Ben Smith

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Channel • 3 Shows

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Christianity

Christianity

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Christianity

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3D AGO

Episode 28: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Akin

In this episode of "View From the Pulpit," host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Danny Akin, President and Professor of Preaching and Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Akin shares his journey and conviction for expository preaching, defining it as text-driven, where "the text of scripture sets the agenda both in terms of the structure of your sermon and the substance of your sermon". The conversation explores the historical shift toward expository preaching in pulpits and seminaries, Dr. Akin's meticulous sermon preparation process, and offers valuable advice for both preachers and congregations. Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 29: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Akin. Episode Theme: Text-driven preaching In this episode of "View From the Pulpit," host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Danny Akin, President and Professor of Preaching and Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary about expository preaching, the historical shift towards expository preaching in pulpits and seminaries, Dr. Akin's meticulous sermon preparation process, and valuable advice for both preachers and congregations. Key Highlights: The Power of Expository Preaching: Dr. Akin passionately advocates for expository preaching as the most genuine and effective method for feeding the soul and nurturing discipleship, contrasting it with topical preaching that may lack sufficient biblical substance. He emphasizes that the sermon's agenda should be dictated by the biblical text itself, not the preacher's ingenuity or external topics. A Glimpse into Sermon Preparation: Dr. Akin details his personal preparation process, which often involves mapping out sermon series months in advance. For each message, he dedicates approximately 15 hours of preparation, including multiple readings of the text in various translations (including Greek and Hebrew), consulting five to ten commentaries (critical, expository, and devotional), and meticulously crafting outlines that reflect the structure of the scripture. He stresses the importance of weaving application throughout the message rather than backloading it and individually working on introductions and conclusions to ensure a strong start and finish. Encouragement for Pastors and Churches: Dr. Akin addresses challenges such as the misconception that expository preaching is "boring" (attributing boredom to delivery, not substance) and the pressure on church planters for "cool series" over biblical fidelity. His advice to churches is to pray for their pastors and to applaud, affirm, and encourage them when they faithfully open and explain the Bible. He concludes with his lifelong guiding principle for ministry: "All that matters in life is that you please God". Join host Ben Smith and Dr. Danny Akin, President of SEBTS, as he shares insights on the art and importance of text-driven expository preaching, his personal sermon preparation, seminary education, and the enduring power of God's Word for the church. Host: Ben Smith Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org. Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr. For more information about Central Baptist Church in Waycross, GA, please visit https://cbcwaycross.org/. Other podcasts by Ben Smith: All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom Sermon Shorts is a podcast featuring sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod Guest: Dr Danny Akin Dr. Danny Akin serves as the President and Professor of Preaching and Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) in Wake Forest, North Carolina. His extensive academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Criswell College (1980), a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1983), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities from the University of Texas at Arlington (1989), specializing in History with a minor in Philosophy. Dr. Akin's career in theological education began at Criswell College in the 1980s, followed by a period at SEBTS as an Associate Professor and Dean of Students. He then had a significant tenure at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he held various roles including Associate Professor, Dean of the School of Theology, Senior Vice President for Academic Administration, and Professor of Theology and Christian Preaching. He assumed the presidency of SEBTS in 2004, a position he has held for over 20 years. An Atlanta, Georgia native, Dr. Akin and his wife Charlotte have four adult sons, all of whom are serving in ministry or ministry-related professions. Beyond his leadership and teaching, he is a prolific author of numerous books and articles, notably authoring or editing many volumes in the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series. Dr. Akin's ministry and life are underpinned by his guiding principle: "All that matters in life is that you please God." For more information on Dr Akin, visit https://www.danielakin.com/, where you will find blog posts, sermons, lectures, podcasts, and much more from Dr. Akin. To download Dr. Akin’s resource, Building a Theological Library that Ben mentions in the podcast, visit https://www.danielakin.com/building-a-theological-library-2019/. This free resource contains over 1000 of Dr. Akin’s recommended resources to assist you in building your library and faithfully serving our Lord. Each resource has been carefully chosen, and this edition has been updated in 2023. A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/. Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music. Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app and never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id2996433489 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead

3d ago

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55 min
AUG 25

Episode 27: A Conversation with Noah Oldham

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 27: A Conversation with Noah Oldham. Episode Theme: Cultivating a church culture that deeply values God's word. In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Noah Oldham, Executive Director of Send Network about establishing the central place of preaching in new churches, the critical role of biblical, expositional preaching, training the next generation of preachers, and cultivating a church culture that deeply values God's word. Key Highlights: Preaching is Central to Church Planting: Noah emphasizes that church planting is about engaging the city with the gospel and making disciples. Central to this is the declaration of God's word. Strong biblical expositional preaching is considered "everything" in the early years of a church plant for growth, unity, and vision. Biblically Shaped Culture: Noah shares how building a church culture that is hungry for God's word requires intentionality in the worship service. Practices like beginning services with scripture reading to indicate God has the first word and centering the service around preaching shape people's understanding of what is important. Allotting a significant amount of time to preaching communicates its value. Join Ben Smith and Noah Oldham for valuable insights into establishing the central place of preaching in new churches, the critical role of biblical, expositional preaching, training the next generation of preachers, and cultivating a church culture that deeply values God's word. Host: Ben Smith Guest: Noah Oldham Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org. Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr. For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/. Other podcasts by Ben Smith: All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod Noah Oldham is the Executive Director of Send Network. He served as the founding and lead pastor of August Gate Church for 15 years and the Send City Missionary to St. Louis for almost 10 years. In both roles, he led his church and dozens of others in planting churches throughout the St. Louis region and beyond. He holds a master’s degree in Biblical Studies and Christian Leadership from Liberty University and an undergraduate degree from McKendree University. He writes, speaks, and trains in the area of church planting and the local church. Noah and his wife Heather have been married since 2005 and have five children. For more information and resources from Noah Oldham, visit: Follow Noah on X: www.x.com/noaholdham Find articles and podcasts at www.newchurches.com Find sermons at www.augustgate.com Find sermons and teaching at www.sojournwoodstock.com A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/. Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music. Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app and never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id2796433489 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead

Aug 25

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1h 6m
1D AGO

The Nature of Man, Genesis 1:26-31

Man’s nature and purpose are not according to the autonomous will of man but determined, ordained, and commanded by the sovereignty of God. A biblical worldview affirms the sovereignty of God over all of creation, including man, but the world claims that each person has total autonomy, independent of any authority. Genesis 1:26-31 testifies to the creation of man and man’s nature and purpose. In the sermon from Genesis 1:26-31, Pastor Ben explains that God’s creation of man demands that you honor every human life as God’s image bearer, be a good steward of God’s creation, and submit to God’s authority to create and command. Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org. You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. Special thanks to David Carnes for his beautiful rendition of This Is My Father’s World from the album Journey… a Praise Offering. You can explore this recording and more of his music at Apple Music. This sermon was originally preached on 8/24/2025.

1d ago

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47 min
JUN 16

Episode 17: A Conversation with Dr. Bart Barber

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 17: A Conversation with Pastor Dr. Bart Barber. Episode Theme: “I will occasionally explain myself.” In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Pastor Dr. Bart Barber, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Farmersville, TX, about how to integrate systematic theology with Biblical theology through expositional preaching, effectively utilize original language study in preaching, and his unique method of sermon preparation process. Key Highlights: · The challenge of demographic changes: Dr. Barber describes how the rural context in which his church has existed throughout its history has been transformed by population growth, and the effect and challenges this has had on his preaching, especially in relation to the sermon illustrations he uses. · Integration of systematic theology with biblical theology: Dr. Barber describes his approach to expository preaching and preaching through books of the Bible. He explains how this approach is focused on biblical theology and how he often preaches a conclusory sermon series to integrate a systematic theological approach to issues that were prominent in the book. · Use of original languages in preparation and preaching: Dr. Barber is an accomplished scholar in biblical languages, having conducted extensive academic work in both Greek and Hebrew. He explains how he integrates his linguistic expertise into his preaching and offers suggestions on how anyone, regardless of their linguistic ability, can engage in basic language studies. · Preparing to preach months in advance: During his PhD studies, Dr. Barber recognized that meeting the academic demands while handling the regular and often unexpected demands of ministry required that he prepare his sermon well in advance. Dr. Barber explains how he plans and prepares a year’s worth of sermons during an intensive week dedicated to this singular task. Join Ben Smith and Dr. Bart Barber for a fascinating conversation about expository preaching and how to be most faithful when proclaiming God’s word. Host: Ben Smith Guest: Dr. Bart Barber Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org. Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr. For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/. Other podcasts by Ben Smith: All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod Bart Barber has served as the pastor of First Baptist Church in Farmersville, Texas, since 1999. At an associational summer camp at the Mount Zion Baptist Camp in Walcott, Arkansas, Bart surrendered to pastoral ministry in the summer of 1981. The following year, just prior to the start of his senior year in high school, he assumed the pastorate at New Hope Baptist Church in Black Oak, Arkansas. A National Merit Scholar, Dr. Barber earned his BA in the University Scholars program with an emphasis in Greek and Hebrew from Baylor University, Waco, TX. He would go on to earn an MDiv with advanced standing in biblical languages, a PhD in church history, and a minor in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. Bart has served in various denominational capacities with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention. At the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California, June 14-15, 2022, Bart was elected President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He and his wife, Tracy, have two children. Find Dr. Barber on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbartbarber/ Follow Dr. Barber on X: https://x.com/bartbarber Listen to Pastor Barber’s latest sermons on: · YouTube: https://youtube.com/@drbartbarber · Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0hINKd4GBOMJ8RxrFMqZ3d Glossary of Key Terms Biblical Theology: The study of what a particular book, chapter, or section of the Bible conveys about a specific theme or doctrine, examined on its own terms within its historical and literary context. Christology: The study of the nature and person of Jesus Christ, including his divinity and humanity. Conclusory Sermons: A series of sermons preached after completing an expository series through a book, designed to summarize and emphasize key doctrinal themes found within that book. Eschatology: The study of the "last things" or end times, including topics such as the second coming of Christ, the millennium, and the final judgment. Exegesis (Exegetical Work): The critical interpretation and explanation of a biblical text, involving careful study of the original languages, historical context, and literary features. Expository Preaching: A style of preaching that aims to explain and apply the meaning of a specific biblical passage, often working through books of the Bible sequentially. Historical Theology: The study of the development of Christian doctrines and beliefs throughout the history of the church, often focusing on significant figures and movements. Homiletical/Homiletics: Relating to the art or science of preaching or giving sermons; the principles of sermon preparation and delivery. Hypostatic Union: The theological term used to describe the union of the divine and human natures in the single person of Jesus Christ. Logos Software: A popular digital library and research tool used by pastors and scholars for biblical study and sermon preparation. Pericope: A distinct passage or section of scripture, often used as the basis for a sermon or study. Pathos: An appeal to emotion, used in rhetoric to persuade or connect with an audience. Systematic Theology: The study of Christian doctrines arranged in a systematic and logical order, integrating teaching from across the entire Bible on various theological topics. Text Driven: Refers to preaching or teaching that derives its main points and structure directly from the biblical text being studied. Trinitarian: Relating to the doctrine of the Trinity, which teaches that God is one God in three co-eternal consubstantial persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/. Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music. Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app and never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id1796433489 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead

Jun 16

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1h 10m
AUG 18

Episode 26: A Conversation with Brian Carroll

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 26: A Conversation with Pastor Brian Carroll. Episode Theme: Convictional expositional preaching In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Pastor Brian Carroll, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Flintstone, GA about his commitment to faithful biblical exposition and preaching through books of the Bible, his sermon preparation process, and the importance of loving and knowing one's congregation. Key Highlights: · Preaching through books: Pastor Carroll is committed to preaching through books of the Bible and adhering to a rigid preaching schedule. Typically, Pastor Carroll does not deviate from his preaching schedule for church or secular holidays. Recently, a particularly uncomfortable text from Revelation 17 fell on Mother’s Day Sunday. Rather than avoid the text, Pastor Carroll took the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to preaching through books of the Bible. · Collaborative model of Sermon Preparation: A significant aspect of Pastor Carroll’s preparation process is collaboration with his staff. He brings the week's text to Monday morning staff meetings for questions, insights, and different perspectives. · The Profound Impact of Long-Term Pastoral Ministry: Both Carroll and Smith highlight the value and impact of serving a church for a significant period. Carroll, with tenures of over 12 years at his previous church and seven years at his current church, emphasizes how knowing the congregation deeply shapes his preaching and pastoring. His current position at Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church is particularly significant as it was the church where he attended college, was called to preach, and experienced spiritual growth. This history creates a sense of "homecoming" and a desire to "invest in the church. Join Ben Smith and Pastor Brian Carroll for valuable insights about expository preaching and how to be most faithful when proclaiming God’s word. Host: Ben Smith Guest: Pastor Brian Carroll Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org. Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr. For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/. Other podcasts by Ben Smith: All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod Brian Carroll has served as lead pastor of Chattanooga Baptist Church, Flintstone, GA, for seven years. Prior to coming to Chattanooga Baptist, he pastored Northside Baptist Church of Newnan, GA. Brian earned his undergraduate degree from Shorter University in Rome, GA, a MDiv from Beeson Divinity School, and a Master of Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. In addition to his pastoral duties, Brian serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Shorter University. Brian and his wife, Heather, have two children. Follow Pastor Carroll on X: https://x.com/pastor_brian Watch and listen to Pastor Carroll’s latest sermons on: · YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattanoogaValleyBaptistChurch · Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chattanooga-valley-baptist-church/id1484400386 For more information on Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church, visit: http://cvbchurch.org/ A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/. Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music. Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app and never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id2696433489 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead

Aug 18

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57 min
JUN 9

Episode 16: A Conversation with Wayne Woods

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 16: A Conversation with Wayne Woods Episode Theme: A preacher’s preparation and the role of preaching in the church In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Wayne Woods, pastor of Ten Mile Baptist Church in Alma, GA, about how God called him to the ministry, how he learned to preach, and the relationship between preaching and pastoral care. Key Highlights: Call to Ministry: Woods discusses how God worked in his life to call him to ministry after a full career with the United States Navy and how the maturity with which he entered the ministry helped him in his pastoral work. Learning to Preach: Woods shares lessons he learned in seminary and beyond on how to prepare a sermon and how to preach. All Preaching is Invitational: Sometimes, only the final conclusion of a sermon is considered invitational to respond to the gospel. Pastor Woods shares how every part of the sermon should be an invitation to the gospel. Making the Gospel Clear: Pastor Woods and Ben discuss the need to be graciously bold with a clear gospel message in every context, and as the culture grows more secular, there is a growing appreciation for the true gospel. Join Ben Smith and Wayne Woods for a straightforward discussion of the calling of God to preach, the power of God to use His word, and the joys and sorrows of faithful ministry. Host: Ben Smith Guest: Wayne Woods Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org. Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr. For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/. Other podcasts by Ben Smith: All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod Wayne Woods is the pastor of Ten Mile Baptist Church, Alma, GA. He has served churches in Georgia and Alabama. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Woods served as a U.S. Navy pilot flying P3 Orion sub-hunters. After retiring from the Navy and working a few years in the private sector, Woods felt called of God to the ministry. On an Easter Sunday, Woods said yes to God and immediately made plans to begin his seminary studies at Mid-America Baptist Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee. Wayne and his wife, June, have two adult children. For more information on Ten Mile Baptist Church, Alma, GA, visit https://tenmilebaptist.com/ You can find videos of Wayne Woods’s preaching at the Facebook page of Ten Mile Baptist Church https://www.facebook.com/tenmile.baptist A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/. Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.

Jun 9

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1h 2m
AUG 13

Hope Secured, Psalm 16

Pastor Ben Smith preaches expositionally from Psalm 16 on how the power, providence, and salvation of God give hope to Christians in the present and for eternity. Psalm 16 is a Psalm of David. God would make a way for David to be king, but there would be a long period where he was a fugitive on the run from an enraged and unhinged monarch. Psalm 16 may have been written during this chaotic period of David's life. On the run, hunted, and under constant threat, David finds real and lasting peace and security in the power, providence, and faithfulness of God. Everyone is looking for peace and security, but how do you find real and lasting peace and security? How can you find unshakable hope and peace in a world filled with so much trouble? Psalm 16 declares the sureness, goodness, and faithfulness of God and encourages the church to know the sure hope of God, in God's refuge, providence, and eternal salvation. Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org. You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. This sermon was originally preached on 8/3/2025.

Aug 13

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38 min
JUN 2

Episode 15: A Conversation with Mitch Hall

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 15, A Conversation with Mitch Hall Episode Theme: Building relationships and relying on the Holy Spirit In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Mitch Hall, Pastor of Mershon Baptist Church, Mershon, GA, about his experience of being called to preach later in life, the unique ministry demands of a rural church, and the importance of building authentic relationships with church members. Mitch shares how successful ministry is dependent on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the blessing he received through the mentorship of an older pastor. And Ben and Mitch have a few laughs as they recount lighter ministry moments. Key Highlights: Called to be involved in the lives of church members: Mitch shares how the ministry requires personal investment and involvement in the lives of church members. The necessity of Holy Spirit empowerment: Mitch explains that faithful ministry depends on being empowered and led by the Holy Spirit. The power of prayer: Mitch describes how a call to prayer changed his church’s response to Lord’s Day worship. The gift of mentorship: Mitch shares an older pastor helped his ministry and mentored him during the early days of his pastoral ministry. How to balance loving your congregation and speaking hard truths: Mitch speaks honestly about the importance of accountable relationships within the church that help guard faithfulness in the pulpit. Join Ben Smith and Mitch Hall for an informative discussion on authentic ministry, church community relationships, and biblically faithful preaching. Host: Ben Smith Guest: Mitch Hall Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/ Other podcasts by Ben Smith: All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod Mitch Hall is the pastor of Mershon Baptist Church, Mershon, GA, where he has served since 2015. Before his ministry with Mershon Baptist, he served as youth pastor of Rehobeth Baptist Church, Blackshear, GA. For more information on Mershon Baptist Church, Mershon, GA, visit https://www.facebook.com/mershonbaptist/. A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/. Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.

Jun 2

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1h 10m
AUG 27

God Created, Genesis 1

Genesis chapter one is the testimony of creation. By God’s authority, out of His will, and according to His command, He created all things. As with all of scripture, Genesis chapter one is a testimony of God that reveals His authority, will, and nature. It is not a story about men but a testimony to who God is and how He is working. Genesis chapter one does not answer every detail you may wish were included. There are many questions about how God accomplished His work that are left unanswered. Not the least of which is how God created all that is from nothing. In His perfect providence, God has given us His word to declare that He is the author and creator of all things while leaving unanswered the mysteries that the mind of man cannot conceive. Genesis chapter one is a foundational text for a Christian worldview and many of the most fundamental doctrines. From Genesis chapter one, Pastor Ben Smith preaches on how God’s creation forms how Christians understand God and all that He has made. Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org. You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. This sermon was originally preached on 8/17/2025. Special thanks to David Carnes for his beautiful rendition of This Is My Father’s World from the album Journey… a Praise Offering. You can explore this recording and more of his music at Apple Music.

Aug 27

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38 min
JUL 14

Episode 21: A Conversation with Dr. Landon Dowden

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 21: A Conversation with Dr. Landon Dowden Episode Theme: “Nothing is better for God's people than God's word.” In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Landon Dowden, Lead Pastor of Hebron Baptist Church in Dacula, GA, about his approach to expository preaching, the preparation process, and the importance of biblical literacy. Key Highlights: Balanced preaching from both the Old and New Testaments: Dr. Dowden is a strong advocate for preaching from both the Old and New Testaments. He was influenced by his mentor, Jim Shaddix, who emphasized expository preaching. Dr. Dowden believes that avoiding the Old Testament robs people of a way God has spoken, particularly concerning Christ. Preaching the "whole counsel" of God, as Paul mentions in Acts 20, includes the Old Testament Scriptures. He is intentional about switching between Testaments and genres (narratives, wisdom literature, letters, etc.) to equip God's people with the full scope of God's word and how it points to Christ. Expository Preaching: Dr. Dowden's exposure to expository preaching under Jim Shaddix was a transformative "Emmaus road experience" where his heart burned as the scriptures were opened. This experience led him to believe that "nothing is better for God's people than God's word." He contrasts this with earlier experiences where sermons relied heavily on illustrations or were more topically driven without a faithful handling of a specific text. Expository preaching shifts the focus from the preacher's rhetorical skill ("diving board preachers") to the richness of the biblical text itself ("swimming pool"). This emphasis on substance over style ensures that the audience connects with Christ through the word, rather than just with the preacher's performance. Call to response should be tied to the text: Dr. Dowden believes the call to response should be directly tied to the specific text being preached, moving beyond traditional, generic options. He diligently considers what the Spirit is calling the congregation to do in light of the passage. For example, when preaching on Abram's decision to go to Egypt, the call to response was tailored to different situations: warning against heading towards "Egypt" (sinful choices), encouraging those already in "Egypt" that God is their only help, and supporting those coming out of "Egypt" who desire God's help to avoid future similar situations. This approach ensures the response is rooted in the biblical truth presented. · Advice for proclaiming God’s word: Dr. Dowden offers several pieces of vital advice based on his years of ministry. First, he stresses that there is no substitute for prayer and personal intake of the word; sermon preparation should be worship as much as work. Second, he emphasizes the necessity of obedience in the pastor's life. Third, he highlights the importance of good accountability relationships for confession and receiving grace. Fourth, he urges young pastors to prioritize their families, as family time is limited compared to ministry meetings. Finally, he advises learning who you are okay disappointing. While you don't want to needlessly disappoint people, you also cannot be dominated by every agenda or preference. Learning to rest in the gospel and God's approval in Christ is crucial to avoid seeking approval elsewhere and to be free to serve others. Join Ben Smith and Dr. Landon Dowden for an instructive conversation about ministry, preaching, and teaching God’s word. Host: Ben Smith Guest: Dr. Landon Dowden Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org. Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr. For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/. Other podcasts by Ben Smith: All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod Dr. Landon Dowden has served as the Lead Pastor of Hebron Baptist Church in Dacula, GA, since 2018. He is originally from Louisiana, where he graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Management. He also earned a Master of Divinity, a Master of Theology, and a Doctor of Philosophy from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Landon has been a Lead Pastor since 2005. He has led student camps for many national student organizations since 1996. He currently serves as an adjunct professor for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, working in the Doctor of Ministry program in the field of preaching. He has published two commentaries in the Christ-Centered Commentary Exposition Series, which are Exalting Jesus in Ezekiel, Exalting Jesus in Esther, and forthcoming Exalting Jesus in Deuteronomy. Landon’s conviction regarding preaching is that nothing is better for God’s people than God’s word, which leads him to preach expositionally through books of the Bible. He also intentionally alternates between the Old and New Testaments, as well as the different genres. Landon has held numerous denominational roles at the associational, state, and national levels, as well as serving on 14 international mission trips. Landon and his wife, Tera, have four children. Follow Dr. Landon Dowden on X at https://x.com/landondowden Listen to Dr. Dowden’s latest sermons through the Hebron Baptist Church Sermons podcast available in Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hebron-on-the-go-podcast/id1799251636 For more information on Hebron Baptist Church, Dacula, GA, visit https://hebronchurch.org/ A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/. Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music. Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app and never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id1796433489 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead

Jul 14

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1h 9m

Podcasts from Pastor Ben Smith. Pastor Ben is the pastor of Central Baptist Church in Waycross, GA. Originally from Columbus, GA, pastor Ben Smith has served churches in Texas, South Carolina, and Georgia. Pastor Ben preaches each Sunday at Central Baptist. Ben Smith: All for the Kingdom, an audio podcast of his sermons, is published weekly along with Sermon Shorts, an audio podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. Find more content from Pastor Ben at www.BenSmithSr.org.

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Episode 28: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Akin

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