The Word Shared

The Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust

A podcast from the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust and Preach magazine. About the podcast: The Word Shared is a space for anyone passionate about sharing Scripture, preaching, and Christian leadership. Through honest conversations and thoughtful reflections, the podcast explores how we communicate God’s Word faithfully in today’s world. What you’ll hear: Engaging interviews with authors, preachers, theologians, and ministry voices from across the UK and beyondConversations with both established and emerging Christian leadersReadings and reflections from Preach magazine’s most insightful and encouraging archival articlesHonest discussions about faith, preaching, ministry, and leadership in the 21st century Who it’s for: Church leaders and preachersLay readers and those exploring a call to ministryAnyone passionate about faith, Scripture, and communicating God’s Word Why listen: To be inspired, informed, and equipped for your own ministryTo hear from diverse voices across the ChurchTo reflect deeply on the power of preaching and teaching today

  1. 4d ago

    The Future of Church Leadership Starts with Prayer | Mark Woods

    In this episode of The Word Shared, Tanya Stead is joined by Mark Woods for a thoughtful conversation about prayer, preaching, and how church leaders can help congregations grow in confidence and faith. Mark reflects on the importance of prayer as a core Christian discipline, while also offering practical, honest wisdom for anyone seeking to deepen their prayer life or encourage others in theirs. Mark reads from his article, Lord, Teach Us to Pray, which explores how prayer can be nurtured in everyday life and within church communities. He explains that prayer is often treated as a basic habit, but in reality many Christians struggle with guilt, dryness, distraction, or uncertainty. Rather than forcing one “correct” approach, he encourages a healthier, more personal understanding of prayer — one that recognizes different personalities, rhythms, and needs. From there, the episode moves into practical ideas for encouraging prayer in congregations. Mark shares eight helpful suggestions, including: shared church prayer resourcespraying through scripturepraying through the housethe ACTS mnemonicstillness and silenceusing technology wiselyprayer partnershipspraying the Lord’s Prayer A key thread throughout the discussion is the idea that prayer should be a blessing, not a burden. Mark emphasises that prayer is deeply personal and that leaders can help people discover their own authentic way of praying. He also reflects on the importance of listening to God, not just speaking to God, and of being open to a genuine two-way conversation in prayer. The episode closes with a reading of Matthew 6:9–13, including the Lord’s Prayer, and a reminder that even when our own words fail us, we always have the words of Jesus. In this episode, you’ll hear about: how prayer can become a healthy, life-giving habitpractical ways to encourage prayer in churchesthe importance of listening as part of prayerwhy vulnerability in preaching must be handled with carethe value of humility, preparation, and God-centred storytelling Featured Scripture: Matthew 6:9–13

  2. Jun 30

    Leadership, Women's salvation, leadership dynamics and emotional intelligence | Marjorie Esomowei

    In this special archive episode from 2022, we revisit a powerful and deeply insightful conversation with Pastor Marjorie Esomowei, co-pastor of Triumphant Church International, which she planted alongside her husband, Pastor Clem Esomowei. Speaking with Louisa Lockwood (Editor of Preach magazine), Pastor Marjorie reflects on the release of her book The Leading Lady and opens up about the lessons she’s learned—sometimes the hard way—as well as the blessings that come from trusting God’s voice and faithfully following His assignments. In this episode, we explore:Pastor Marjorie’s remarkable journey, including over a decade of ministry in Holland’s red light districtHow a God-given vision for women’s salvation shaped her callingThe importance of listening to the Lord in every seasonLiving a balanced Christian life in today’s worldInsights on emotional intelligence, including what we can learn from Moses’ angerHonest discussion around leadership dynamics, including “alpha male” personalitiesThe often-overlooked soul and mental health challenges of lockdown, with a biblical reflection on Noah’s experience after the ArkThroughout the conversation, Pastor Marjorie draws powerful connections between biblical narratives and modern life, offering wisdom that is both practical and spiritually rich. Resources & Links:Learn more about Triumphant Church International: https://www.triumphant.org.uk/Get your copy of The Leading Lady: https://theleadingladybook.co.uk/

  3. Feb 18

    Lent | Meeting God in John | David F Ford

    In this conversation, Charmaine Yip talks with theologian David Ford about his lifelong engagement with the Gospel of John, exploring its authorship, distinctive style, and the depth of meaning woven throughout its pages. David reflects on why John’s Gospel is so central to Christian theology, how it reveals the identity of Jesus, and how its “waves of meaning” invite us to deeper faith, worship and self-understanding. David also introduces his new Advent resource, Meeting God in John (SPCK 2025), designed to guide individuals and groups through the Gospel during Lent and beyond, offering a way to read Scripture slowly, prayerfully and in community. In this interview, you’ll discover: - Why the Gospel of John is essential for Christian faith and theology - What makes John’s Gospel different from the Synoptic Gospels - How John reveals the identity of Jesus - What David means by the “superabundance” of God’s love - Why reading Scripture with others deepens understanding - How John invites us to reflect on our own identity and desires - How to engage with John’s Gospel during Lent and beyond Explore More Resources View our Bible Month resources — in-depth Bible teaching for churches and small groups Discover David Ford’s new Advent resource, Meeting God in John — available now Explore more Preach resources on our website — articles, workshops, webinars and preaching tools Preach magazine is a resource of the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust, supporting those called to preach and lead worship.

About

A podcast from the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust and Preach magazine. About the podcast: The Word Shared is a space for anyone passionate about sharing Scripture, preaching, and Christian leadership. Through honest conversations and thoughtful reflections, the podcast explores how we communicate God’s Word faithfully in today’s world. What you’ll hear: Engaging interviews with authors, preachers, theologians, and ministry voices from across the UK and beyondConversations with both established and emerging Christian leadersReadings and reflections from Preach magazine’s most insightful and encouraging archival articlesHonest discussions about faith, preaching, ministry, and leadership in the 21st century Who it’s for: Church leaders and preachersLay readers and those exploring a call to ministryAnyone passionate about faith, Scripture, and communicating God’s Word Why listen: To be inspired, informed, and equipped for your own ministryTo hear from diverse voices across the ChurchTo reflect deeply on the power of preaching and teaching today