Preaching, says Heath Hardesty, should do more than explain a passage of Scripture - it should take listeners on a journey that awakens thirst and points them to the living water of Christ. In this session, recorded at Valley Community Church in Pleasanton, California, Hardesty unpacks how the “arc” and the “through-line” of expository preaching bring sermons into harmony with the larger story of redemption.

Drawing from John 7:37–39, he demonstrates how faithful exposition stirs a Spirit-given sense of need and satisfies the soul’s ache in the gospel. The teaching weaves together theology, cultural insight, and pastoral wisdom, offering a vision of preaching that is unified, Spirit-led, and Christ-centred.

About Heath Hardesty
Heath Hardesty serves as Lead Pastor of Valley Community Church in Pleasanton, CA, and is a founder of Inklings Coffee & Tea in the heart of downtown Pleasanton. He grew up in a blue-collar home and was a plumber’s apprentice in Colorado before becoming a pastor on the edge of Silicon Valley, where he, his wife, and their four children now reside. Heath holds degrees in literature, leadership, biblical studies, and theology from the University of Colorado Boulder and Western Seminary in Portland.

His forthcoming book, All Things Together: How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World (with a foreword by Jon Tyson), will be released October 14, 2025.

Pre-Order Heath's Book Here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/776336/all-things-together-by-heath-hardesty/

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 sit down with Mike Dente, lead pastor of Calvary Chapel Paris. Mike has served in France for decades, planting and pastoring in a thoroughly post-Christian European context. 

Mike brings a thoughtful and pastoral lens to the challenges of preaching in today’s disenchanted world. Drawing from philosopher Charles Taylor, he reflects on the “disenchantment of the West” and how Protestantism may have contributed to it. Together, we explore what it means to be “enchanted,” how preachers can proclaim the death of Christ in a culture marked by scepticism, and how to show the beauty of Jesus even in the “ugly” passages of Scripture.

Along the way, Mike shares lessons learned from ministry in the European context, the emotional hardcore scene and offers practical questions that every preacher should ask as they prepare their messages.

This conversation is both deeply reflective and refreshingly practical - offering encouragement for those who want to faithfully communicate the wonder of Christ in a disenchanted age.

Steve Mathewson:
Sermon Introductions and Illustrations, Lessons learned from Haddon Robinson and Preaching the Old Testament

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

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

Alistair Begg - one of the most recognisable voices in expository preaching - sits down with Brian Brodersen for a candid conversation on decades of ministry, recent controversies, and the hope that outshines them all.

With characteristic warmth and clarity, Alistair reflects on God’s faithfulness, the dangers that lead to burnout, and why the free offer of the gospel must always be extended. He responds to the storm surrounding his advice to a grandmother, shares encouragement from gospel renewal in Scotland, and explains why some empty churches should stay that way.

You’ll also hear the story behind the viral “Man on the Middle Cross” clip, insights on the Calvary Chapel movement, and Brian’s reflections on discovering the grace of God afresh. Whether you’re leading a church or seeking to grow in steadfast faith, this conversation will strengthen your resolve to run the race to the end.

Recommended episodes: 
Danny Hyde on Long Obedience in the Same Location: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/long-obedience-in-the-same-location-danny-hyde 
Tim Chaddick on the Preachers Priorities: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/the-preachers-priorities-study-spirit-and-sustainability

Bryan Stupar on Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/jesus-homer-and-the-necessity-of-mentoring-the-next-generation 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=592BE5w8Y7o

Join us August 22–23 at Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg for the next

Expositors Collective Training Weekend — a two-day, interactive event

designed to equip and encourage Bible teachers and preachers of all

experience levels.

📖 Learn from seasoned teachers, engage in hands-on coaching, and grow

in your calling to teach God’s Word with clarity and confidence.

🎙 Featuring:

Mike Neglia · Dr. Alan Stoddard · Brian Kelly

Dr. John

Whittaker · Pilgrim Benham · Ryan Marr · Brian Brodersen

✅ Teaching, training, and practical tools you can use right away.

🔗 Register now at [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

Many people consider Jesus to be a great teacher and preacher, but few actually realise just how incredible and multilayered His teachings actually were.

In this episode of Expositors Collective, Mike speaks with Dr. Peter J. Williams, the principal of Tyndale House in Cambridge, and the chair of the International Greek New Testament Project. He is also a member of the ESV Translation Oversight Committee, and the author of several books, including: Can We Trust the Gospels?

Dr. Williams’ latest book is called The Surprising Genius of Jesus: What the Gospels Reveal about the Greatest Teacher, in which he examines Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels and shows how we know that these teachings truly do originate with Jesus, and that they show an incredible awareness of, and connection to the Old Testament in a way that would have triggered the memories of the first listeners, and which contains layers of meaning for us as readers today. Peter also gives insight into fruitful evangelism, unlocking of knowledge and some of the ways that Tyndale House can help ordinary preachers like us! 

Dr Peter J. Williams is the Principal and CEO of Tyndale House, Cambridge. He was educated at the University of Cambridge, where he received his MA, MPhil, and PhD in the study of ancient languages related to the Bible. After his PhD, he was on staff in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge (1997–1998) and thereafter taught Hebrew and Old Testament as an Affiliated Lecturer in Hebrew and Aramaic at the University of Cambridge and Research Fellow in Old Testament at Tyndale House, Cambridge (1998–2003). From 2003 to 2007 he was on the faculty of the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, where he became a Senior Lecturer in New Testament and Deputy Head of the School of Divinity, History, and Philosophy. Since 2007 he has been leading Tyndale House. Dr Williams is also an Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity in the University of Cambridge, Chair of the International Greek New Testament Project and a member of the Translation Oversight Committee of the English Standard Version of the Bible. He assisted Dr Dirk Jongkind in Tyndale House’s production of a major edition of the Greek New Testament and his book Can We Trust the Gospels? (Crossway, 2018) has been translated into 13 languages. His latest book, The Surprising Genius of Jesus: What the Gospels Reveal about the Greatest Teacher (Crossway), was published in October 2023.

Resources Mentioned:

Tyndale House - Exceptional research by people serious about Scripture:  https://tyndalehouse.com/

 Peter J Williams speaks on the surprising genius of Jesus at the Southern Baptist Seminary Gheens' Lectures 2023 in Louisville, USA.  https://tyndalehouse.com/explore/videos/the-surprising-genius-of-jesus/

Recommended Episodes: 

Amy Orr-Ewing: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/apologetics-persuasion-and-evangelism-amy-orr-ewing 

Frederick Dale Bruner:  https://expositorscollective.org/expositors-collective-podcast/pastoral-and-scholastic-earthiness-frederick-dale-bruner/

Kieran Lenahan:  https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/scripture-memorization-and-spiritual-formation-with-kieran-lenahan

Amy Orr-Ewing : 

Join us August 22–23 at Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg for the next

Expositors Collective Training Weekend — a two-day, interactive event

designed to equip and encourage Bible teachers and preachers of all

experience levels.

📖 Learn from seasoned teachers, engage in hands-on coaching, and grow

in your calling to teach God’s Word with clarity and confidence.

🎙 Featuring:

Mike Neglia · Dr. Alan Stoddard · Brian Kelly

Dr. John

Whittaker · Pilgrim Benham · Ryan Marr · Brian Brodersen

✅ Teaching, training, and practical tools you can use right away.

🔗 Register now at [expositorscollective.com]

In these interactive seminars, attendees will meet in groups and build ongoing relationships. Our next training weekend will be held at Calvary Chapel St Petersburg.

8900 US Hwy 19 N, Pinellas Park, Florida 33782August 22-23, 2025

Calvary Chapel St Petersburg

Register here: https://expositorscollective.regfox.com/expositors-st-petersburg

In this in-person conversation between friends, Mike Neglia and Bryan Kelly – lead pastor of WestChurch in Bradenton, Florida, host of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, and long-time church planter – mix plenty of laughs with rich wisdom for aspiring preachers and church planters.

They recall a trip to Uganda from last year, for the Expositors Collective conference, hosted at Calvary Chapel Kampala, and they reflect on the lessons it taught them about preaching, pastoring, and cross-cultural ministry. Bryan shares one of his brilliant ideas – livestreaming himself writing a sermon – which Mike thinks is actually “the dumbest idea ever.” Along the way, they unpack “the forbidden phrase” (“as we all know…”) and why it can unintentionally put up barriers for people who are new to the Bible.

The conversation covers explaining Scripture clearly, remembering the variety of people present in every congregation, and drawing on William Perkins’ (1558–1602) classic seven categories of hearers. They also explore how pastoring is both a God-given gift and a skill that can be developed, why church planting can be full of hard work yet surprising joy, and how a spin class can be a lot like attending church for the first time.

Full of humour, friendship, and practical insights, this episode is an encouraging listen for anyone committed to faithfully preaching God’s Word and shepherding God’s people.

Links:
Raymond Bukenya episode: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/the-urgent-need-for-mentorship-in-ministry
Ray Bentley episode : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/episode-18-the-gift-of-healing-the-empowering-of-the-holy-spirit-and-consecutive-bible-teaching
Cultivate Podcast:  https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/cultivate-church-planting

—————

Join us August 22–23 at Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg for the next

Expositors Collective Training Weekend — a two-day, interactive event

designed to equip and encourage Bible teachers and preachers of all

experience levels.

📖 Learn from seasoned teachers, engage in hands-on coaching, and grow

in your calling to teach God’s Word with clarity and confidence.

🎙 Featuring:

Mike Neglia · Dr. Alan Stoddard · Brian Kelly

Dr. John

Whittaker · Pilgrim Benham · Ryan Marr · Brian Brodersen

✅ Teaching, training, and practical tools you can use right away.

🔗 Register now at [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 whole story of the Bible could be told through four mountains?

In this conversation, Mike speaks with theologian and pastor Michael Niebauer about his new book, Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion. They explore how the geography of Eden, Sinai, Tabor, and Zion can guide readers toward a deeper understanding of Scripture—and a more faithful approach to preaching it.

Michael reflects on his own development as a preacher, the discipline of lectionary-based sermons, and the formative role of repetition, feedback, and theological tradition. He outlines how early Christian exegesis, especially the writings of figures like Ephrem the Syrian, shaped his thinking and helped him connect the Old and New Testaments with fresh clarity.

Other highlights include:

• Why Eden was probably a mountain
• How to preach biblical symbolism without confusing your listeners
• The Bible as unapologetically Trinitarian
• Balancing historical context with spiritual reading
• Ministry to the elderly through Heritage Mission
• And why every sermon should lead to love of God and neighbour

Whether you're a seasoned preacher or simply looking for new ways to read the Bible, this episode offers theological insight and practical encouragement.

Michael Niebauer is an Anglican Pastor and Director of Heritage Mission, an initiative that trains leaders to start worship services in care facilities. He is the author of Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion and Virtuous Persuasion, a Christianity Today Book Award finalist and Outreach Magazine’s 2022 Missional Resource of the Year.

Resources Mentioned: 

You can purchase Michael's book  Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion here:  https://lexhampress.com/expositors 

—————

Join us August 22–23 at Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg for the next Expositors Collective Training Weekend — a two-day, interactive event designed to equip and encourage Bible teachers and preachers of all experience levels.

📖 Learn from seasoned teachers, engage in hands-on coaching, and grow in your calling to teach God’s Word with clarity and confidence.

🎙 Featuring:

Mike Neglia · Dr. Alan Stoddard · Brian Kelly

Dr. John Whittaker · Pilgrim Benham · Ryan Marr · Brian Brodersen

✅ Teaching, training, and practical tools you can use right away.

🔗 Register now at [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 these interactive seminars, attendees will meet in groups and build ongoing relationships. Our next training weekend will be held at Calvary Chapel St Petersburg.

8900 US Hwy 19 N, Pinellas Park, Florida 33782
August 22-23, 2025

Calvary Chapel St Petersburg

Register here: https://expositorscollective.regfox.com/expositors-st-petersburg

In this episode, Mike speaks with Jordan Faker, a former youth pastor and current missionary in the Basque Country of Spain. Jordan shares lessons from his eight years in youth ministry and reflects on the realities of bivocational life—working a regular job while faithfully shepherding students. He offers practical encouragement for preachers navigating time constraints, limited resources, and the tension of dual callings.

The conversation also explores the spiritual climate of post-Christian Europe, the urgent need for long-term missionaries, and how today’s young people (Gen Z and Gen Alpha) are spiritually searching in unexpected ways.

This episode is especially relevant for those preaching in small churches, ministering cross-culturally, or wrestling with how to balance faithfulness and sustainability in gospel work.

Follow Jordan’s journey:
📺 youtube.com/@jordanfaker
🌍 fakermissions.com.  

Public Speaking in a Second Language: Learn to better express your thoughts by thinking differently by David Snead

https://www.amazon.com/Public-Speaking-Second-Language-differently/dp/B0BM42F127/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Cody King (the cable guy) on bivocational ministry:

https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/bivocational-ministry-and-time-management-cody-king

Join us August 22–23 at Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg for the next Expositors Collective Training Weekend — a two-day, interactive event designed to equip and encourage Bible teachers and preachers of all experience levels.

📖 Learn from seasoned teachers, engage in hands-on coaching, and grow in your calling to teach God’s Word with clarity and confidence.

🎙 Featuring:

Mike Neglia · Dr. Alan Stoddard · Brian Kelly · Dr. John Whittaker · Pilgrim Benham · Ryan Marr · Brian Brodersen

✅ Teaching, training, and practical tools you can use right away.

🔗 Register now at [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

Title: Preaching for Life: Kevin Sanders on Clarity and Conviction  
 In this episode, Kevin Sanders joins Mike Neglia for a focused and practical conversation on the art and discipline of preaching. Together, they explore what it means to preach with clarity, conviction, and care. Kevin shares how his theological training, personal experiences, and missionary years in the Philippines have shaped his approach to preaching. The conversation touches on the challenge of crafting a clear main point, addressing sensitive topics without being crass, and maintaining pastoral integrity in the pulpit.

Mike and Kevin also reflect on the legacy of Dr Jim Shaddix, the importance of sermon focus, and how preachers can continue to grow in both skill and spiritual depth. This episode offers both encouragement and instruction for anyone committed to the ministry of biblical proclamation.

Topics Covered Include:

• Developing and maintaining clarity in sermon structure

• Preaching difficult or delicate topics with sensitivity and faithfulness

• Using technology (like PowerPoint) without letting it dominate the message

• The impact of mentors and theological education on preaching

• Avoiding crudeness while remaining biblically honest

• The importance of continual growth and reflection in preaching

Guest Bio:
Kevin Sanders is the pastor of Apollo Heights Baptist Church in El Paso, Texas, and the author of Preaching for Life: A Pastor’s Journey of Biblical Proclamation. Originally from Pinson, Alabama, Kevin sensed a call to ministry as a teenager, eventually earning a Master of Divinity and serving for over a decade as a missionary to college students in the Philippines. Since returning to the US, he has devoted himself to pastoral ministry, with a particular focus on expository preaching, pastoral integrity, and helping others grow in their preaching craft.
His new book Preaching for Life draws from his personal story, theological training, and years of preaching to offer wisdom and encouragement for preachers at every stage.

Resources Mentioned:

• Preaching for Life by Kevin Sanders  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F597P9CM?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

• Power in the Pulpit by Jim Shaddix and Jerry Vines : https://www.jerryvines.com/store/books/power-in-the-pulpit/

• Expositional Leadership: Shepherding God's People from the Pulpit By R. Scott Pace, Jim Shaddix :  https://www.crossway.org/books/expositional-leadership-tpb/?srsltid=AfmBOoqrSlhMZJ3lNVA9hsmtP52QHu2vYO9lpB5hENmtq3_LBYwYaA--