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FEB 7

Stop Chasing the Spotlight: Ministry Isn’t About You | Dr. Kirk Brothers

Are you seeking the stage—or seeking Jesus? Filmed on the main stage and ML podcast booth at Exposure Youth Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, Dr. Kirk Brothers delivers a straight-shooting reminder for ministers and speakers: don’t measure your worth by audience size. Big crowds don’t equal big faithfulness—and chasing the spotlight can quietly poison your heart. Then he gets intensely practical: if you’re invited to speak at another congregation (summer series, special day, gospel meeting, workshop, youth rally), this episode walks you through the ethics and logistics that separate a helpful guest preacher from a frustrating one—especially when it comes to staying on the assigned topic, preparing responsibly, and respecting the local church that supports you. If you preach, teach, lead devotionals, or speak at brotherhood events… this is a needed gut-check. Listen / watch, then ask yourself: Am I chasing opportunities… or honoring God in the opportunities I already have? Chapters: 00:00 Exposure Youth Camp stage + episode setup 00:28 Podcast intro 01:02 Speaking invites & big events (lectureships, rallies, workshops) 01:50 The warning: stop chasing big crowds 02:24 What to chase instead: daily faithfulness 02:49 The “don’t ask to speak” rule (heart check) 03:56 Your worth isn’t audience size—Christ defines it 04:19 Big stage ≠ good preacher / small room ≠ bad preacher 05:05 How to evaluate ministry the right way 06:17 When invited to speak elsewhere: the #1 rule 06:41 Speak the assigned topic and text (don’t freeload the theme) 09:22 Know the setting: mic, room, screens, PowerPoint, ratios 10:21 Why he uses slides (and how to send them ahead) 11:09 Backups, videos, and avoiding unnecessary offense 12:04 Confidence monitor + don’t turn your back to the audience 13:54 Slide control, remotes, and battery reality 15:56 Service flow details churches forget to tell you 16:36 Don’t take advantage of your local work 17:46 Final reminder: ministry matters because the Master matters 18:11 Outro Keywords: ministry matters that matter, kirk brothers, dr kirk brothers, preaching advice, guest preacher, summer series speaker, ministry integrity, church of christ preaching, churches of christ, youth rally speaker, lectureship, gospel meeting, preaching humility, servant leadership, ministry motivation, preaching tips, sermon preparation, speaker logistics, church powerpoint, confidence monitor, lapel mic, remote clicker, ministry leadership, bivocational ministry Hashtags: #MinistryMattersThatMatter #Preaching #ChurchesOfChrist #MinistryLeadership #ServantLeadership #SermonPrep #GuestPreacher #ExposureYouthCamp

Feb 7

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19 min
08/10/2023

Believe: The Plan of Salvation

In this episode we look at the topic of "Believe" as part of the plan of salvation. The series for season 3 are presented before a live audience at the Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ worship service. To find out more or apply, go to our website at www.hcu.edu The host of this podcast is Edmon L. Gallagher, Ph.D. Professor of Christian Scripture at Heritage Christian University. About Dr. Gallagher: Dr. Gallagher’s research focuses on the reception of the Bible among ancient Jews and Christians. At HCU, he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in Greek, Scripture, and theology. He serves as the associate minister at the Sherrod Ave. Church of Christ. He has been a campaign leader for HCU and he frequently teaches in the Philippines and Haiti. He and his wife, Jodi, have six children. Education: Ph.D. (2010), M.Phil. (2007), Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion M.A. (2002), B.A. (2001), Freed-Hardeman University Recent Books He's Written: The Translation of the Seventy: History, Reception, and Contemporary Use of the Septuagint. Abilene, TX: ACU Press, 2021. The Christian Life: Chapters for Bible Teachers. Florence, AL: HCU Press, 2021. Jesus the Christ: Chapters for Bible Teachers. Florence, AL: HCU Press, 2021. The Sermon on the Mount: Explorations in Christian Practice. Cypress Bible Study Series. Florence, AL: HCU Press, 2021. The Book of Exodus: Explorations in Christian Theology. Cypress Bible Study Series. Florence, AL: HCU Press. 2020. (with John D. Meade) The Biblical Canon Lists from Early Christianity: Texts and Analysis. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2017.

08/10/2023

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38 min
08/17/2023

Confession: The Plan of Salvation

In this episode we look at the topic of "Confession" as part of the plan of salvation. The series for season 3 are presented before a live audience at the Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ worship service. To find out more or apply, go to our website at www.hcu.edu The host of this podcast is Edmon L. Gallagher, Ph.D. Professor of Christian Scripture at Heritage Christian University. About Dr. Gallagher: Dr. Gallagher’s research focuses on the reception of the Bible among ancient Jews and Christians. At HCU, he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in Greek, Scripture, and theology. He serves as the associate minister at the Sherrod Ave. Church of Christ. He has been a campaign leader for HCU and he frequently teaches in the Philippines and Haiti. He and his wife, Jodi, have six children. Education: Ph.D. (2010), M.Phil. (2007), Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion M.A. (2002), B.A. (2001), Freed-Hardeman University Recent Books He's Written: The Translation of the Seventy: History, Reception, and Contemporary Use of the Septuagint. Abilene, TX: ACU Press, 2021. The Christian Life: Chapters for Bible Teachers. Florence, AL: HCU Press, 2021. Jesus the Christ: Chapters for Bible Teachers. Florence, AL: HCU Press, 2021. The Sermon on the Mount: Explorations in Christian Practice. Cypress Bible Study Series. Florence, AL: HCU Press, 2021. The Book of Exodus: Explorations in Christian Theology. Cypress Bible Study Series. Florence, AL: HCU Press. 2020. (with John D. Meade) The Biblical Canon Lists from Early Christianity: Texts and Analysis. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2017.

08/17/2023

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40 min
03/06/2025

Daniel 11 and the Struggle for Power: Prophecy, Politics, and the People of God

In this episode of About Scripture, Dr. Ed Gallagher unpacks the historical and prophetic layers of Daniel 11, a passage that details the power struggles between the Ptolemies and Seleucids—two dynasties that ruled after Alexander the Great. With Judah caught in the crossfire, Dr. Gallagher explores the political chaos of the era, the rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, and his persecution of the Jewish people. He also examines the controversial final verses of the chapter: Do they describe Antiochus, Rome, or the Antichrist? Tune in for a compelling discussion on power, suffering, and God’s control over history. 🔹 Topics Covered: The political landscape of Daniel 11Judah caught between warring empiresAntiochus IV Epiphanes and his persecution of the JewsThe role of prophecy in historyDebating the identity of the "King of the North"🔹 Keywords & Hashtags:#Daniel11 #BibleStudy #AntiochusEpiphanes #BibleProphecy #OldTestament #EndTimes #Seleucids #Ptolemies #ChristianPodcast #AboutScripture 00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to About Scripture and episode overview00:30 - The wrong people in power? A historical perspective02:00 - Daniel 11: Prophecy and political turmoil03:20 - Alexander the Great and the division of his empire04:40 - The Seleucids and Ptolemies: Judah caught in the middle06:10 - The "King of the North" and "King of the South" explained08:00 - Antiochus IV Epiphanes: The infamous persecutor of the Jews10:15 - The suffering of God's people under oppressive rulers12:30 - The accuracy of Daniel’s prophecy in historical context14:45 - Do the final verses of Daniel 11 predict the Antichrist?17:10 - Different interpretations of the ‘King of the North’20:00 - The lasting message of Daniel 11: God’s sovereignty over history22:30 - Closing thoughts: Faith in uncertain times

03/06/2025

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26 min
17H AGO

Preach More, Politic Less: A Wake-Up Call to Preachers on Social Media

In this Ministry Matters That Matter episode, Dr. Kirk Brothers addresses a tension many ministers feel but few say out loud: social media politics is dividing Christians and distracting preachers from the gospel. He argues that Facebook has become “fight bait,” where we say things we’d never say face-to-face—and that preachers can easily slide from preaching Christ to promoting a party. Dr. Brothers challenges ministers to be consistent, careful, and biblical: vote responsibly, but don’t disciple people into partisan identity. This episode is a call back to what Scripture actually emphasizes—peace, love, unity, truth, and kingdom priorities—and a direct challenge: “Preach more, politic less.” What’s the best rule you’ve used to decide whether to post something political online—or stay quiet? Chapters: 00:00 Why Facebook makes us say what we’d never say in person 00:31 Ministry Matters That Matter intro 00:45 Why Dr. Brothers is posting less and watching less Facebook 01:36 “Fight bait” and the illusion that our opinions will “save the nation” 02:34 Concern: preachers posting politics more than the gospel 03:08 Voting matters—but no party “owns” morality 04:28 Why political fighting is out of control 05:42 Sports-fan politics: defending “your team” no matter what 06:36 Minnesota example: real human pain + political power plays 07:45 The hypocrisy test: calling out Biden, Trump, and your own side 08:53 Multiple perspectives in crisis (immigration, protests, law enforcement, manipulation) 10:57 Why this isn’t helping the church—or the country 11:24 Jesus & the apostles didn’t obsess over Rome’s chaos 13:20 Scripture’s repeated emphasis: peace, love, law, and order 14:15 Philemon & Onesimus: how the gospel changes broken systems 16:14 When Christians must disobey government (Acts 4–5) 17:08 The biblical prescription for everyone: peace, love, law, and order 18:06 What will help more than political posting: Scripture + evangelism + Christlike living 19:05 Kingdom greater than country: refusing to damage unity among brethren 20:04 Final challenge: “Preach more, politic less” + posting filter 20:42 Closing encouragement and outro Keywords: Ministry Matters That Matter, Dr Kirk Brothers, Kirk Brothers, Heritage Christian University, preacher and politics, politics and the church, Christian unity, church division, social media and Christians, Facebook arguments, Christian leadership, gospel focus, preaching and evangelism, kingdom of God, biblical leadership, Christian discipleship, Church of Christ, Churches of Christ, Christian worldview voting, Christians and elections, political idolatry, peace love law and order, Philemon and Onesimus, Acts 4 Acts 5 obey God rather than men Hashtags: #MinistryMattersThatMatter #DrKirkBrothers #ChristianLeadership #Preaching #Evangelism #ChurchUnity #ChurchOfChrist #ChurchesOfChrist #SocialMedia #Politics #KingdomOfGod #BiblicalTruth #Discipleship #ChristianLiving #HeritageChristianUniversity

17h ago

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22 min
08/07/2023

Hear: The Plan of Salvation

In this episode we look at the topic of "Hear" as part of the plan of salvation. The series for season 3 are presented before a live audience at the Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ worship service. To find out more or apply, go to our website at www.hcu.edu The host of this podcast is Edmon L. Gallagher, Ph.D. Professor of Christian Scripture at Heritage Christian University. About Dr. Gallagher: Dr. Gallagher’s research focuses on the reception of the Bible among ancient Jews and Christians. At HCU, he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in Greek, Scripture, and theology. He serves as the associate minister at the Sherrod Ave. Church of Christ. He has been a campaign leader for HCU and he frequently teaches in the Philippines and Haiti. He and his wife, Jodi, have six children. Education: Ph.D. (2010), M.Phil. (2007), Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion M.A. (2002), B.A. (2001), Freed-Hardeman University Recent Books He's Written: The Translation of the Seventy: History, Reception, and Contemporary Use of the Septuagint. Abilene, TX: ACU Press, 2021. The Christian Life: Chapters for Bible Teachers. Florence, AL: HCU Press, 2021. Jesus the Christ: Chapters for Bible Teachers. Florence, AL: HCU Press, 2021. The Sermon on the Mount: Explorations in Christian Practice. Cypress Bible Study Series. Florence, AL: HCU Press, 2021. The Book of Exodus: Explorations in Christian Theology. Cypress Bible Study Series. Florence, AL: HCU Press. 2020. (with John D. Meade) The Biblical Canon Lists from Early Christianity: Texts and Analysis. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2017.

08/07/2023

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30 min
03/13/2025

Should You Get Baptized Again? Understanding Faith, Assurance, and Trust in God

In this episode of About Scripture, Dr. Ed Gallagher tackles a key question: Should you get baptized again? Through biblical insight and engaging analogies, he explains why re-baptism often reflects doubt rather than faith. Using Scripture, historical context, and modern comparisons, Dr. Gallagher presents a compelling case for trusting in God's promises rather than questioning past obedience. 🔹 Key Topics Covered: What the Bible teaches about baptism and re-baptism Why feeling unsure doesn’t mean you need to be baptized again The role of faith and trust in baptism—God’s part vs. our part Comparing baptism to circumcision in Galatians Why God's promises—not repeated actions—are the better safe than sorry approach 🔹 Brought to you by: Heritage Christian University → hcu.edu Ministry League Network → ministryleague.com Chapters & Corrected Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Podcast Overview 00:04 - About About Scripture & Partnerships 00:26 - Should You Get Baptized Again? The Big Question 01:02 - Clarifying Common Misconceptions About Baptism 02:30 - Why Baptism Is About Faith, Not Performance 04:10 - Re-Baptism as a Lack of Trust in God 06:25 - A Hard-Hitting Analogy: Trusting the Process 08:10 - Comparing Baptism to Circumcision (Galatians 6:12-13) 10:30 - The Role of Faith in Salvation & Baptism 12:15 - The Danger of Making Baptism About Us, Not God 14:00 - Why ‘Better Safe Than Sorry’ Can Be Dangerous Thinking 16:20 - Trusting God’s Promises Over Personal Doubts 18:30 - Baptism and the Stone-Campbell Movement's Distinctives 20:00 - Final Thoughts: Faith, Trust, and Moving Forward 21:00 - End & Closing Remarks Keywords & Hashtags: #AboutScripture #Baptism #Rebaptism #ChristianFaith #Galatians #TrustGod #FaithNotWorks #Grace #Salvation #BibleStudy #DrEdGallagher #ChristianPodcast #HeritageChristianUniversity #MinistryLeague #StoneCampbellMovement

03/13/2025

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22 min
01/24/2025

Barry Binion on Ministry Transitions, Mentorship, and Family Balance

Join Dr. Kirk Brothers as he interviews Barry Benion, the new Director of Church Relations at Heritage Christian University. Barry reflects on his ministry journey, from youth ministry to preaching, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. This conversation highlights mentorship, navigating ministry transitions, and balancing family and ministry life. Packed with wisdom and practical advice, this episode is perfect for ministers and church leaders seeking encouragement and insights. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:30 - Barry Benion’s Background in Ministry 02:15 - Mentors Who Shaped Barry’s Ministry 04:30 - Youth Ministry and the Role of Adults 06:20 - Transitioning to Preaching 08:00 - Balancing Family and Ministry Life 10:00 - Building Relationships with Elders 11:20 - Final Ministry Tips and Encouragement 12:30 - Closing Thoughts: Why Ministry Matters Keywords: Ministry transitions, Barry Benion, Dr. Kirk Brothers, Heritage Christian University, church leadership, mentorship, youth ministry, preaching tips, balancing family and ministry, ministry advice, Christian leadership Hashtags: #MinistryMatters #ChurchLeadership #ChristianMinistry #HeritageChristianUniversity #PreachingTips #YouthMinistry #ChristianLeadership

01/24/2025

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13 min
06/12/2025

How to Handle Ministry Transitions with Grace: Don't Burn Bridges

In this episode of Ministry Matters That Matter, Dr. Kirk Brothers opens up about his upcoming transition from President of Heritage Christian University back to full-time professor—and uses the moment to share powerful, practical wisdom on navigating transitions in ministry. Whether you're stepping into a new pulpit, following a beloved preacher, or preparing to hand off your role, this conversation is a masterclass in humility, preparation, and Kingdom-minded leadership. Dr. Brothers shares real stories, proven strategies, and spiritual reminders that will equip any minister or church leader to finish strong and start well. 🔔 Subscribe for more content on leadership, preaching, and real-world ministry insight. ✅ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction from HCU Office 00:43 – Transitioning Out of the Presidency 01:08 – Don't Be a Constant Mover in Ministry 02:23 – Accepting Transitions as a Ministry Reality 02:52 – Advice for Following Long-Tenured Ministers 03:52 – Learning from Tom Holland on Transitions 05:11 – Meeting with John Vaughn Before Accepting the Role 07:14 – Becoming Each Other’s Biggest Fans 07:57 – First Sermon Strategy: “Who I’m Not” 09:52 – Setting Boundaries & Avoiding Church Politics 10:52 – How to Integrate Into a New Congregation 12:13 – How to Leave a Church Without Division 13:56 – The Cause Is Bigger Than the Christian 14:24 – Preparing for the Next Leader at HCU 15:56 – Succession Planning Tips for Ministers 17:11 – Passing Along Sermon Themes & Church Rhythms 18:38 – Communication Preferences & Congregational Culture 20:22 – Outside Responsibilities, Coaching, and Counseling 22:40 – Final Thoughts: Build Up the Next Leader ✅ Targeted Keywords: ministry transition advice how to leave a church well following a long-time preacher Dr. Kirk Brothers Heritage Christian University church leadership transition preacher succession planning how to integrate into a new church humility in ministry legacy in church leadership ✅ Hashtags: #MinistryMatters #ChurchLeadership #PreacherLife #MinistryTransition #KirkBrothers #HeritageChristianUniversity #LegacyLeadership #ChristianMinistry #SuccessionPlanning #MinisterAdvice

06/12/2025

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24 min
08/15/2023

Repent: The Plan of Salvation

In this episode we look at the topic of "Repentance" as part of the plan of salvation. The series for season 3 are presented before a live audience at the Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ worship service. To find out more or apply, go to our website at www.hcu.edu The host of this podcast is Edmon L. Gallagher, Ph.D. Professor of Christian Scripture at Heritage Christian University. About Dr. Gallagher: Dr. Gallagher’s research focuses on the reception of the Bible among ancient Jews and Christians. At HCU, he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in Greek, Scripture, and theology. He serves as the associate minister at the Sherrod Ave. Church of Christ. He has been a campaign leader for HCU and he frequently teaches in the Philippines and Haiti. He and his wife, Jodi, have six children. Education: Ph.D. (2010), M.Phil. (2007), Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion M.A. (2002), B.A. (2001), Freed-Hardeman University Recent Books He's Written: The Translation of the Seventy: History, Reception, and Contemporary Use of the Septuagint. Abilene, TX: ACU Press, 2021. The Christian Life: Chapters for Bible Teachers. Florence, AL: HCU Press, 2021. Jesus the Christ: Chapters for Bible Teachers. Florence, AL: HCU Press, 2021. The Sermon on the Mount: Explorations in Christian Practice. Cypress Bible Study Series. Florence, AL: HCU Press, 2021. The Book of Exodus: Explorations in Christian Theology. Cypress Bible Study Series. Florence, AL: HCU Press. 2020. (with John D. Meade) The Biblical Canon Lists from Early Christianity: Texts and Analysis. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2017.

08/15/2023

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34 min

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