How do you find the big idea of a passage — and craft a question that makes people lean in from the very start?

In this episode, we’re joined by David Cook, experienced expositor and preaching trainer, to unpack how to identify the central message of a text and frame it in a way that grabs your hearers’ attention.

David shares practical steps for developing clear, faithful big ideas and marketable big questions that connect real life with God’s word — so your expositional preaching is both biblically grounded and impossible to ignore.

If you want to move beyond vague introductions and help your congregation feel the urgent relevance of Scripture, this episode will sharpen your preaching from the very first sentence.

How do you finish a sermon so it lands with clarity, conviction, and lasting impact instead of drifting to an awkward or forgettable close?

In this episode, we talk with Rory Shiner, author, pastor, and seasoned preacher, about the art of ending sermons well. Rory shares why your final words can make or break your sermon, practical ways to end with gospel-driven power (without cheesy clichés), and examples of endings that stick in people’s hearts.

If you’ve ever felt your sermon just fizzles at the end, this conversation will help you finish strong and point people clearly to Jesus.

Welcome to Starting Strong: Thriving in the First Years of Preaching — the podcast for new and growing preachers who want to handle God’s word faithfully and deliver it engagingly.

In this first episode, we’re joined by Richard Chin, National Director of AFES and seasoned Bible teacher, to tackle a vital question: How do you preach in a way that keeps people listening — not just politely, but eagerly — while staying true to the text?

Richard shares candid wisdom drawn from decades of preaching to students and churches alike:

• How to bridge the gap between ancient text and modern ears
• The biggest mistakes young preachers make when trying to be ‘interesting’
• Practical habits that make sermons clearer, sharper and genuinely captivating

If you’re longing to grow beyond boring sermons and into preaching that connects and transforms, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to preach the living Word to living people with faithfulness and life.

Welcome to Starting Strong: Thriving in the First Years of Preaching!

In this short intro, your hosts Matt and Oli share who they are, why they’ve launched this podcast, and what you can look forward to in the coming episodes.

You’ll get a sneak peek at some of the seasoned pastors, Bible teachers, and ministry leaders who will be joining us.

This isn’t just theory. It’s honest conversations, practical help, and real encouragement for new preachers who want to grow strong where it counts.