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. 10h ago

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Jun 30

    Preaching to People in Hard Seasons of Life with Paul Grimmond

    Send us Fan Mail 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.

  5. Mar 4

    Bonus Episode: Healthy Habits for Emerging Preachers with William Taylor

    Send us Fan Mail 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 preachersHow to grow in clarity, conviction, and courageGuarding your heart while sharpening your craftWhy character matters more than platformWhether 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.

  6. 10/10/2025 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode: Preaching to Set Vision with Russ Grinter, Darren Middleton, and Phil Campbell

    Send us Fan Mail How can preaching do more than teach — how can it shape a church’s direction, culture, and heart for mission? In this bonus episode, Russ Grinter, Darren Middleton, and Phil Campbell join forces to discuss how faithful preaching can set and sustain gospel vision in a local church. Together, they explore how vision casting happens not through flashy slogans or strategies, but through consistent, Christ-centred preaching that lifts people’s eyes to God’s purposes. We talk about: How to preach in a way that forms a church’s culture over timeThe difference between preaching about vision and for visionHow to align sermons with the mission and seasons of church lifeLessons from years of preaching that have helped churches grow in focus and unityWhether you’re planting, pastoring, or planning the year ahead, this episode will inspire you to preach in a way that helps your church see, and live, God’s big vision together. 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.

  7. 08/25/2025

    Heart Application with Murray Capill

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 10: Heart Application with Murray Capill Preaching isn’t finished until God’s Word reaches real lives. But how do we move from explaining the text to showing its transforming power in the everyday? In this season finale, we’re joined by Murray Capill, pastor, author, and long-time lecturer in preaching, to explore the heart of application. Murray unpacks why application is not an optional add-on, but the very goal of preaching, and how preachers can connect the Bible to the joys and struggles of their people with helpful ideas and frameworks. We discuss: Why application is central to biblical preachingHow to make sermons land in different contexts and with diverse listenersCommon pitfalls in application and how to avoid themHow application keeps pointing people to Christ rather than just “good advice”This episode ties together the themes of the whole season, reminding us that preaching is not only about saying true things but about God’s Word bringing lasting change in real lives. 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.

  8. 08/18/2025

    Key Tips for Beginners with Dave Martin

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 9: Key Tips for Beginners with Dave Martin Every preacher has a first sermon. But what makes the difference between stumbling through and stepping up with confidence? In this episode, we sit down with Dave Martin — experienced pastor and preaching trainer — to hear his most practical advice for those just starting out. Dave shares lessons learned the hard way, what he wishes he knew earlier, and the habits that can set new preachers on a path of steady growth. We cover: How to overcome nerves and prepare with clarityThe essential building blocks of a faithful sermonCommon mistakes beginners make and how to avoid themIf you’re a beginner preacher, or walking alongside someone who is, this episode offers wisdom that’s both realistic and deeply encouraging. 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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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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