The Fear of Man vs The Fear of God - Jeffrey Arthurs on Courageous Preaching

The Fear of Man vs The Fear of God - Jeffrey Arthurs on Courageous Preaching

Author: Mike Neglia April 21, 2026 Duration: 41:14

Dr Jeffrey Arthurs joins Mike Neglia for a rich and encouraging conversation about preaching, courage, and the freedom that comes from fearing God rather than fearing people.

The discussionincludes a striking quotation from Puritan preacher William Gurnall:

"We fear men so much because we fear God so little. One fear cures the other."

That idea opens the door to a wide ranging conversation about the fear of man in ministry and how a deeper awareness of God reshapes the way we preach, lead, and serve.

Jeffrey Arthurs shares insights from decades of preaching, teaching, and mentoring preachers. Along the way he offers practical wisdom on understanding the people we preach to, communicating with clarity and specificity, and learning how different biblical genres should shape the way we proclaim Scripture.

In this conversation you will hear about:

  • The difference between fear of man and fear of the Lord in ministry
  • Why specificity makes preaching more powerful
  • The importance of understanding both the biblical context and the congregational context
  • Haddon Robinson’s Subject/Complement approach to sermon structure
  • The difference between feedback and feedforward when helping preachers grow
  • The hidden hope inside biblical lament
  • Why different literary genres in Scripture should influence our preaching style

Whether you are a seasoned preacher, a young Bible teacher, or someone who simply wants to communicate Scripture more clearly, this conversation is full of thoughtful encouragement and practical insight.


About Jeffrey Arthurs

Jeffrey D. Arthurs is Professor of Preaching and Communication at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. His passion is helping people proclaim the Word of God with clarity, faithfulness, and creativity.

His books include Preaching with Variety, Devote Yourself to the Public Reading of Scripture, and Preaching as Reminding. Before entering the classroom he served in a wide range of communication roles including pastor, missionary, announcer, and ministry consultant.


Upcoming Training Weekend


May 15th-16th, 2026 at Reliance Church in Temecula, California

Take advantage of early bird pricing until April 26th – only $120 per person!

Register Today!

The Expositors Collective is a network of pastors, leaders, and laypeople which exists to equip, encourage, and mentor the next generation of Christ-centered preachers. 

What to expect:
In this interactive training weekend, attendees will hear insightful lectures, participate in Q&A panels, meet in small groups with a seasoned mentor, build ongoing relationships, and participate in a studying/teaching practicum.


Who should attend:
Christ-following men and women of all ages, ministry experience, and church backgrounds who are students of Scripture and desire to grow as teachers of the Word. Whether you’re a regular Bible teacher or have never taught the Bible in a public setting before, this training weekend offers invaluable tools to equip you in your journey.


Connect
Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective


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: 50

Expositors Collective: Expository Preaching, Bible Teaching and Sermon Preparation
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