Gospel Sanity in a World Gone Mad – This is what Ray Ortlund Jr. aims to offer to the next generation of pastors and leaders. In this conversation with Mike, he discusses the profound value of remembering his own mortality, the importance of gathering and "gospelling" young men, and the encouragement that Christ Himself is preaching through us as we exposit the Word.

Ray also shares insights from his latest book, co-authored with Sam Allberry, You're Not Crazy - Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches. In this practical guide, seasoned pastors Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture into every aspect of their churches. They emphasize that while healthy doctrine is crucial, failing to nurture a healthy culture can lead to frustration, division, and even unbiblical practices. The book provides Scripture-focused advice on honesty, honour, preaching, leadership, and mission, helping leaders regain a beautiful, Christ-centered vision for their ministries.

This episode, originally released earlier this year, was the most downloaded episode of 2024. We’re re-releasing it this December to celebrate its impact and ensure even more people benefit from Ray’s wisdom and encouragement. 

Resources Mentioned: 

You're Not Crazy book: https://www.crossway.org/books/youre-not-crazy-tpb/ 

You're Not Crazy Podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/show/2gjO1xAJVSomEdK6dVwnQh?si=1f98570e2bfd4972 

Father Mapple's Sermon from Moby Dick: https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/42/moby-dick/634/chapter-9-the-sermon/ 

J.I. Packer on Prayer: https://www.ivpress.com/praying 

Tim Keller - Gospel Christianity Discussion Guide: https://gospelinlife.com/study/gospel-christianity-i-gospel-the-heart-group-study-product/ 

John Stott on 1 Timothy: https://www.ivpress.com/the-message-of-1-timothy-titus-ebook 

J.N.D. Kelley on 1 Timothy  https://archive.org/details/commentaryonpast00kell/page/n5/mode/2up 

Recommended Episodes:

Ray Ortlund - Leaving Behind our Hidden Shame for His Glorious Grace: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2f8oJk5yovK4D4HDGCqsk8?si=69ef2f62acef4b03

John Koessler - Preaching that is Prayerful and Priestly: https://open.spotify.com/episode/43i46Oq38Zp1suugyQZ6YT?si=47217d32bc2a401d 

Sam Allberry - Embodied Preaching: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0dtYypnuUzt1kocjYwDDdk?si=6b8dd4c5e768418a

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/

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

Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

Dr Alan Stoddard explores the creation of an exegetical sermon outline and its transformation into a preaching outline, offering key insights to enrich your personal study and public speaking. His message includes valuable lessons from his time at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary under the late Haddon Robinson, along with effective strategies for introductions and applications. This recording was made at our 2023 training event hosted at The Creek Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.

 Alan has a passion for disciple-making. He has been a pastor for 34 years. He knows the difference between church growth and disciple-making. His passion for disciple making encompasses three things:

Alan is a graduate of Southwestern Seminary as well as Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He teaches online as a adjoint professor for the Calvary Chapel, Bible College, and for Rockbridge Seminary.

Alan has been married to Jeana for 37 years. They met her a blind date. Through her he came to know Christ. Alan is the father of Briana who is 23 years old and is about to graduate with a four-year degree debt-free. He is so proud of her.

Alan's latest book   NEW BELIEVER: How to disciple new believers :  https://www.amazon.com/NEW-BELIEVER-How-disciple-believers/dp/B0D91NPLQ8?ref_=ast_author_dp

Expositors Collective is an initiative of Calvary Global Network, CGN is a family of churches working together to proclaim the gospel, make disciples and plant churches  - thanks for being a part of what we are doing. 

Suggested Episodes: 

Alan Stoddard on sermon-based small groups:

https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/sermon-based-small-groups-alan-stoddard

Steve Matthewson on lessons learned from Haddon Robinson : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/sermon-introductions-and-illustrations-lessons-learned-from-haddon-robinson-and-preaching-the-old-testament 

Nick Cady on sermon outlines: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/episode-64-start-with-the-destination-in-mind

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For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/

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

Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

In this episode, Mike Neglia sits down with Calvin Whittman, the pastor of Green Valley Baptist Church in Henderson, Nevada, to discuss his unique journey to the pulpit and his approach to gospel-centred preaching. Calvin reflects on how his diverse experiences—from serving in the Navy to working as a television and radio news anchor—shaped his communication skills and informed his preaching style.

They explore Calvin's emphasis on expository preaching, his disciplined preparation process, and the importance of connecting every sermon to the gospel. Calvin shares practical insights on crafting sermons that are both theologically rich and engaging, including the role of conciseness, transitions, and structure in maintaining audience attention. He also speaks candidly about allowing the Word of God to convict him personally before delivering it to others.

Throughout the conversation, Calvin highlights the centrality of the Bible in his preaching, reading full passages to allow Scripture's power to shine through. Whether you're a preacher or someone interested in learning how to communicate with clarity and purpose, this episode is filled with wisdom and encouragement.

Bio for Calvin Whittman

Calvin Whittman is the pastor of Green Valley Baptist Church in Henderson, Nevada, where he is known for his clear, gospel-centred preaching and his commitment to expository teaching. Calvin felt called to preach at the age of 12, but his journey to the pulpit took him through diverse experiences, including serving in the Navy and working as a television and radio news anchor. His time in broadcast media sharpened his skills in communication, conciseness, and audience engagement—qualities that now define his preaching style.

At Green Valley Baptist, Calvin preaches through books of the Bible sequentially, focusing on exposing the truth of the text, connecting it to the gospel, and applying it to contemporary life. His sermons combine thoughtful exegesis, theological depth, and practical application, with a strong emphasis on Christological connections. A disciplined writer, Calvin prepares detailed sermon manuscripts, carefully structuring his messages to ensure clarity and flow.

With over 25 years of preaching experience, Calvin continues to grow in his craft, blending theological conviction with engaging delivery. He is passionate about helping others see the power of God’s Word to transform lives, always pointing to the ultimate provision of salvation in Jesus Christ.

You can listen to Calvin's sermons here:  https://mygvbc.com/

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/

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

Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

In a culture addicted to fast food and instant gratification, are we falling into the same trap when it comes to sermons? In this episode, Pastor Mike Chaddick draws a fascinating parallel between the shallow nourishment of fast food and the modern demand for quick, easy-to-digest preaching. Recorded live at the Expositors Collective preacher training event in Indianapolis, Indiana, Mike challenges us to dig deeper into Scripture using the inductive Bible study method—a three-step process of observation, interpretation, and application.  

Discover how studying the Bible through the lens of language, grammar, historical context, and genre can lead to sermons that nourish and transform. Mike also highlights the value of consulting multiple Bible translations and offers practical tips for interpreting Scripture through a gospel-centered, doctrinally sound lens. Whether you’re a seasoned expositor or just starting out, this session is packed with insights to help you teach the Word with depth, clarity, and life-changing impact.  

Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode as we continue to share sessions from our October 2023 event in the Hoosier State.  

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About  Mike Chaddick  

Pastor Mike Chaddick is the senior pastor of Image Church in San Juan Capistrano, CA, and a regular contributor to the live radio show *Pastors Perspective* on KWAVE 107.9FM. Raised as a pastor’s kid in the Calvary Chapel movement, Mike had a powerful conversion experience after years of drifting from his faith. With ministerial degrees from Vanguard University, Veritas Evangelical Seminary, and Fuller Theological Seminary, he brings a wealth of theological training and practical experience to his ministry. Mike is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree and is passionate about writing, fitness, and spending time with his wife, Beth, and their six children.

Recommended Episodes: 

Treat Your Text Like a Crime Scene: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/episode-88-treat-your-text-like-a-crime-scene-bonus-episode 

How to Interpret and Apply the Bible: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/how-to-interpret-and-apply-the-bible-cody-king

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/

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

Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

In this episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Mike Neglia interviews David Jackman about his preaching journey and insights from his book Proclaiming the Word. Jackman recounts his early preaching experiences and the influence of mentors like J.I. Packer and Alec Motyer. He emphasizes the balance of hard work and dependence on the Holy Spirit, stressing the importance of thorough sermon preparation. Drawing on the impact of influential figures like John Stott and Chuck Smith, Jackman discusses the growth and challenges of expository preaching and the need for biblically centered sermons.

David Jackman shares practical insights on staying "on the line of the text," ensuring that Scripture remains central, and contrasts this approach with preaching styles that either add to or subtract from the Bible. The discussion also touches on Chuck Smith's and Stott’s commitment to letting the Bible speak for itself. Jackman discusses the global spread of expository preaching and its ongoing relevance in addressing cultural challenges.

Biography:

For more resources, visit:

Support the work of Expositors Collective: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective 

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/

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

In this episode of the Expositors Collective Podcast, Mike Neglia interviews Dr. Douglas D. Webster, professor of pastoral theology and preaching at Beeson Divinity School. Dr. Webster reflects on his personal journey into preaching, sharing his early experiences and the wisdom he gained from seasoned pastors. They discuss the prophetic and pastoral aspects of preaching, with Dr. Webster emphasizing the necessity of taking the Word of God seriously in every sermon. He shares insights into the different preaching styles, comparing "rock quarry" and "art gallery" approaches to communication.

Dr. Webster also explores the unique challenges of preaching parables and the importance of understanding their Old Testament roots. They discuss the balance between engaging the audience and ensuring faithfulness to the text, highlighting the contrast between implicit and explicit communication in preaching. Personal preaching styles, the importance of manuscripting, and the role of self-denial in delivering effective messages are central themes throughout the conversation.

Douglas D. Webster (Ph.D., University of St. Michael’s College) is professor of pastoral theology and preaching at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University. He served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of San Diego for fourteen years, as well as churches in New York City, Denver, and Toronto. His books include Follow the Lamb: A Pastoral Approach to The Revelation and Preaching Hebrews: The End of Religion and Faithfulness to the End. 

Resources Mentioned:

More Than a Sermon: https://blog.lexhampress.com/2024/05/09/more-than-a-sermon-an-interview-with-doug-webster/

The Parables: Jesus's Friendly Subversive Speech:  https://www.kregel.com/douglas-d-webster/the-parables/

Hope, Suffering and Glory - CGN's recent conference based on 1 Peter:  https://cgn.org/2024archives/

Beeson Divinity School: https://www.samford.edu/beeson-divinity/ 

Fellow Beeson Professor Gerald Bray's episode about learning preaching from Chrysostom: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/pastoral-preaching-brevity-and-john-chrysostom-gerald-bray 

For 30% off More than A Sermon, visit: www.LexhamPress.com/Expositors in the month of November for a 30% discount

Support the Cause: 

https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/

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

In this episode, Pastor Nick Cady walks us through the essential elements of crafting a clear and compelling sermon outline, which serves as a vital tool for ensuring your Bible teaching stays organized and impactful. Nick shares his tried-and-true process for avoiding the common pitfall of "read and ramble" preaching and instead delivering a focused, powerful message.

The episode is especially unique as it was originally recorded in Novi Sad, Serbia, and translated into Serbian—one of the many languages spoken by over 12 million people worldwide. This is a fantastic opportunity to break through language barriers and learn practical techniques for sermon preparation.

Nick’s outline for outlining includes:

Tune in for a session that will not only enhance your sermon preparation but also inspire you to preach with greater confidence and conviction.

U ovoj epizodi, pastor Nick Cadyi nas vodi kroz ključne elemente kreiranja jasne i ubedljive skice propovedi, koja služi kao vitalni alat za osiguravanje da vaša biblijska učenja ostanu organizovana i uticajna. Nik deli svoj proveren proces kako bi se izbegla uobičajena greška "čitanja i lutanja" u propovedanju i umesto toga isporučila fokusirana i snažna poruka.

Ova epizoda je posebno jedinstvena jer je prvobitno snimljena u Novom Sadu, Srbija, i prevedena na srpski—jedan od jezika kojim govori preko 12 miliona ljudi širom sveta. Ovo je fantastična prilika da se probiju jezičke barijere i nauče praktične tehnike za pripremu propovedi.

Nikova skica za skicu obuhvata:

Slušajte ovu sesiju koja će ne samo poboljšati vašu pripremu za propoved, već vas i inspirisati da propovedate sa većim samopouzdanjem i uverenjem.

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/

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

Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

What if the key to unlocking your preaching voice lies not in mimicking others, but in embracing the unique way God has shaped you—through your experiences, challenges, and divine calling? In this episode, recorded during the final session of the Reliance Church in August 2023, Mike Neglia reflects on the unique journey every preacher undertakes in finding their authentic preaching voice. Starting with the humorous challenges he faces as having an unexpected accent, Mike explores how "your voice" in preaching is not just about accent or regional dialect, but the genuine expression of who you are—shaped by both human experience and divine calling.

Mike shares personal insights into the development of a preacher’s voice, noting how imitation is a natural and essential part of the process, but warns against getting stuck in mere imitation. Drawing from his own life experiences and struggles, including being a parent to a special needs teenager, he highlights how preachers can discover their "sovereign themes"—those deep, personal truths God has worked into their lives, which resonate with authority and impact when shared from the pulpit.

This conversation offers practical advice for preachers to reflect on their unique contributions, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the grace of God in overcoming feelings of inadequacy. Pastor Mike encourages listeners to embrace their God-given voice, sharing how the themes of grace, shame, and the patient love of God have shaped his ministry and teaching.

Tune in to hear more about the process of discovering your preaching voice, the balance between human influence and divine guidance, and how to avoid the pitfalls of imitation.

"Preaching is the communicating of divine truth through human personality." – Phillips Brooks

Key Takeaways:

"We discover our voice through a process that starts with imitation and ends with confidence and a distinct, unique, unrepeatable gift of your authentic self."

Recommended Listening: 

Tucker Maile on Finding your sea legs and finding your own voice: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/getting-your-sea-legs-and-finding-your-own-voice-with-tucker-maile 

Brian Brodersen on Finding Your Own Voice: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/episode-77-finding-your-own-voice 

Mike Doyle | Cultural Engagement and The Importance of Maintaining a Prophetic Voice : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/episode-63-mike-doyle-cultural-engagement-and-the-importance-of-maintaining-a-prophetic-voice

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/

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

Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

Mike Neglia and Brian Brodersen discuss the practical and spiritual aspects of sermon preparation. They kick off this workshop (recorded at the 2024 CGN International Conference) by speaking about the time commitment that is needed to prepare a sermon, and then talk about the following 7 steps: 

Resources Mentioned: 

Nick Cady on Outlining "Start with the Destination in Mind" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-64-start-with-the-destination-in-mind/id1397572249?i=1000449242754 

John Whittaker on Using Commentaries Well: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/preaching-matthew-using-commentaries-well-and/id1397572249?i=1000659360763

Jonathan Pennington on the First Minute of your Sermon: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-first-and-last-minute-of-your/id1397572249?i=1000531570597

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/

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

Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

In this open and candid episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Danijiel Zaharjanski shares his remarkable journey of being called by God to remain and serve in his homeland of Serbia, despite his initial plans to leave. Danijiel recounts how he and his wife, Wendy, planted a church in the city of Kragujevac, Central Serbia, where they’ve been living since 2012. Their church is one of only a very small handful of Protestant congregations south of the Danube River, which drives their mission to plant even more churches in the surrounding towns and villages in this under-reached region.

The conversation explores Danijiel's reflections on American preachers, offering unique insights into cultural differences in preaching styles. More profoundly, Danijiel discusses the harsh reality that bad preaching and misguided theology can cause genuine harm to people’s lives. His reflections highlight the importance of sound, gospel-centered preaching in ministry, particularly in a place where spiritual needs are great.

Danijiel, Wendy, and their son, Tadija, continue their faithful work in Serbia, helping to bring the gospel to a region that desperately needs it.

Recommended Resources: 

Dr Jeremy Treat on the importance of learning from global Christianity:  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/expositorscollective/episodes/Preaching-Teams--The-Treat-Sheet-and-Global-Christianity-with-Jeremy-Treat-e2c61sd/a-aakqvk4

Dr Timothy Keller on Gospel Centered Ministry (aka the podcast that changed Mike's life) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3MO7CtP6WU 

Theology for the People episode featuring Wendy Zahorjanski discussing her book Hard Is Only Half the Story: Real Adventures from My Journey into the Unknown https://nickcady.org/2024/04/24/hard-is-only-half-the-story-the-role-of-taking-steps-of-faith-spiritual-growth-with-wendy-zahorjanski/

Read more about her book here: https://calvarychapel.com/posts/new-book-hard-is-only-half-the-story-real-adventures-from-my-journey-into-the-unknown/

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/

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

Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective