Preachers in Training

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we work, communicate, and even engage with faith. But what impact does it have on the church? In this episode of Preachers in Training, host Robert Hatfield is joined by Michael Hite, Jason Helton, and Dale Jenkins to explore how AI is shaping ministry, preaching, and Christian outreach.

Our panel of experts discusses the opportunities AI provides for church leaders, the ethical and theological concerns it raises, and how preachers can navigate this new technological landscape with wisdom and discernment.

Special days like Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day often bring unique opportunities and challenges for preachers. How can we approach these occasions faithfully and effectively? In this episode of Preachers in Training, Robert sits down with David Pharr, minister for the Concord Street church of Christ in Orlando, FL, to discuss how preachers can prepare sermons that honor these moments while staying true to Scripture.

Ministry can be challenging, but what keeps preachers motivated and committed for the long haul? In this episode, longtime minister of the gospel, Gary Hampton, joins Robert to share wisdom from his decades of preaching experience. He discusses the keys to maintaining passion, overcoming discouragement, and staying focused on the Lord’s work.

Preachers spend much of their time leading worship, but how can they ensure they are truly worshiping God themselves? In this episode, Jody Apple joins Robert to discuss the balance between leading and personally engaging in worship. They explore practical ways for preachers to maintain a worshipful heart while fulfilling their responsibilities.

In this episode of Preachers in Training, Robert is joined by Ty Rhymes to reflect on the powerful message of 1 Timothy 4:15-16. Together, they explore Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to devote himself to his calling, stay vigilant in his doctrine, and ensure that his life and teaching are a source of salvation for both himself and his listeners.