morning PreacherThe Role of Deliberate Practice in PreachingHow 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 risksConstructive feedbackFocus...2021-07-0626 minMonday Morning PreacherThe Word Made Flesh: What Preaching Looks Like Amidst PersecutionHow 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...2021-06-0744 minMonday Morning PreacherWhy Three Point Sermons Are EffectiveWhat 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 si...2021-04-1211 minMonday Morning PreacherHow to Preach with a Biblical ImaginationHow 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 writi...2021-03-2626 minMonday Morning PreacherKeeping Grace Fresh in Your PreachingHow 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 i...2021-03-0223 min
Monday Morning PreacherStriking the Right Tone in Your PreachingHow 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...2021-02-1519 minMonday Morning PreacherFear, Politics and Preaching: How to Move ForwardHow 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...2021-02-0123 minMonday Morning PreacherThe Power of the Potent Phrase in PreachingMartin 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 starte...2021-01-1924 minMonday Morning PreacherThe Life and Preaching of Charles H. SpurgeonCharles 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. H...2021-01-0524 minMonday Morning PreacherPreaching the Genres of ScriptureHow 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 di...2020-12-1718 minMonday Morning PreacherDoes Your Sermon Equip People For Their Vocation?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 b...2020-12-1026 minMonday Morning PreacherSermon Openings for a Weary WorldIn 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 a...2020-11-3015 minMonday Morning PreacherSpiritual Health For Pastors: Know Thyself, and Be KnownHow 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 pa...2020-11-0913 minMonday Morning PreacherPreparing People for Christmas with Advent PreachingHow 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 pr...2020-10-2721 minMonday Morning Preacher5 Principles For Preaching on PoliticsShould 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...2020-10-1423 minMonday Morning PreacherThe Power of Emotion in Expository PreachingWhat 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...2020-09-2817 minMonday Morning PreacherIs The Big Idea More Helpful or Hurtful? It's Complicated.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...2020-09-1425 minMonday Morning PreacherPreaching to People on The MarginsHow 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...2020-09-0329 min