Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 13, A Conversation with Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson

Episode Theme: Seasons and Challenges of Preaching

In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson, Transitional Pastor of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, Griffin, GA, about his journey through various stages of pastoral ministry. Dr. Patterson discusses his transition from topical to expository preaching, the impact of his health issues on his ministry, and the importance of genuine and non-performative preaching. The conversation covers practical aspects of sermon preparation, the significance of personal illustrations, and the necessity of maintaining connections with the community outside the church. Ben and Jimmy Dale also discuss the role of criticism from the congregation and one’s spouse in refining one’s preaching and ministry.

Key Highlights:

God’s grace: Jimmy Dale shares how God deepened his understanding of the Bible and transformed his preaching from topical to exegetical. (2:33)

Balance of ministry and community involvement: Jimmy Dale talks about how he balanced the demands of ministry while seeking opportunities to connect to the community and have a gospel witness beyond the church. (12:53)

Weekly sermon preparation process: Jimmy Dale describes his sermon preparation process. (23:40)

Health Challenges and God’s Grace: Jimmy Dale shares how recent health challenges have impacted his ministry and how God has demonstrated his grace through them. (38:06)

Advice for Young Pastors: With remarkable candor, Jimmy Dale shares powerful wisdom for young pastors. (43:27)

Join Ben Smith and Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson for an insightful discussion on preaching, church ministry, and celebrating the grace of God.

Host: Ben Smith

Guest: Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org

Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr

For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/

Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom

Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson is the transitional pastor of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, Griffin, GA, where he has served since 2024. Prior to his work as a transitional pastor, he served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Newnan, GA. He has served churches in Texas, Florida, and Georgia. Jimmy Dale graduated from Howard Payne University, Brownwood, TX, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX.

For more information on Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, Griffin, GA, visit https://mgbc.org./

For more information on First Baptist Church, Newnan, GA, visit https://www.fbcnewnan.org/

A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.

Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.