Sermon Introductions and Illustrations, Lessons learned from Haddon Robinson and Preaching the Old Testament

Sermon Introductions and Illustrations, Lessons learned from Haddon Robinson and Preaching the Old Testament

Author: Mike Neglia July 23, 2024 Duration: 59:45

Mike Neglia welcomes Dr. Steve Mathewson to the Expositors Collective show and Steve shares his deep insights into sermon preparation and delivery. The discussion covers the strategic use of illustrations to enhance sermon relatability, techniques for crafting engaging introductions, and continuous improvement in communicating God's Word. Dr. Mathewson also provides a preview of his forthcoming book on preaching Old Testament poetry and reflects on valuable lessons learned from his mentor, Dr. Haddon Robinson, particularly the importance of character and demeanor in preaching. Join Mike and Dr. Mathewson for an informative session that blends practical advice with heartfelt reflections on the art of preaching.


$110 will sponsor a Ugandan Expositor : https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective 


Recommended episodes to learn from other students of Haddon Robinson: 

Dr Alan Stoddard: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/sermon-based-small-groups-alan-stoddard 

Dr John Whittaker: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/every-sermon-should-have-a-purpose-and-a-point-with-john-whittaker 

Dr Matthew Kim is the director of the Haddon W. Robinson Center for Preaching https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/preaching-through-tension-and-division-with-matthew-kim-paul-hoffman-and-mike-neglia


https://2guysandariver.com/ - The fly fishing podcast on which Steve is a co-host


Steve Mathewson is the Director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He has served in pastoral ministry for the past 38 years in both Montana and Illinois. He is a graduate of Multnomah University (Th.B.), Western Seminary, (M.A. in Old Testament), Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min. in Preaching), and Stellenbosch University (Ph.D. in Biblical Hebrew). He has written several books, including The Art of Preaching Old Testament NarrativePreaching the Four Gospels with Confidence, and Risen: Fifty Reasons why the Resurrection Changed Everything. Steve and his wife, Priscilla, have four children and eleven grandchildren. In his spare time, Steve enjoys fly fishing for trout. 

https://www.westernseminary.edu/academics/advanced-degrees/doctor-of-ministry-dmin - The Doctor of Ministry program which Steve directs at Western Seminary


Steve's Books: 

  • Joshua and Judges in The People's Bible Commentary (Bible Reading Fellowship, 2003)

  • Preaching the Hard Words of Jesus (Hendrickson, 2013)

  • Preaching the Four Gospels with Confidence (Hendrickson, 2013)

  • RISEN: Fifty Reasons Why the Resurrection Changed Everything (Baker, 2013)

  • The Art of Preaching Old Testament Narrative (Baker Academic, 2021; 2nd edition)

  • The Art of Preaching Old Testament Poetry (Baker Academic--release date is December 2024)

  • The Fly Fisher's Book of Lists (co-author; Big Snowy Media, 2017)



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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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