Expositors Collective

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

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

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

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

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

In this session (recorded in Austin, Texas) Dominic Done speaks about the value of being understood by our hearers, many of whom struggle with doubt, skepticism or cynicism towards the church and the things of God. 

Dominic Done is a speaker and author of When Faith Fails: Finding God in the Shadow of Doubt. He is also Professor of Applied Theology at George Fox University, and a teacher at Westside A Jesus Church. He has a Master’s Degree in Theology from the University of Oxford and is currently working on his PhD at the University of Oxford with his supervisor Alister McGrath. He previously served as a pastor in North Carolina and Hawaii. He has also taught English for companies in Europe, lectured in theology and history at various Christian colleges, worked as a radio DJ, and lived as a missionary in Vanuatu and Mexico. Dominic is married to his wife, Elyssa, has a daughter named Amelia, and a fuzzy Goldendoodle, Bella. You can connect with Dominic on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook: @dominicdone. 

Recommended Resources: 

Pursuing Faith Podcast:  https://pursuingfaith.buzzsprout.com/ 

When Faith Fails Book: https://www.pursuingfaith.org/book

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

Paul Mowery's early years of Christian ministry were plagued by toxicity and leadership dysfunction, and so he has put deliberate work into creating ecosystems of accountability, spiritual health and plural leadership. He talks with Mike about some of the weaknesses that are inherent with the so-called "Moses Model" of pastoral leadership, as well as the importance of precision in sermon delivery. It is always worth putting work into finding a clearer and shorter way to express something!  “If we say too much in a single sermon, we may give a field of wheat instead of a loaf of bread.” - Charles Spurgeon." 

Paul will be a panelist 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

Recommended Episodes: 

Marcus Honeysett on policies, plurality and prioritizing character over comptencies  https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/spiritual-character-outweighs-technical-competencies-marcus-honeysett

Terry Mitchell on preaching that helps sufferers: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/digging-deep-into-the-word-to-help-those-who-are-suffering-with-terry-michaels 

 Paul LeBoutillier on self absorption  https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/self-absorption-is-the-death-knell-to-faithful-preaching-with-paul-leboutillier  

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

Nick and Mike spend time answering some questions that have come our way about preaching while in pain (both physical and emotional), some objections about Christ centered preaching (isn't this just shoehorning Jesus into passages that He isn't actually referenced in?) some of the practicalities about women teaching the Bible in complementarian churches, addressing controversial topics (and sinful practices) from the pulpit while remaining gracious in tone and avoiding "Christianese" in preaching so that we are intelligible to visitors. 

Resources Mentioned: 

 Is it a stretch to say that everything in the Bible points to Jesus? - Theology for the People Podcast featuring Nick + Mike

https://anchor.fm/theologyforthepeople/episodes/Christ-Centered-Hermeneutics---Part-1-Is-it-a-stretch-to-say-that-everything-in-the-Bible-points-to-Jesus----with-Mike-Neglia-e17q0sd

Responding to Objections to Christ-Centered Hermeneutics - Theology for the People Podcast featuring Nick + Mike : https://anchor.fm/theologyforthepeople/episodes/Christ-Centered-Hermeneutics---Part-2-Responding-to-Objections-to-Christ-Centered-Hermeneutics---with-Mike-Neglia-e18563k

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”

― C.S. Lewis, 

The Four Loves

Recommended Episodes: 

Women in the Pulpit, help for lay preachers and Bible translations - Nick + Mike : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2022/3/15/women-in-the-pulpit-help-for-lay-preachers-and-bible-translations-mail-bag-part-2

 Gerry Breshears - Help with Sermon Prep: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2020/1/18/episode-85-help-with-sermon-preparation

 Ken Sutton - Cooking Down the Sauce: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2018/12/5/episode-24-cooking-down-the-sauce

For information about our upcoming training event in Indiana on October 27-28 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

Efficacious means the "ability to produce the intended result". When used to describe the Word of God it means that when God speaks it has transformative power, and it results in the transformation of the believer, both from death to life and in progressing in holiness. 

Dr Jeremy Kimble believes in the efficacy of the Scriptures and has written a helpful book that both explains and argues for the efficacy of God's Word, and then gives VERY practical applications to the life of the Christian, the counsellor, the parent, the leader and the preacher. In this conversation, Jeremy speaks about an arresting sermon that he heard as a young man, and the transformative impact it had on him, and then goes on to answer questions about the necessity of preaching, the MIM and the MIT of sermon preparation and delivery and plenty of on-the-ground practical advice and encouragement. 

"The amazing thing is that everyone who reads the Bible has the same joyful thing to say about it. In every land, in every language, it is the same tale: where that Book is read, not with the eyes only, but with the mind and heart, the life is changed. Sorrowful people are comforted, sinful people are transformed, peoples who were in the dark walk in the light. Is it not wonderful to think that this Book, which is such a mighty power if it gets a chance to work in an honest heart, is in our hands today?" - Amy Carmichael 

Dr. Jeremy Kimble is Associate Professor of Theology at Cedarville University. He is passionate about teaching college students and graduate students the truth of God’s Word. His hope is that through his courses, students will grow in their love for God and others, rightly understand the grand narrative of Scripture, and apply theological truths to everyday life. He is committed to teaching in the classroom, mentoring students in smaller settings, and speaking in churches, camps, and conference settings. He served in pastoral ministry for eight years prior to his time at Cedarville. Academic interests include biblical and systematic theology, ecclesiology, hermeneutics and homiletics, discipleship, and spiritual growth, and fun interests include family time, hiking, biking, and reading.

Resources Mentioned: 

Behold and Become:  Reading Scripture for Transformation - Jeremy Kimble: https://www.kregel.com/jeremy-m-kimble/behold-and-become/ 

 He is Not Silent - Al Mohler: https://www.moodypublishers.com/he-is-not-silent/ 

Knowing God - J.I. Packer :  https://www.crossway.org/books/knowing-god-hcj/

Recommended Episodes: 

Ray Ortlund: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2023/7/11/leaving-behind-our-hidden-shame-for-his-glorious-grace-ray-ortlund 

Don Sunukjian: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2022/7/19/oral-clarity-and-establishing-relevance-by-rummaging-through-peoples-lives-with-don-sunukjian

 Uche Anizor:  https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2022/6/7/overcoming-congregational-apathy-uche-anizor 

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

This message and panel discussion is from the 2022 CGN Pastors and Leaders Conference, held in the serene backdrop of Costa Mesa, California. Tony Clark, a seasoned voice in ministry, imparts a powerful call to fellow leaders, emphasizing the importance of faithfully delving into the context of each scripture passage while also weaving it into the grand narrative of the Bible – the gospel of Jesus Christ. Following Tony's resonant insights, a dynamic panel featuring Jeff Gipe, Brenda Leavenworth, and Mike Neglia takes the stage, engaging in a candid conversation to address audience questions on practical sermon application, homiletical techniques, and the art of captivating communication (AKA how to not be boring) 

Recommended Episodes: 

The long awaited Tony Clark interview! : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2023/2/14/practical-application-is-far-too-important-for-you-to-leave-it-out-tony-clark 

Ray Ortlund 1st interview : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2020/8/18/how-gospel-preaching-creates-gospel-culture-ray-ortlund 

Ray Ortlund 2nd interview : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2023/7/11/leaving-behind-our-hidden-shame-for-his-glorious-grace-ray-ortlund 

Sam Allberry : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2021/9/21/embodied-preaching-sam-allberry 

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

This episode is sponsored by "You're Not Crazy  Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches" the latest bookBy Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry  

https://www.crossway.org/books/youre-not-crazy-tpb/

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