Starting Strong: Thriving in the First Years of Preaching

Send us Fan MailWeddings and funerals gather people who may rarely step inside a church, yet they're often moments when people can be directed to God and hear the hope of the gospel.In this episode, we're joined by Reverend Eugene Hor to discuss how to faithfully and wisely preach at weddings and funerals. Eugene shares practical insights on proclaiming Christ with warmth, clarity, and sensitivity while serving families during some of life's most memorable and emotional occasions.We discuss:How to prepare messages for two very different occasions Balancing pastoral care with clear gospel proclamation Preaching to rooms filled with both Christians and non-Christians Avoiding common mistakesMaking the most of unique opportunities to point people to Christ Whether you're officiating your first wedding, preaching your first funeral, or seeking to grow in these important ministries, this conversation will help you communicate the hope of the gospel with wisdom, compassion, and confidence.Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailSeason 2, Episode 1: Hard Seasons in Life with Paul GrimmondHow do you preach to people whose lives are marked by grief, disappointment, suffering, or uncertainty? What does faithful preaching sound like when your congregation is walking through life's hardest seasons?In the first episode of Season 2, we’re joined by Paul Grimmond (Vice Principal/Head of Ministry at Moore Theological College and the author of 'Suffering Well' and 'When the Noise Won't Stop') to explore how preachers can bring God’s Word to people who are hurting. Paul shares biblical wisdom and pastoral insight into preaching that acknowledges the reality of suffering while holding out the sure hope of Christ.We discuss: How to preach with both truth and tenderness  Avoiding unhelpful clichés and easy answers  Bringing comfort without diminishing suffering  Helping people trust God when life doesn't make sense  Why hope in Christ is never naïve, even in the darkest seasons Whether you're preaching to a grieving family, a weary congregation, or someone quietly carrying heavy burdens, this conversation will help you proclaim God's Word with compassion, honesty, and lasting hope.Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailBonus Episode: Healthy Habits for Emerging Preachers — with William TaylorPreaching isn’t just about what happens in the pulpit. It’s about the habits formed long before you step into it.In this bonus episode, William Taylor - pastor, Bible teacher, and long-time trainer of emerging preachers shares the foundational habits that sustain faithful gospel ministry over the long haul. Drawing from decades of preaching and mentoring, William offers practical wisdom for those starting out and wanting to build well from the beginning.We explore:The daily disciplines that shape strong preachersHow to grow in clarity, conviction, and courageGuarding your heart while sharpening your craftWhy character matters more than platformWhether you’re preparing your first sermon or your thousandth, this conversation will help you cultivate habits that strengthen both your preaching and your walk with Christ.Check out St Helen's excellent podcast here: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-tujz9-1115fbeOur prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailHow can preaching do more than teach — how can it shape a church’s direction, culture, and heart for mission?In this bonus episode, Russ Grinter, Darren Middleton, and Phil Campbell join forces to discuss how faithful preaching can set and sustain gospel vision in a local church. Together, they explore how vision casting happens not through flashy slogans or strategies, but through consistent, Christ-centred preaching that lifts people’s eyes to God’s purposes.We talk about:How to preach in a way that forms a church’s culture over timeThe difference between preaching about vision and for visionHow to align sermons with the mission and seasons of church lifeLessons from years of preaching that have helped churches grow in focus and unityWhether you’re planting, pastoring, or planning the year ahead, this episode will inspire you to preach in a way that helps your church see, and live, God’s big vision together.Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailEpisode 10: Heart Application with Murray CapillPreaching isn’t finished until God’s Word reaches real lives. But how do we move from explaining the text to showing its transforming power in the everyday?In this season finale, we’re joined by Murray Capill, pastor, author, and long-time lecturer in preaching, to explore the heart of application. Murray unpacks why application is not an optional add-on, but the very goal of preaching, and how preachers can connect the Bible to the joys and struggles of their people with helpful ideas and frameworks.We discuss:Why application is central to biblical preachingHow to make sermons land in different contexts and with diverse listenersCommon pitfalls in application and how to avoid themHow application keeps pointing people to Christ rather than just “good advice”This episode ties together the themes of the whole season, reminding us that preaching is not only about saying true things but about God’s Word bringing lasting change in real lives.Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailEpisode 9: Key Tips for Beginners with Dave MartinEvery preacher has a first sermon. But what makes the difference between stumbling through and stepping up with confidence?In this episode, we sit down with Dave Martin — experienced pastor and preaching trainer — to hear his most practical advice for those just starting out. Dave shares lessons learned the hard way, what he wishes he knew earlier, and the habits that can set new preachers on a path of steady growth.We cover:How to overcome nerves and prepare with clarityThe essential building blocks of a faithful sermonCommon mistakes beginners make and how to avoid themIf you’re a beginner preacher, or walking alongside someone who is, this episode offers wisdom that’s both realistic and deeply encouraging.Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailEpisode 8: Storytelling in Preaching with Mike RaiterWhy do some sermons stick in the mind and not just for days, but for years? Often, it’s because they connect truth to story.In this episode, we’re joined by Mike Raiter, preacher, author, and director of the Centre for Biblical Preaching. We explore the role of storytelling in gospel proclamation. Mike unpacks how stories can illuminate, persuade, and reach the heart without distracting from the text.We discuss:How Jesus used storytelling to engage and confrontPractical tips for finding, crafting, and delivering storiesHow to make your stories serve the text, not steal the spotlightIf you’ve ever struggled to keep your listeners leaning in, or wondered how to make truth land with lasting impact, this episode will help you tell stories that preach.Centre for Biblical Preaching: cbp.org.auOur prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailEpisode 7: Preaching With Women in Mind with Jenny SaltWhat do preachers need to keep in mind when they’re preaching to women? How can we communicate the truth of God's word in a way that resonates with the whole church?In this episode, we’re joined by Jenny Salt, lecturer, speaker, and long-time gospel communicator, to reflect on how preaching can honour and engage the women in our congregations.Jenny shares insights on:Common blind spots male preachers may not realiseHow to avoid stereotypes while addressing real experiencesWhat women listen for and what they wish preachers knewWhether you’re preaching to a mixed church, a women’s event, or just want to grow in speaking across the whole body of Christ, Jenny brings wisdom, warmth, and clarity to a conversation every preacher should hear.Hear more from Jenny on her podcast: smbc.edu.au/resources/salt-conversationsOur prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailEpisode 6: Advanced Rhetoric with Darren MiddletonWhat takes a sermon from faithful to powerful? From clear to compelling?In this episode, we’re joined by Darren Middleton, pastor, preacher, and preaching trainer, to explore the role of rhetoric in gospel preaching. Not empty persuasion, but the thoughtful, Spirit-filled use of language to engage hearts and minds with God’s word.Darren unpacks:How rhetorical devices can serve the text, not overshadow itWhy repetition, rhythm, and contrast matter in oral communicationThe difference between being clever and being clearHow to grow as a communicator without becoming performativeThis isn’t about hype it’s about preaching with conviction, clarity, and imagination. If you want to sharpen your delivery and better move people toward Christ, this episode will stretch and inspire you.Darren's Podcast on Reformed Teaching is available here as well: https://discipleshipunplugged.buzzsprout.com/Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailEpisode 5: Preaching Christ from the Old Testament with Jared HoodHow do we preach Christ from passages where His name is never mentioned? And how do we avoid either forcing Him into the text or missing Him altogether?In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jared Hood, Principal of the Presbyterian Theological College and long-time Old Testament preacher and lecturer. Jared helps us think carefully and faithfully about how to preach Christ from the Old Testament not as a preaching trick, but as a theological and biblical necessity.We explore:Why Christ-centred preaching matters for the whole BibleDifferent ways Christ genuinely emerges from Old Testament textsPitfalls to avoid when connecting the TestamentsWhether you’re preaching from Exodus, Proverbs, or the Prophets, this conversation will equip you to preach the Old Testament with depth, care, and gospel clarity.Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailEpisode 4: Outline, Structure & Preaching Wisdom — with Peter AdamWhat makes a sermon not just true, but clear, compelling, and memorable? Often, it comes down to structure and a title or outline that sticks.In this episode, Peter Adam, beloved preacher, lecturer, and trusted mentor to generations of gospel workers, helps us think wisely about how to move from text to structure with clarity and faithfulness. He unpacks:How to shape a sermon that truly serves your hearersWhy great outlines and titles matter more than we thinkCommon structure mistakes and how to avoid themHow to let the passage drive the shape, without sounding dull or predictablePeter also shares rich, pastoral wisdom about the preacher’s heart, the goal of transformation, and the lifelong task of growing as a servant of the Word.If you’ve ever wondered how to go from good exegesis to a gripping outline with a memorable title this episode will sharpen both your structure and your soul.peteradam.orgOur prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailHow 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.David Cook's Preaching Trust: https://eptrust.org.auOur prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailHow 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.Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailWelcome 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 earsThe biggest mistakes young preachers make when trying to be ‘interesting’Practical habits that make sermons clearer, sharper and genuinely captivatingIf 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.Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

Send us Fan MailWelcome 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.Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit.