Slowing Down and Opening Up to God's Spirit with Dan Hamel

How to Train Lay Preachers in Your Congregation with Duncan Blackwell

In this conversation Mike speaks with Duncan Blackwell about fountain pens and the role of the church in raising up Bible teachers at a local level, rather than exclusively depending on parachurch organizations or seminaries.

   “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,” (Ephesians 4:11–12, ESV)

Duncan Blackwell is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Elk City, Oklahoma. He has served in this role since June 2022, having previously served as a Senior Pastor and Associate Pastor in two prior churches. He and his wife Julie have four sons, ages 6, 5, 3, and 2 months old. On any given day the Blackwells can be found homeschooling, playing t-ball, hunting, or reading the Chronicles of Narnia. Duncan is passionate about leading God’s people to fulfill the Great Commission, through biblical exposition.

Resources mentioned: 

Preparing Expository Sermons

A Seven-Step Method for Biblical Preaching

by: Ramesh Richard

 http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/preparing-expository-sermons/228250

Suggested Episodes: 

What am I supposed to do with my hands? - Nick Harvey  https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/what-am-i-supposed-to-do-with-my-hands-and-other-lessons-that-preachers-can-learn-from-toastmasters-with-nick-harvey

Raising up Young Preachers - Tony Carter: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/raising-up-young-preachers-tony-carter 

Preach the Word, Don't Work the Crowd - Chris Thomas  https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/preach-the-word-dont-work-the-crowd-chris-thomas

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

Coaching, Critiquing and Calling with David Ireland

For the 300th episode of the show, we are joined by a special guest, Dr David Ireland. In this important conversation he speaks with Mike about the importance of preachers having a clear argument in their message and a persuasiveness in their presentation. He speaks about his preparation process which involves reading himself full, thinking himself clear and praying himself hot. There is also two stories that he shares about prophetic dreams and visions that have both called him into ministry and have given him insight into a need for his own personal growth. 

 Dr. David Ireland is founder and lead pastor of Christ Church, a thriving 10,000-member multiracial, multisite worship community in northern New Jersey. He and his wife, Marlinda, have been married since 1984 and have two adult daughters and a son-in-law.

Dr. Ireland grew up in Queens, New York and invited Jesus Christ to become the Lord of his life during college. At that time he was an engineering student. Dr. Ireland earned an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. Shortly after he began working in consulting engineering, he answered God’s call to plant a new church. In 1986, with only six other adults, the Irelands founded what is now known as Christ Church.

Early in the life of the church, Dr. Ireland sensed God’s heart deeply leading him to become intentional about ensuring that the church would reflect the multiracial mix of society. Dr. Ireland poignantly remembers the moment he tearfully embraced the church’s God-given mission to unite people to God and people to people. “I was on a routine errand for my then-pregnant wife in a local supermarket when suddenly I became mesmerized by the melting pot of races gathered in the store,” Dr. Ireland says. “At that precise moment I heard the Holy Spirit speak this question to my heart, ’David, why can’t it be like this in My house?’ I knew right then and there that God wanted me to grow and lead a multiracial, multiethnic congregation.”

While leading Christ Church, Dr. Ireland has also authored over 20 books including What Color is Your God?, Secrets of a Satisfying Life, One in Christ, The Skin You Live In, and The Kneeling Warrior: Winning Your Battles Through Prayer and has earned a master’s degree in theology from Alliance Theological Seminary and an earned doctorate degree in organizational leadership from Regent University. He completed his post-doctoral education at the University of Pennsylvania, and holds a postgraduate degree in social innovation from the University of Cambridge in England. Dr. Ireland formerly served as an adjunct professor at Drew University focusing on training doctoral students in the area of leadership and church growth.

Former diversity consultant to the National Basketball Association, Dr. Ireland has led chapel services for the New York Giants, New York Jets, and at the U.S. Pentagon. Ireland has appeared on numerous television shows including The Dr. Phil Show, The CBS Evening News, and The 700 Club. Through his community development corporation, he offers a youth leadership institute, as well as a statewide abstinence-based program in partnership with New Jersey schools. The Reverend Ireland is an appointed member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Faith-Based Initiatives and serves on the boards of Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary.

Resources Mentioned: 

A Rulebook for Arguments - Anthony Weston:  https://hackettpublishing.com/a-rulebook-for-arguments-4146 

The preaching of A.B. Simpson : https://www.missionfrontiers.org/issue/article/bring-back-the-king 

Recommended Episodes: 

Jon Tyson talks about learning from "the master" preacher : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/theology-that-cannot-be-dismissed-power-that-cannot-be-denied-jon-tyson

John Hwang on mentorships (+ Panel discussion ) : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/preaching-mentorships-with-john-hwang-panel-discussion

Mentorship Exemplified ( 12 testimonials) : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/mentorship-exemplified

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

Preaching Teams, The "Treat Sheet" and Global Christianity with Jeremy Treat

Jeremy Treat is the Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Reality LA, a church in Los Angeles, California. He is also an Adjunct Professor of theology at BIOLA University, and he has his PhD from Wheaton College. is the author of several books. His latest book is The Atonement: an Introduction, published by Crossway Publishing as part of their series of Short Studies in Systematic Theology. In this episode of Expositors Collective he speaks with Mike about the need for preachers to receive input before they approach the pulpit, and feedback after they step out of it. Jeremy has been the giver and the receiver of "Treat Sheets" which is the friendly nickname for sermon feedback at Reality LA. The also discuss the need to learn from the international and transcultural body of Christ in order to see the multifaceted truths of Scripture.  

Jeremy Treat (PhD, Wheaton College) is Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Reality LA in Los Angeles, California and Adjunct Professor of Theology at Biola University. He is the author of The Crucified King, Seek First, and The Atonement. He and his wife, Tiffany, have four daughters and live in Los Angeles. 

Resources Mentioned: 

The Atonement: An Introduction :  https://www.crossway.org/books/the-atonement-tpb/

Africa Bible Commentary :   https://langhamliterature.org/books/africa-bible-commentary

South Asia Bible Commentary: https://langhamliterature.org/catalog/product/view/id/18386/s/south-asia-bible-commentary/

Central and Eastern European Bible Commentary : https://langhamliterature.org/books/central-and-eastern-european-bible-commentary 

Africa Study Bible (Tyndale) https://oasisinternationalpublishing.com/africa-study-bible/ 

Recommended Episodes: 

Tim Chaddick Q+A Panel:  https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2022/8/16/battling-pride-in-in-the-heart-of-the-preacher-panel-discussion-with-dominic-done-clay-worrell-nick-cady-amp-tim-chaddick

Tim Chaddick Interview: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2020/1/7/episode-082-three-key-movements-in-the-life-of-a-preacher

Bryan Stupar : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2021/3/16/why-character-matters-bryan-stupar 

 “Jeremy Treat reminds us of what every thoughtful Christian should know about the atonement while calling us to understand the cross, to worship, and to pick up our cross and follow the Master.”

D. A. Carson, Theologian-at-Large, The Gospel Coalition 

Join us for our next in-person Training Weekend for men and women of all ages at The Creek Church in Indianapolis, Indiana!

In this interactive seminar, attendees will learn from experienced practitioners from the stage and meet in groups and build ongoing relationships with coaches and mentors who want to help you grow in your personal study and public proclamation of God's Word.

The Creek Church

Indianapolis, Indiana

October 27-28, 2023

For information and to register 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

Preaching that is Prayerful and Priestly - John Koessler

John Koessler is a self proclaimed "amateur" when it comes to praying, and in this honest and insightful conversation with Mike he speaks about the difference between human and divine conversation, and how it informs his preaching, which he defines as a conversation that he has with people, based on a previous conversation that he had with God. He contrasts prophetic preaching, which can come off as preaching "against" the people, and priestly preaching, which is preaching "for" or "with" the people. 

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

Dr John Koessler is an award-winning author and retired faculty emeritus of pastoral studies of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. He writes monthly columns for Today in the Word and Mature Living Magazine.  John is the author of When God is Silent (Lexham),  Dangerous Virtues  (Moody), Practicing the Present (Moody), The Radical Pursuit of Rest (InterVarsity), The Surprising Grace of Disappointment (Moody),  Folly, Grace & Power: The Mysterious Act of Preaching (Zondervan), A Stranger in the House of God (Zondervan) and served as general editor of The Moody Handbook of Preaching (Moody). John has written several other books and articles and serves as a contributing editor for the Moody Bible Institute publication Today in the Word. His podcast,  A Stranger in the House of God can be heard on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Learn more about John’s latest book When God is Silent published by Lexham Press.

Resources Mentioned: 

George MacDonald sermon; " A New Name" : https://www.worksofmacdonald.com/consuming-fire-daily-devotional/2016/2/9/the-new-name 

John's book on Preaching:   Folly, Grace & Power: The Mysterious Act of Preaching 

John's book on Praying  When God is Silent

Prayer is an awkward conversation with God: https://youtu.be/T9wq_yEf1yg 

"Amateur" etymology: https://www.etymonline.com/word/amateur 

Recommended Episodes: 

Joe Thorn on why John Koessler's book is the best on preaching that he's ever read: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/experiential-preaching-nerves-and-leadership-lab-joe-thorn

Scott Erickson on whether it is right to pray "get me out of the way" in preaching: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/ill-be-your-story-sherpa-scott-erickson 

Mike Neglia quoting John Koessler in Boise: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/preaching-that-cuts-both-ways-with-mike-neglia

Join us for our next in-person Training Weekend for men and women of all ages at The Creek Church in Indianapolis, Indiana!

In this interactive seminar, attendees will learn from experienced practitioners from the stage and meet in groups and build ongoing relationships with coaches and mentors who want to help you grow in your personal study and public proclamation of God's Word.

The Creek Church

Indianapolis, Indiana

October 27-28, 2023

For information and to register 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

Slowing Down and Opening Up to God's Spirit with Dan Hamel

Dan Hamel joins Mike to speak about an important lesson that he learned through his wife's critique, the importance of dining room tables and living room conversations, as well as the sorts of stories that he includes in his 100+ page document of potential sermon illustrations. They discuss Billy Eilish's critique of pornography and the importance of precision in sermon delivery. Dan also speaks about homiletics and gives a preview of his session that he will be delivering at the Expositors Collective training event that his church is hosting. 

Dan will be a speaker at  our next in-person Training Weekend for men and women of all ages at The Creek Church in Indianapolis, Indiana!

In this interactive seminar, attendees will learn from experienced practitioners from the stage and meet in groups and build ongoing relationships with coaches and mentors who want to help you grow in your personal study and public proclamation of God's Word.

The Creek Church

Indianapolis, Indiana

October 27-28, 2023

About Dan: 

 I was born and raised out west—in Oregon, Nevada, and Colorado. As a teenager I sensed God call me into ministry. I followed that call and never looked back. Serving the Lord as a pastor is such an incredible joy and privilege. I love to pray, teach God’s word, and connect with people in a way that helps them grow in their relationship with Jesus. I have served at The Creek since 2017 and absolutely love this church family! I am so inspired by our church’s passion for God’s presence and commitment to transform our community with the love of Jesus. God has blessed me with an incredible wife (Keren) and the most precious children in the world (Hudson, Addie, & Luke). Our family is so honored to serve The Creek, Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Resources Mentioned: 

Here is the sermon on Colossians 3 that Mike and Dan discuss (including the Billy Eilish quote) https://www.thecreek.org/page/730?Item=2955 

Examen Prayer:  https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-examen/

“I have a conviction that no sermon is ready for preaching, not ready for writing out, until we can express its theme in a short, pregnant sentence as clear as a crystal.” - Haddon Robinson

Recommended Episodes: 

Jon Tyson "one of America's best preachers" :  https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2021/12/21/theology-that-cannot-be-dismissed-power-that-cannot-be-denied-jon-tyson

Nick Cady on another method of mining your own life for interesting stories:  https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2021/9/28/how-to-write-a-compelling-introduction-nick-cady 

Joel Turner on how to grow in the use of comedy in the pulpit: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2020/7/14/the-power-of-humor-in-preaching-joel-turner

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