Expositors Collective: Expository Preaching, Bible Teaching and Sermon Preparation

Matthew Erickson, pastor and author of The Pastor as Gardener, reimagines pastoral work through a gardening lens. He describes shifting from ad-lib preaching to disciplined preparation, running a collaborative preaching rota, and how seasons and metaphors reshape ministry expectations. Practical rhythms and the freeing idea that pastors cultivate soil rather than force growth are highlighted.

Peter Kenny, pastor of Cork Baptist Church and seasoned Bible teacher, shares stories from early sermons to refined prep habits. He talks about ditching full manuscripts, keeping illustrations fresh, avoiding unexplained Christianese, and using discourse analysis and arcing to make textual logic clear. Expect practical reflections on training, delivery, and shaping sermons for diverse congregations.

Tadhg O'Connell, a Ballyphehane community worker and recovery advocate, shares his journey from addiction to grassroots ministry. He talks about translating mountaintop spiritual moments into everyday valley ministry. Conversations cover preaching nerves, teaching techniques, dyslexia-shaped interpretation, community addiction groups, and staying where you are called to serve.

Roy Collins, a retired pastor and former professor of Biblical Interpretation, shares decades of pastoral and academic wisdom. He walks through practical sermon-prep steps: read and reread Scripture until it settles, work the text on a worksheet, consult trusted resources, craft a focused outline, gather illustrations, and rehearse aloud. The talk urges humility and faithful proclamation over novelty.

Dr Roy Collins, preaching teacher who reflects on early mistakes. Bryan Stupar, youth ministry mentor addressing culture and discipleship. Mike Payne, worship pastor who explains week-by-week preparation. Alan Stoddard, church planter focused on planning and preaching calendars. They discuss sermon rhythms, planning ahead, handling information overload, expressive individualism, and mentoring young people in short, practical terms.

Brenda Leavenworth, Bible teacher, author, and founder of When She Leads, works to equip women for thoughtful church leadership. She talks about growing in teaching and theological clarity. She highlights the need for biblically grounded, multigenerational teams. She discusses building durable ministries, raising new teachers and writers, and practical tools for faithful ministry.

Sean Hausman, pastor in Maui and former Dean of Men at Calvary Chapel Bible College, brings years of pastoral experience and practical teaching. He reflects on learning to follow an author’s unfolding argument, treating Scripture like a treasure map, and avoiding proverb-like flattening. The conversation also covers sermon prep habits, wise word-study use, and resisting performance-driven ministry.

Bob Hiller, pastor in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and preacher/author focused on law-and-gospel proclamation, joins to discuss preaching as handing over forgiveness. Short takes cover the Law vs Gospel distinction, text-bound expository practice, pastoral tone and care, weekly sermon craft, and who may pronounce absolution. Practical, pastoral, and unapologetically Christ-centered preaching topics.

Don Sunukjian, pastor and homiletics professor emeritus at Biola University, brings decades of pastoral and teaching experience. He discusses oral clarity in preaching. He explains techniques like restating transitions, manuscripting then preaching without notes, and choosing vivid, realistic examples. Practical steps for clearer introductions and stronger conclusions are highlighted.

Shane Angland, a pastor renowned for his insights into biblical interpretation, joins Steven Pomeroy, a church staff member passionate about Bible exposition. They dive into the Apocrypha, clarifying its historical context versus its Scriptural status, critical for pastors today. The panel emphasizes the distinction between teaching and preaching, urging an interactive approach in small groups. They also discuss the vital role of church councils in defining doctrine and the necessity of using extra-biblical sources for deeper understanding, all while encouraging clarity and connection in sermons.