Behind the Sermon: How the Spirit Reorients the Preacher’s Heart

What happens in the pulpit when the preacher isn’t suffering—but the text is? In this unique episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Executive Pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to reflect on a recent sermon from Psalm 119:25–32. Together they explore the distinction between interpreting affliction versus personal sin, how that decision shaped the structure and tone of the message, and what it means to “get it right” in study and “get it across” in preaching.The conversation pulls back the curtain on what happened between services—a quiet moment of prayer in Kent’s office that shifted his focus from personal detachment to pastoral compassion. It’s a powerful look at how the Spirit can reorient a preacher’s heart in real time.They also tackle the tension between lamenting evil and longing for God’s justice, considering how we should respond when public figures fall into sin. Drawing from Psalm 35 and Proverbs 24:17, they offer a biblically faithful approach to mourning with humility, praying for repentance, and desiring God’s glory above all.Whether you’re a pastor, teacher, or faithful listener, this episode will deepen your understanding of preaching, spiritual formation, and how God uses His Word—even when the preacher isn’t feeling it.