In this fun interview between neighbours, Mike speaks with Tadhg O'Connell about lessons that he has learned as a preacher, testimony-giver, camp-speaker, addiction-recovery-activist and community organiser. They speak about neck tattoos, mountain top experiences, caring for the community and more. 

My name is Tadhg O’Connell, and I have lived all my life in Ballyphehane, a place I am deeply proud to call home. For many years, I was trapped in addiction, living in the bondage of my own sinful desires and feeling completely hopeless, to the point where I did not want to live anymore. In the middle of that darkness, I picked up a Bible and read Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and for the first time I truly understood that I was a sinner in need of salvation. But I also came to see that Christ had done everything necessary for me to have a relationship with God, as Hebrews 10:12 says, “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.” Realising that Jesus had paid the price for my sin changed my life completely. Today I am a member of Douglas Baptist Church, and my heart is especially for those still caught in addiction. I believe God has called me to remain where He saved me, as 1 Corinthians 7:20 says, “Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them,” and so my heart is heavy for the people in disadvantaged communities  who still feel lost and do not know their lives are valued because they are made in the image of God. I now run an addiction group every Monday night at 8pm in Ballyphehane Community Centre, seeking to bring the light of Jesus into this dark world, sharing the hope that rescued me and giving all the glory to Him. 

SAVE THE DATE 

Our next in-person training event will be at Reliance Church in Temecula, California May 15-16th, early bird registration is available now, save your seat as soon as possible! 

 https://expositorscollective.org/gatherings/

Connect

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Dr Roy Collins is the kind of man many churches would love to have in their congregation: a retired pastor and professor who faithfully teaches the adult Sunday school class and serves as a steady, encouraging presence among God’s people. His influence is not loud or flashy, but marked by wisdom, warmth, and a long history of loving the local church.

In this episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Dr Collins shares a message on Sermon Prep Essentials, recorded live at an Expositors Collective training event in 2024. Drawing on decades of experience in pastoral ministry and as a professor of Biblical Interpretation at Colorado Christian University, he offers thoughtful, grounded counsel for those tasked with preaching the Scriptures week after week.

Throughout the message, Roy reminds preachers that they are called to speak God’s words, not their own. He emphasises the importance of slow, careful reading of the text, encouraging listeners to read and reread Scripture until it has time to settle and shape their thinking. He also highlights the value of humility in sermon preparation, urging preachers to learn from others and to allow their ideas to be refined within the context of the church.

At the same time, Dr Collins offers gentle but firm warnings about common dangers in preaching, including the temptation to chase novelty or to elevate “new insights” that have not been tested by the wider church. In a culture that prizes originality and self-expression, he calls preachers back to faithfulness, reminding them that the gospel does not need reinvention, but clear and careful proclamation.

Dr Collins is a member of White Fields Community Church, where his ongoing service reflects a lifetime commitment to Scripture, teaching, and encouragement. This episode will be a timely help for pastors, Bible teachers, and anyone seeking to grow in patient study and faithful proclamation of God’s Word.

Resources Mentioned: 
Logos Bible Study Software: https://www.logos.com/ 

Roy Collins' episode on Theology for the People: https://nickcady.org/2021/08/27/guidelines-for-biblical-interpretation-with-dr-roy-collins/comment-page-1/

Connect

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Recorded live in Longmont, Colorado, this panel conversation brings together four seasoned pastors and ministry leaders to reflect on what faithful preaching looks like in today’s cultural moment.

Dr Roy Collins, Dr Alan Stoddard, Mike Payne, and Bryan Stupar speak candidly about early preaching mistakes, the discipline of reading Scripture carefully, and the practical realities of preparing sermons alongside the many demands of pastoral ministry.

The discussion addresses how expressive individualism shapes both the church and the wider culture, and why historic practices like preaching calendars, shared preparation, and confessional reminders help anchor pastors and congregations alike. The panel also explores realistic rhythms for sermon planning, the challenge of information overload, and the value of planning ahead rather than reacting week to week.

In the final portion of the conversation, the focus turns to youth ministry. The speakers offer wise and grounded counsel on mentoring young people, cultivating lasting fruit, and remembering that students are often listening more closely than they appear. Rather than chasing novelty, the panel encourages patient investment, faithful presence, and a long view of spiritual formation.

This conversation was recorded at a live Expositors Collective training event in Longmont, Colorado aimed at equipping pastors and Bible teachers to faithfully study and publicly proclaim God’s Word in the modern church.

Topics Covered

• Lessons learned from first sermons and early failures
• Why reading whole books of Scripture matters
• Planning ahead with preaching calendars
• Managing information overload in sermon preparation
• Structuring a realistic ministry week
• Expressive individualism and its impact on the church
• Why historic confessions still matter
• Mentoring young people toward spiritual fruit
• The quiet but real attentiveness of youth

Additional Listening: 

Alan Stoddard on Ministry Mentorships: https://goodlion.io/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/passing-on-the-baton-preaching-mentorships-and-ministry-training-with-alan-stoddard 

Mike Payne on Passing on the Baton:

https://goodlion.io/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/the-value-of-preaching-mentorships-michael-payne 

Bryan Stupar on Character in the Ministry:

https://goodlion.io/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/why-character-matters-bryan-stupar

Connect

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

In this episode of the Expositors Collective Podcast, we are joined by Brenda Leavenworth for a thoughtful and encouraging conversation about theology, leadership, and faithful service in the local church. Brenda is the founder and Director of When She Leads, a global ministry devoted to equipping women who lead and serve through conferences, leadership cohorts, and a podcast focused on Scripture-shaped ministry.

Brenda shares about her own journey of growing in theological confidence and teaching clarity, emphasising that strong theology is not reserved for specialists but is essential for anyone serving God’s people. She reflects on the formative role of careful study, patience, and faithful practice over time, and explains why editing and restraint are acts of love in ministry communication.

The conversation also explores the state of women’s ministry today, including the need for biblically grounded leadership and the danger of treating women’s discipleship as an afterthought. Brenda speaks candidly about leadership transitions, age, and the wisdom of building multigenerational teams that strengthen the church rather than centre it on personalities.

Throughout the episode, Brenda’s heart for Scripture is clear. Her commitment to verse-by-verse teaching, doctrinal depth, and practical application shapes everything from her writing to the vision behind When She Leads. The result is a conversation that challenges listeners to pursue theological depth, steward influence wisely, and serve Christ’s church with humility and faithfulness.

About Brenda Leavenworth

Brenda Leavenworth is a Bible teacher, author, and speaker who has written more than thirty Bible studies, including Far Above Rubies and her most recent collaboration, The Ologies. She holds a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Christian Leadership and serves as Department Head of Women’s Ministry and Strategic Leadership at Reliance Church in Temecula, California.

She is also a devoted pastor’s wife, mother of three, and grandmother of ten. Brenda’s life and ministry reflect a steady passion to see women rooted in the Word of God, strengthened by sound doctrine, and equipped to lead and serve faithfully in the context God has placed them.

Resources Mentioned

When She Leads

https://whensheleads.org

WSL: Spiritual Gifts 
https://goodlion.io/podcast/when-she-leads/episode/spiritual-gifts-part-1 

WSL : Rachel Neglia 
https://goodlion.io/podcast/when-she-leads/episode/wsl-ireland-conference-2023-rachel-neglia-insecurity-in-ministry

Haddon Robinson, Biblical Preaching

https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Preaching-Haddon-Robinson/dp/0310244173

Tim Keller, Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Scepticism

https://www.amazon.com/Preaching-Communicating-Skepticism-Timothy-Keller/dp/1596385537

Connect

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

In this episode, Clay and Mike reminisce about their Bible College days with their former Dean of Men, Pastor Sean Houseman. What begins with shared memories quickly develops into an encouraging and challenging conversation about teaching and preaching sacred Scripture with wisdom, patience, and humility.

Drawing on years of pastoral experience, Sean reflects on how the Bible actually works as a book, cautioning against flattening all passages into proverb-like statements. Together, they explore how Scripture often unfolds like a treasure map, building its points carefully and leading readers toward conclusions over time, rather than offering instant answers.

The conversation also touches on the subtle temptations faced by Bible teachers, including the pressure to appear especially spiritual, and the importance of being who God has actually made us to be rather than performing for others.

This episode was originally released in October 2018 and remains a helpful listen for anyone involved in teaching, preaching, or simply wanting to handle God’s word more faithfully.

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

In this episode of the Expositors Collective, Mike Neglia sits down with Pastor Bob Hiller to explore the essential distinction between preaching the Law and preaching the Gospel. Drawing from his experience at Community Lutheran Church, Bob discusses the preacher's primary task: to "hand over the goods" by actively proclaiming the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Note on this Recording

This episode was originally recorded and released in December 2020 As you listen, you will notice references to the unique challenges of that time, including discussions regarding social distancing and masks. While the cultural context reflects the peak of the pandemic, the theological insights regarding homiletics and the proclamation of Christ remain as relevant today as ever.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode Highlights

• Handing Over the Goods: Bob Hiller defines the core of the Gospel as the literal delivery of God's forgiveness to the listener.

• The Law and the Gospel: Understanding the functional difference between God’s requirements (the Law) and His gift of grace (the Gospel).

• Pastoral Perspective: Insights from Bob’s ministry at Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, California.

• Face-to-Face Proclamation: A friendly, deep-dive conversation on how to ensure Jesus is the centre of every message.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Key Takeaways for Preachers

• Focus on Forgiveness: Preaching is not merely sharing information; it is the act of proclaiming the forgiveness of sins.

• Clarity in Mission: The goal of the expositor is to ensure the "goods" of the Gospel are clearly handed over to the congregation.

• Timeless Truths: Despite the time-bound nature of the original 2020 recording, the necessity of distinguishing between Law and Gospel is a foundational pillar of biblical preaching.

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Dr Don Sunukjian has devoted his life to the craft of preaching, both in the pulpit and in the classroom. With doctoral training in theology and communication, along with 21 years of experience as a senior pastor, he brings together rigorous scholarship and real pastoral wisdom. He now serves as Professor Emeritus of Christian Ministry and Leadership at Biola University.

In this conversation, Don joins Mike Neglia to talk about oral clarity in preaching and why vivid, real-life examples are essential for establishing relevance. Together, they explore how preachers can communicate biblical truth with accuracy, interest, and persuasive force, helping listeners not only understand the message but feel its weight.

Dr Sunukjian has made significant contributions to the field of homiletics and biblical studies, writing for resources such as The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Biblical Preaching, Bibliotheca Sacra, Walvoord: A Tribute, and The Big Idea of Biblical Preaching. He has led pastors’ conferences across the United States and continues to maintain an active preaching ministry.

This re-released conversation remains a timely reminder that faithful preaching requires both careful preparation and thoughtful communication.

Recommended Resources

• An Invitation to Biblical Preaching : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/442010.Invitation_to_Biblical_Preaching
• How Don Sunukjian Preaches (Homiletix) : https://homiletix.com/don-sunukjian-how-i-preach/ 
• Biblical Sermons (Baker Academic) : https://bakeracademic.com/products/9781540967916_biblical-preaching

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Recorded at the Expositors Collective gathering in Longmont, Colorado, this panel discussion helps pastors and Bible teachers think carefully about how Scripture has been understood, preserved, and proclaimed throughout church history, and why those distinctions still matter for ministry today.

The conversation begins with practical clarity around the Apocrypha. The panel explains what the Apocryphal books are, how they relate to the biblical canon, and why pastors should understand their historical role without confusion or alarmism. Rather than treating the topic as merely academic, the speakers show how these questions directly affect pastoral confidence and congregational trust.

From there, the discussion broadens to the role of church councils in defining and guarding Christian doctrine. Listeners are reminded that the core beliefs of the faith were not invented late, but carefully articulated in response to real theological challenges. Even historical heresies, the panel argues, served the church by forcing clarity about what Christians believe and why.

A major emphasis throughout the session is the importance of distinguishing teaching from preaching. The panel explores why Bible studies should prioritise understanding rather than monologue, and why sermons must move beyond explanation to proclamation. Pastors are encouraged to be clear about their aim in each context, recognising that clarity serves both faithfulness and fruitfulness.

The conversation also calls pastors to humility, urging them to learn from faithful voices of the past rather than assuming novelty equals faithfulness. Church history is presented not as a museum of dead ideas, but as a living resource that strengthens discernment and safeguards the gospel.

The session concludes with a pastoral appeal for brokenhearted preachers who do more than convey information. The church does not merely need accurate teachers, but faithful proclaimers who handle the truth carefully and speak it with conviction, compassion, and love.

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

In this episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Jeff Figgs offers a sober and deeply pastoral charge drawn from Paul’s final words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10-11. Speaking from decades of ministry experience, Jeff reminds listeners that Christian leadership is ultimately measured not by recognition or platform, but by faithfulness, character, and endurance.

Jeff serves as Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Greeley, where he has faithfully taught verse-by-verse through all 66 books of the Bible over the past 28 years. Ordained in 1992, he began the church in 1996 with a small Bible study that grew into a thriving congregation. He also hosts the radio programme Under the Fig Tree, co-hosts Calvary Live on GraceFM Colorado, and serves as a chaplain for the Weld County Sheriff’s Office. That long obedience in ministry gives particular weight to this exhortation.

The session is set in the context of Paul’s final imprisonment in Rome. Knowing that his life is drawing to a close, Paul writes to Timothy, his “son in the faith,” warning that the last days will be perilous times. Paul describes a culture marked by misdirected love, counterfeit spirituality, and people who are always learning but never arriving at the truth. Against that backdrop, Paul draws a sharp contrast: “But you have carefully followed…”

From there, Jeff walks through the qualities Timothy had observed firsthand in Paul.

First, doctrine. Timothy had carefully followed Paul’s teaching from the time he joined him in Lystra on the second missionary journey. Sound doctrine is shown to be essential, not optional. Drawing from Acts 20 and 2 Timothy 2:15, Jeff emphasises diligent study, faithful preparation, and rightly dividing the Word of truth. Congregations, he notes, can tell when the hard work has been done, and the goal is not to impress with humour or stories, but to leave people saying, “We heard from God.”

Second, manner of life. Paul does not only point to what he taught, but how he lived. This unique phrase highlights the inseparable connection between message and messenger. Referencing passages such as 1 Corinthians 11:1 and Acts 20:18, Jeff stresses that a godly message must come from a godly life. The call is searching and personal: to be the same person outside the pulpit as inside it, so that those closest to us would never say, “Not you, pastor.”

Third, purpose. Ministry is framed as stewardship rather than self-promotion. Faithfulness, not fame, is the true measure of success. Jeff reflects on the seasons of ministry that shape character over time, including suffering, grief, discouragement, and perseverance. He urges leaders to maintain a genuine devotional life, not merely study for sermons, reminding listeners that we cannot lead others where we ourselves are not walking.

Throughout the session, one theme remains clear: godly character matters because we carry a godly message. In a world of perilous times and noisy voices, light does not argue, it is seen. Faithful ministry flows from lives shaped by the Word of God, empowered by the Spirit of God, and marked by humility, love, endurance, and integrity.

This episode is a timely reminder that the church does not primarily need famous leaders, but faithful ones, men and women who will handle the Scriptures carefully and live them visibly, for the sake of the next generation.

Jeff Figgs in 2019 on speech impediments, introversion and the call of God:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/3lirX6nlgYk1XDRHlIZsWM?si=515c1d9e1c7c4831

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Ministry Mentorship: Why Leaders Must Stay Teachable

with Bryan Stupar

In this episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Bryan Stupar reflects on pastoral and ministry mentorship, not as a leadership technique or growth strategy, but as a deeply biblical, historical, and relational pattern of discipleship.

Drawing from Scripture, church history, and decades of pastoral experience, Bryan argues that formation in ministry requires proximity, humility, and a posture of lifelong learning. Mentorship, he suggests, is not optional for Christian leaders because even Jesus, in His humanity, learned obedience through suffering. If growth and formation marked the life of Christ, how much more must leaders remain teachable.

Bryan begins by rooting mentorship in the Great Commission, showing that discipleship necessarily involves teaching, modelling, and replication. He then explores the relationship between Paul and Timothy as an example of life-on-life formation that extends far beyond content delivery to include conduct, character, faith, and endurance.

The episode also addresses the cultural challenges facing leaders today, particularly the pull of expressive individualism and self-centred leadership. Bryan contrasts this with the way of Jesus, which calls leaders to humility, service, and continual growth rather than performance and self-promotion.

Along the way, he traces the historical roots of mentorship, from Homer’s Odyssey to pivotal Christian relationships such as Ambrose and Augustine, showing how faithful investment in others has shaped the church across generations. He then turns practical, highlighting the benefits of mentorship: growth through feedback, grace-filled support, and guidance through modelling.

Bryan closes with personal reflections from his own pastoral journey, sharing how mentors shaped him through honest conversations, observation, and lived example. His encouragement is simple but challenging: none of us grow alone, and faithful ministry requires inviting trusted voices to speak into our lives.

This conversation is a reminder that Christian leadership is formed over time, in community, and always with Jesus as the aim.

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective