Does Your Preaching Pass The Rock and The Reed Challenge?

Does Your Preaching Pass The Rock and The Reed Challenge?

Author: Mike Neglia November 12, 2024 Duration: 45:13

In this episode of the Expositors Collective Podcast, Mike Neglia interviews Dr. Douglas D. Webster, professor of pastoral theology and preaching at Beeson Divinity School. Dr. Webster reflects on his personal journey into preaching, sharing his early experiences and the wisdom he gained from seasoned pastors. They discuss the prophetic and pastoral aspects of preaching, with Dr. Webster emphasizing the necessity of taking the Word of God seriously in every sermon. He shares insights into the different preaching styles, comparing "rock quarry" and "art gallery" approaches to communication.


Dr. Webster also explores the unique challenges of preaching parables and the importance of understanding their Old Testament roots. They discuss the balance between engaging the audience and ensuring faithfulness to the text, highlighting the contrast between implicit and explicit communication in preaching. Personal preaching styles, the importance of manuscripting, and the role of self-denial in delivering effective messages are central themes throughout the conversation.

Douglas D. Webster (Ph.D., University of St. Michael’s College) is professor of pastoral theology and preaching at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University. He served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of San Diego for fourteen years, as well as churches in New York City, Denver, and Toronto. His books include Follow the Lamb: A Pastoral Approach to The Revelation and Preaching Hebrews: The End of Religion and Faithfulness to the End


Resources Mentioned:

More Than a Sermon: https://blog.lexhampress.com/2024/05/09/more-than-a-sermon-an-interview-with-doug-webster/

The Parables: Jesus's Friendly Subversive Speech:  https://www.kregel.com/douglas-d-webster/the-parables/

Hope, Suffering and Glory - CGN's recent conference based on 1 Peter:  https://cgn.org/2024archives/

Beeson Divinity School: https://www.samford.edu/beeson-divinity/ 

Fellow Beeson Professor Gerald Bray's episode about learning preaching from Chrysostom: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/pastoral-preaching-brevity-and-john-chrysostom-gerald-bray 


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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/


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Mike Neglia hosts Expositors Collective: Expository Preaching, Bible Teaching and Sermon Preparation, a space dedicated to the craft of clearly opening the Scriptures. Rather than offering abstract theory, this podcast grounds itself in the tangible realities faced by pastors and teachers every week. You'll hear genuine conversations that feel like pulling up a chair in a mentor's study, where experienced practitioners discuss the challenges and joys of preparing messages that faithfully explain the biblical text. Episodes often take the form of interviews or practical workshops, delving into the nuances of effective communication for diverse settings like church pulpits, youth groups, or women's ministries. The collective wisdom shared here is about more than just structure; it's about the spiritual discipline of listening to a passage before speaking on it, ensuring the sermon's heart beats in rhythm with the Bible's intent. Tuning into this podcast provides a form of ongoing coaching, a resource for anyone who wants their teaching to be both deeply rooted and readily understood. It’s for those who believe that the careful work of exposition is a profound act of service, and who are looking for a companion on that journey.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Expositors Collective: Expository Preaching, Bible Teaching and Sermon Preparation
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