This week on Preachers in Training, Robert is joined by Melvin Otey—professor of Law at Faulkner University in Montgomery, AL, and a dedicated gospel preacher.

In this conversation, we reflect on brother Otey's blog post, “A Word of Compassion for Preachers”, and discuss the challenges and blessings of ministry life. He shares heartfelt encouragement for those who serve in the pulpit, reminding us of the humanity of preachers, the importance of compassion, and the sustaining grace of God in the midst of pressures and expectations.

Episode Resources:

• See Melvin Otey's blog post, A Word of Compassion for Preachers, here.

In this episode of Preachers in Training, Robert is joined by Wayne Jones, president of the Bear Valley Bible Institute and host of Authentically Adam here on The Light Network. Wayne brings decades of ministry experience and leadership insight to the conversation as he reflects on the lessons he’s learned beyond the classroom.

While preaching schools and Bible institutes provide excellent foundations in Scripture, theology, and communication, there are some lessons that only real-life ministry can teach. Wayne shares with honesty and wisdom about the realities of preaching that he didn’t fully grasp until he was already in the work.

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🎙️ The Light Network Conference is coming October 3–5, 2025, at the Henderson church of Christ in Henderson, TN! This year’s theme is “The Good Life: A Study of the Beatitudes.” Join hosts from across TLN for a weekend filled with uplifting lessons, great singing, and opportunities to connect with Christians who love God and His Word. Make plans now to be part of this special event! Register online at https://thelightnetwork.tv/conference

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Wayne's Recommended Resources:

• Read the book of 2 Corinthians
• BOOK: Dangerous Calling - Paul David Tripp: https://amzn.to/4g7Sor0
  • Brad McNutt reviewed this book on The Book Club: https://thelightnetwork.tv/tbcs6e13/
• Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome - Kent & Barbara Hughes: https://amzn.to/461lEuO

Spiritual apathy can creep into the life of any Christian—even ministers. Left unchecked, it robs us of passion for the Lord, weakens our resolve, and hinders our influence. In this episode, Dan Winkler joins Robert to address the dangers of spiritual apathy and share practical ways to prevent it.

In this opening episode of season 22, Robert is joined by longtime gospel preacher Paul Sain. Paul’s wife, LaDon, has recently been placed on hospice care, and he now walks both the path of minister and caregiver. Drawing from Scripture and his own current experience, Paul offers practical and heartfelt guidance on how preachers can minister effectively and compassionately to those who are receiving hospice care — and to their families.

Episode Resources:

• Sain Publications website
• [BOOK] The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)

Interpersonal skills are essential for effective ministry, yet they’re often overlooked in preacher training. In this episode, Robert is joined by longtime preacher and former Freed-Hardeman University Bible professor and dean, Billy Smith, to discuss how ministers can develop stronger people skills. 

Is your children’s Bible class program in need of a refresh? In this episode, Robert Hatfield sits down with Jeremy Hall, minister for the Bartlett Woods church of Christ in Bartlett, TN, to discuss the process of revitalizing a Bible class program. Jeremy shares the story of how their congregation reimagined their teaching efforts—from philosophy to logistics—and the powerful results they’re now seeing.

What does it mean to lead like Abraham—with unwavering trust in God, even when the path seems uncertain? In this episode, Matt Guy joins Robert Hatfield to explore biblical leadership through the lens of trust, using Genesis 22 as a foundation.

Matt, a radiologist in Charlotte, NC, serves on the boards of Lads to Leaders and Freed-Hardeman University, and is a deacon for the church of Christ at Gold Hill Road in Fort Mill, SC. He brings a unique perspective as a Christian professional, servant-leader, and encourager of young people in the church.

In this episode of Preachers in Training, Robert Hatfield welcomes Matt Miller, minister for the 109 church of Christ in Lebanon, TN, to discuss the urgent state of personal evangelism. Are our efforts to reach the lost alive and thriving, or are they barely hanging on? Together, Robert and Matt explore the signs that evangelism may be “on life support” in our congregations and individual lives—and what we can do to revive it.

How can ministers and church leaders connect with and invest in the next generation? In this episode, Robert is joined by Craig Evans, the preaching minister for the Mt. Juliet church of Christ in Tennessee, to discuss practical and spiritual ways we can reach and equip Generation Z.

Craig brings wisdom and experience from years of ministry, including mentoring young people, working with families, and encouraging a multigenerational church culture. Together, he and Robert explore the unique opportunities and challenges of ministering to Gen Z — those born roughly between 1997 and 2012.

In this important episode, Robert is joined by Lonnie Jones — a minister, speaker, host of the Keeping Up with Jones podcast, and a licensed professional counselor — to address the critical subject of mental health among ministers. Ministry is rewarding but also uniquely stressful, often leaving preachers vulnerable to burnout, isolation, and emotional fatigue. Lonnie brings his dual perspective as both a counselor and a fellow minister to offer practical guidance, biblical insights, and personal encouragement.

If you are a preacher — or know one — who needs to hear this, don’t skip this episode. It’s okay to not be okay, and help is available.