Starting Strong: Thriving in the First Years of Preaching

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Season 2, Episode 4: Preaching to Men with Andrew Grills
How do you preach in a way that speaks meaningfully to men? What are the opportunities, and the challenges, of calling men to follow Christ with courage and humility?
In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Grills, lead pastor of City on a Hill Geelong, to explore how faithful preaching can engage the hearts of men in our churches and communities. Andrew shares biblical and pastoral wisdom on addressing the unique temptations, responsibilities, and callings men face, while keeping Christ and the gospel firmly at the centre.
We discuss:
Calling men to biblical leadership, service, and godliness 
Preaching with challenge, grace, and gospel hope 
Avoiding stereotypes while speaking to real issues 
Helping men see the beauty and strength of following Christ 
Whether you're preaching to a men's gathering or a regular Sunday congregation, this conversation will help you proclaim God's Word in a way that challenges, encourages, and equips men to grow as faithful disciples of Jesus.
Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit.

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Season 2, Episode 3: Preaching to the Intrigued but Unconverted with Glen Scrivener
Guest: speaklife.org.uk
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1202891.rss

Not everyone in our congregations has come to faith. Some are asking questions, exploring Christianity, and genuinely intrigued by Jesus but they're not yet trusting Him. So how do we preach in a way that helps them take the next step?
In this episode, we're joined by Glen Scrivener, evangelist, author, speaker, and Speak Life podcaster, to explore how to preach to people who are interested in the gospel but have not yet believed. Glen shares his passion for presenting Christ compellingly, answering the questions people are really asking, and speaking in a way that both welcomes sceptics and challenges us all to respond.
Whether you're preaching in a local church, at an outreach event, or to a congregation where visitors are regularly present, this conversation will help you proclaim Christ in a way that is both faithful to Scripture and compelling to those still exploring the Christian faith.
Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit.

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Weddings and funerals gather people who may rarely step inside a church, yet they're often moments when people can be directed to God and hear the hope of the gospel.
In this episode, we're joined by Reverend Eugene Hor to discuss how to faithfully and wisely preach at weddings and funerals. Eugene shares practical insights on proclaiming Christ with warmth, clarity, and sensitivity while serving families during some of life's most memorable and emotional occasions.
We discuss:
How to prepare messages for two very different occasions 
Balancing pastoral care with clear gospel proclamation 
Preaching to rooms filled with both Christians and non-Christians 
Avoiding common mistakes
Making the most of unique opportunities to point people to Christ 
Whether you're officiating your first wedding, preaching your first funeral, or seeking to grow in these important ministries, this conversation will help you communicate the hope of the gospel with wisdom, compassion, and confidence.
Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit.

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Season 2, Episode 1: Hard Seasons in Life with Paul Grimmond
How do you preach to people whose lives are marked by grief, disappointment, suffering, or uncertainty? What does faithful preaching sound like when your congregation is walking through life's hardest seasons?
In the first episode of Season 2, we’re joined by Paul Grimmond (Vice Principal/Head of Ministry at Moore Theological College and the author of 'Suffering Well' and 'When the Noise Won't Stop') to explore how preachers can bring God’s Word to people who are hurting. Paul shares biblical wisdom and pastoral insight into preaching that acknowledges the reality of suffering while holding out the sure hope of Christ.
We discuss:
 How to preach with both truth and tenderness 
 Avoiding unhelpful clichés and easy answers 
 Bringing comfort without diminishing suffering 
 Helping people trust God when life doesn't make sense 
 Why hope in Christ is never naïve, even in the darkest seasons 
Whether you're preaching to a grieving family, a weary congregation, or someone quietly carrying heavy burdens, this conversation will help you proclaim God's Word with compassion, honesty, and lasting hope.
Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit.

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Bonus Episode: Healthy Habits for Emerging Preachers — with William Taylor
Preaching isn’t just about what happens in the pulpit. It’s about the habits formed long before you step into it.
In this bonus episode, William Taylor - pastor, Bible teacher, and long-time trainer of emerging preachers shares the foundational habits that sustain faithful gospel ministry over the long haul. Drawing from decades of preaching and mentoring, William offers practical wisdom for those starting out and wanting to build well from the beginning.
We explore:
The daily disciplines that shape strong preachers
How to grow in clarity, conviction, and courage
Guarding your heart while sharpening your craft
Why character matters more than platform
Whether you’re preparing your first sermon or your thousandth, this conversation will help you cultivate habits that strengthen both your preaching and your walk with Christ.
Check out St Helen's excellent podcast here: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-tujz9-1115fbe
Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit.