Starting Strong: Thriving in the First Years of Preaching

Matt & Oli
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Preaching is hard, especially in your first years. Starting Strong: Thriving in the First Years of Preaching brings you wisdom from experienced preachers to help you stay faithful, encouraged, and growing. We’re not the experts but we’re bringing them to you, with real conversations, practical tips, and hard-hitting truths to sharpen and sustain you for the road ahead. Start strong. Preach well. Stay true.

  1. Aug 25

    Preaching at Evangelistic Events with Sam Chan

    Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 9: Preaching at Evangelistic Events with Sam Chan Christmas. Easter. Carols. Community events. Special evangelistic nights. These moments can bring people into our churches who may rarely or never hear a Christian sermon. But how do we preach the gospel to a room where many people may have little understanding of Christianity and may not even be sure why they're there? In the final episode of Season 2, we’re joined by Sam Chan (evangelist, author, and experienced communicator) to explore how to preach clearly and compellingly at evangelistic events. Sam brings years of experience thinking about how the gospel connects with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We discuss: Making the most of opportunities like Christmas, Easter, Carols, and community eventsExplaining the gospel clearly without assuming too much Building a bridge from everyday experience to the message of Jesus Engaging people who are sceptical, curious, or spiritually indifferent Using stories, illustrations, questions, and humour effectively As the season comes to a close, this episode brings us back to the heart of preaching: proclaiming Christ to real people in real situations. Whether you're preaching at a packed Christmas service, an Easter gathering, a community event, or any other evangelistic opportunity, this conversation will encourage you to preach the gospel with clarity 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  2. Aug 18

    Preaching to Comfortable Christians with Tim Johnson

    Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 8: Preaching to Comfortable Christians with Tim Johnson How do you preach to people who genuinely believe the gospel, regularly attend church, and yet have become comfortable in their Christianity? How do you challenge complacency without simply piling on guilt? In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Johnson (lecturer on preaching and pastoral care at Ridley College) to explore the challenge of preaching to Christians who may be spiritually settled, comfortable, or resistant to change. We consider how the Word of God can lovingly expose complacency, renew our vision of Christ, and call believers to deeper faith, obedience, and mission. We discuss:  Preaching challenge without becoming harsh or moralistic Calling people beyond comfort towards sacrifice, holiness, and mission How a bigger vision of God provides the motivation for Christian growth Preaching to people who know the right answers but may have lost their sense of wonder Whether your congregation is prosperous, settled, mature, or simply familiar with the rhythms of church life, this conversation will help you think about how to preach God's Word in a way that wakes us up to the glory of Christ and the cost, and joy, of following him. 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  3. Aug 11

    Preaching to Gen Zs and Millennials with Guy Mason

    Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 7: Preaching to Gen Zs and Millennials — with Guy Mason How do you preach faithfully to generations shaped by smartphones, social media, individualism, and a rapidly changing cultural landscape? And how can we understand the people sitting in front of us without simply trying to make the gospel “cool”? In this episode, we’re joined by Guy Mason, founding and Senior Pastor of City on a Hill, to explore how preachers can communicate the unchanging gospel to Gen Zs and Millennials. Guy shares practical wisdom on understanding the questions, assumptions, and longings of younger generations, while keeping the message firmly centred on Christ. We discuss: What characterises the worldviews of Gen Zs and Millennials How cultural awareness can strengthen rather than compromise biblical preaching Communicating clearly in an age of distraction and scepticism Speaking to younger generations without pandering to them Why the timeless gospel remains exactly what younger people need Whether you’re preaching to a congregation full of young adults or simply want to understand the generations you’re trying to reach, this conversation will help you preach with greater cultural awareness, clarity, and confidence without changing the message. 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  4. Aug 4

    Kids Talks with Ian Jones

    Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 6: Kids Talks with Ian Jones How do you explain big truths to little people? And how can a children's talk be more than just a few entertaining minutes before the sermon? In this episode, we're joined by Ian Jones—children's ministry leader and experienced thoughtful communicator—to explore the art of giving faithful and memorable kids' talks. Ian shares practical wisdom on communicating God's Word to children in a way that is simple without being simplistic, fun without becoming distracting, and always centred on Christ. We discuss:  How to communicate big biblical truths in simple language  Using illustrations, objects, and interaction effectively  Holding children's attention without relying on entertainment  Keeping the gospel at the heart of every kids' talk Whether you're leading a children's talk every Sunday or only occasionally, this conversation will help you communicate God's Word in a way that captures young hearts while serving the whole church. 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  5. Jul 28

    Preaching to Women with Joy Arundell

    Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 5: Preaching to Women with Joy Arundell How can preachers faithfully proclaim God's Word in a way that genuinely connects with the women in their congregation? What helps women feel seen, understood, challenged, and encouraged by the gospel? In this episode, we're joined by Joy Arundell to explore what it looks like to preach with women thoughtfully in mind. Joy shares insights from years of study, teaching God's Word to women, and thoughtful practical wisdom. We discuss:  How women hear and respond to preaching  Common blind spots that can unintentionally hinder communication  Preaching to the real joys, pressures, and challenges women face  Avoiding stereotypes while speaking with empathy and truth  Keeping Christ at the centre as we call women to faithful discipleship Whether you're preaching to a Sunday congregation, a women's event, or simply want to grow in serving the women God has entrusted to your care, this conversation will help you preach with greater clarity, compassion, and gospel purpose. 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  6. Jul 21

    Preaching to Men with Andrew Grills

    Send us Fan Mail 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  7. Jul 14

    Preaching to the Intrigued but Unconverted with Glen Scrivener

    Send us Fan Mail 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  8. Jul 7

    Preaching at Weddings and Funerals with Eugene Hor

    Send us Fan Mail 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 mistakesMaking 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

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Preaching is hard, especially in your first years. Starting Strong: Thriving in the First Years of Preaching brings you wisdom from experienced preachers to help you stay faithful, encouraged, and growing. We’re not the experts but we’re bringing them to you, with real conversations, practical tips, and hard-hitting truths to sharpen and sustain you for the road ahead. Start strong. Preach well. Stay true.

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