How Every Preacher Must Fan the Flame with Jim Cymbala

How Every Preacher Must Fan the Flame with Jim Cymbala

Author: Steve Carter October 25, 2022 Duration: 42:01
In his new book, Fan the Flame: Let Jesus Renew Your Calling and Revive Your Church, Jim Cymbala distills the Spirit-fueled, Bible-saturated ethos of his 50+ years in ministry. As Steve Carter affectionately quips, "Jim is like a firehose of passion and wisdom." In this episode, Jim explains why Acts 20 is the “spiritual selfie” every pastor should aspire to. He pushes back against the church growth movement一which is consumeristic in its mission and methods一instead imploring pastors to preach the full counsel of God, in the power of the Holy Spirit, for the singular purpose of pointing people to Christ. Jim offers a practical picture of his daily devotions, which includes a mixture of devotionals, Scripture, singing, and prayer. Rather than formulaic, his routine reminds novices and veterans alike that, above all, the call of every pastor is to spend time with God. EPISODE LINKS Jim’s new book: Fan the Flame Jim’s other books: Fresh Wind Fresh Fire, Spiritual Warfare Is Real Church: brooklyntabernacle.org Jim’s Facebook @steveryancarter @craft_character Preaching in the Power of the Holy Spirit - Preaching Guide on Preaching Today Preaching Today's Christmas Article: "My Favorite Christmas Theme," by Bri Johns Christmas Resources Page on PreachingToday.com Advent Resources Page on PreachingToday.com

Steve Carter hosts Craft & Character, a space where the art of preaching meets the inward journey of the preacher. This isn't about quick tips or isolated techniques; it's a deep, thoughtful exploration of how who you are fundamentally shapes what you say from the pulpit. Each episode rests on a central, challenging question: are you merely transferring religious information, or are you speaking from a place that has been genuinely and personally transformed? The conversations in this podcast argue that authentic, impactful communication of faith cannot happen without the messenger's own life being shaped by the very truths they proclaim. You'll hear Steve engage with a variety of voices on the intricate blend of skill development and spiritual formation. The discussions are grounded in practical wisdom for the craft of sermon preparation and delivery, while always circling back to the essential priority of character, integrity, and a vibrant personal walk. Designed for those in ministry, from seasoned pastors to those just starting out, this podcast offers a rare and refreshing honesty about the pressures and privileges of the role. It’s for anyone who believes that teaching well requires living well first, making Craft & Character a vital resource for personal growth and professional development within the realms of faith and leadership.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Craft & Character
Podcast Episodes
Preaching Faith as a Spider Web with Meredith Miller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:54
Teaching kids about God is one of the greatest tasks of our lives. Even with good intentions, It’s easy to slip into behavior-driven moralism that emphasizes good behavior while neglecting the heart of God. This disconne…
When the World Breaks with Jason Miller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:47
The world is broken. When we see and feel that brokenness, it sometimes feels impossible一even illogical一to cling to faith. In this episode, Jason Miller, lead pastor of South Bend City Church in Indiana, describes his ow…
How to Reach Urban Youth with Tommy Nixon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:38
Steve Carter chops it up with his best friend Tommy Nixon一CEO of the Urban Youth Workers Institute一about how to reach the next generation for Christ. Tommy unpacks 20+ years of urban ministry, including: What to do about…
Having Something to Say with Michele Cushatt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:20
Every communicator must decide: Am I going to be the person pretending I don’t have flaws, or am I going to be someone with something to say? For Michele Cushatt一author, speaker, and communication coach一three bouts with…
Master the Art of Storytelling with Nick Benoit and Paul Johnson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:20
If you’ve ever felt creatively fatigued from the demand to preach week after week, meet Bravingbird: a go-to resource to help you communicate the gospel story with more clarity, beauty, and authenticity. In this episode,…
Find Healthier Ways to Preach on Sex with Sheila Wray Gregoire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:17
Sex is designed by God to be a gift, but tragically, it’s horribly misused to objectify women一not only in the world at-large一but also in the church. In this episode, Sheila Wray Gregoire, author of The Great Sex Rescue,…
Finding Streams in the Wasteland with Andrew Arndt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:11
Andrew Arndt had an airtight plan for his life: keep preaching at the same church as lead pastor until his final breath. But when God led him out of his small, artsy community into a megachurch, while grateful for his ne…
Preaching the Centrality of Christ with James Forsyth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:14
Every time James Forsyth preaches, his goal is to set hearts ablaze一like Jesus in Luke 24, when he opened the scriptures with his disciples and their “hearts burned within them.” As the senior pastor at Cedar Springs Pre…
Having Words with God with Addison Bevere [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:26
Prayer is the one thing we know we’re supposed to do, but often the thing we don’t know how to do一or if we’re 100% honest一the thing we don’t always want to do. In this episode, Steve Carter talks with Addison Bevere, who…
Preaching Theology for Everyone with Joel Muddamalle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:58
Knowledge often produces hubris, not humility, which is why Joel Muddamalle is such a refreshing theological voice. As the Director of Theology and Research for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and a preaching pastor at Transform…