The Catholicity of the Church and Its Impact on Preaching

What makes a good sermon?In this episode, Pastor Mason Ballard explores the art and theology of preaching and how the catholicity of the church (the wisdom of the global, historic church) should shape the way pastors prepare and deliver sermons.Using the image of a meal vs. ingredients, Mason explains why sermons shouldn’t simply dump information from study, but instead present the truth of Scripture clearly, faithfully, and pastorally to the people of God.He also reflects on the preacher’s calling, the importance of reading widely across Christian traditions, and why preaching should ultimately help the church see the big story of the Bible centered on Jesus Christ.Whether you're a pastor, aspiring preacher, or thoughtful church member, this conversation will help you think more deeply about what preaching is meant to accomplish in the life of the church.Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE00:00 Introduction: The importance of preaching rooted in church catholicity02:25 The role of Bible reading in worship and its impact on preaching 05:15 Preparing sermons: Inspiration, study, and theological breadth 08:36 The influence of church catholicity on sermon research and delivery 12:28 Addressing contested texts with confidence and humility 15:45 The significance of the church’s unity in preaching 18:59 Sticking to the biblical text and avoiding over-explanation22:21 Defining orthodoxy and addressing controversial issues26:08 The danger of hobby horses and the importance of a holistic biblical witness 28:01 Conclusion: The role of the catholic church in shaping faithful preaching