Better Preaching Podcast

Dr. Frank Weller
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Christianity

Powered by Great Lakes Christian College, the Better Preaching Podcast (BP2) is inspiring a new generation of preachers to embrace the high calling and challenges of writing and delivering biblical, life-changing sermons.

  1. 4d ago

    BP2 Season 2 Episode 10 – Tony Johnson | Redefining Preaching Preparation

    Discover how preacher Tony Johnson transforms his approach to sermon preparation, emphasizing authenticity and responsiveness. Learn practical tips on adapting your preaching style, engaging your congregation, and cultivating your unique voice. In this episode: Tony shares insights from attending Albert Tate’s preaching master class and how Judah Smith’s preparation inspired a shift.The importance of preparing for your natural style, such as Tony’s movement-based approach to sermon structure.How white space and mental mapping reduce prep time while enhancing authenticity.The benefits of working with a teaching team and delegating content creation based on gifting.Strategies for small churches to incorporate congregation voices in sermon planning.The significance of relational authority and authenticity for engaging younger generations.Tony’s intentional transition from screen-based scriptures to physically engaging with the Bible.Practical advice for young preachers seeking their authentic voice and how to navigate imitation.The importance of contextualizing communication within different church environments.The role of simplicity and stripping down to essentials to foster genuine connection. Links: ·       Albert Tate’s Preaching Master Class ·       Judah Smith ·       Megan Fate Marshman ·       Springtide Research: Youth and Relationships ·       Great Lakes Christian College ·       2|42 Community Church

  2. Aug 27

    BP2 Season 2 Episode 9 – Tony Johnson | How Preachers Can Get Authentic and Effective

    In this episode, Tony Johnson shares his journey of evolving his preaching style, emphasizing authenticity, strategic preparation, and connecting deeply with his congregation. Discover practical tips on balancing personal voice, team collaboration, and adapting to different contexts in ministry.   Key Topics: Tony Johnson’s journey from Methodist roots to leading at 2|42 Community ChurchThe importance of authenticity over scripting in preachingHow white space during preparation fuels creativity and clarityThe benefits and challenges of multi-site, multi-voice preaching modelsThe significance of relational authority and vulnerability in connecting with Gen ZPractical steps for pastors to discover and develop their unique preacher's voiceThe role of team collaboration and delegation in effective sermon preparationUsing scripture and personal transparency to foster engagement and trustNavigating ecclesiological differences between church plants and established congregationsEmbracing change and adapting communication strategies for diverse audiences·       Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby ·       Great Lakes Christian College ·       2|42 Community Church Additional Notes: Tony emphasizes that effective preaching is a journey of self-awareness, authenticity, and relational engagement. His approach champions leveraging team strengths, personal storytelling, and contextual sensitivity to make a lasting impact. Stay tuned for more insights on developing your unique voice and effectively connecting with future generations.

  3. Aug 20

    BP2 Season 2 Episode 8 – Great Sermons of the Restoration Movement | Jeff Walling

    In this episode of Great Sermons of the Restoration Movement, we revisit a message Jeff Walling delivered at the 2006 North American Christian Convention. A powerful sermon on Ephesians 4, Walling argued that real change doesn’t come from guilt or legalism, but from being overwhelmed by God’s grace. He shared personal stories of church conflict, forgiveness, and learning humility, then called believers to move beyond simply being “nice” toward genuine brotherhood. The night ended with a strong plea for reconciliation, compassion, and unity across differences, all rooted in Jesus’ love and sacrifice.

  4. Aug 13

    BP2 Season 2 Episode 7 – Chris VandeLinde | Thicker Skin, Softer Heart, Tighter Lips

    In this episode, Dr. Frank Weller welcomes back Chris VandeLinde, lead pastor of Cornerstone Christian Church in Shiloh, Illinois, for a conversation about persevering in ministry and sharpening the craft of preaching. Chris shares how covenant groups have kept him from being "the gazelle behind the pack" for 27 years, and why every preacher needs people who care more about who they are than the name of their church. He then unpacks his four P's of preaching—personal, practical, passionate, and punctual—explaining why preachers must wrestle personally with the text, make theology practical, communicate with genuine passion, and say it succinctly enough that people want more. The episode closes with the three rules God gave Chris for 2026: thicker skin, softer heart, and tighter lips. Better preaching makes a bigger impact.

  5. Aug 6

    BP2 Season 2 Episode 6 – Chris VandeLinde | Preaching that Shapes Culture

    In this episode, Dr. Frank Weller talks with Chris VandeLinde, Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Christian Church in Shiloh, Illinois, about preaching that builds culture and reaches the next generation. Chris explains why every sermon must answer questions people are actually asking—especially questions of identity—and why culture-shaping belongs in every message when the average family attends less than twice a month. He shares who taught him to preach, from his youth minister to the podcast preachers who pastored him from afar. A lifelong soccer player, Chris draws a surprising lesson from World Cup culture: the church holds a unifying identity far greater than any flag or team. The conversation closes with his prediction that as AI erodes trust in the digital world, the church will see a resurgence of the tangible: paper Bibles, small groups, and in-person gatherings. For more information about Covenant Groups check out Covenant Connections.

  6. Jul 30

    BP2 Season 2 Episode 5 – Ben Cachiaras | The Preaching Event

    In this episode of the Better Preaching Podcast, Dr. Frank Weller welcomes back Ben Cachiaras, longtime preaching minister at Mountain Christian Church, for a conversation about sermon preparation and delivery. Ben describes preaching as sacramental—ordinary words through which God shows up—and shares why "all my tears are in the study," where wrestling with a text gives way to the Holy Spirit's breakthrough. He offers practical wisdom for getting unstuck: start early, step away, sleep on it, and try explaining the sermon in three sentences. Ben also traces his evolution from handwritten notes to manuscript to a discreet teleprompter system that lets him preach barrier-free while staying word-for-word prepared. He unpacks Mountain's "T Doc," a planning tool that aligns the whole church team around each sermon's text, theme, and takeaway. Plus: the Mother's Day eagle incident that ended live animals at Mountain forever. Better preaching makes a bigger impact. Learn more about Ben's T-Doc here

  7. Jul 23

    BP2 Season 2 Episode 4 – Ben Cachiaras | Called to Preach

    How Preaching Turns the Ordinary into the Extraordinary Ever wonder how some preachers make Bible stories jump off the page and jump into our hearts? Well, buckle up, because Ben Cocheris just dropped some gold on turning biblical truths into memorable, visual sermons that stick like glue. In this episode: Ben's heartfelt call to preach, from a Lake in Minnesota to worldwide pulpitsThe power of visual illustrations, from inflatable punch bags to live goatsHow education sharpens your thinking, not just your speaking skillsThe importance of going deeper in sermons—beyond just the surfacePractical tips for preachers, like rhyming your main points or using everyday objectsResources & Links: Great Lakes Christian College — powering the next generation of gospel messengers.Leviticus Sermon Series (created by Ben for visual storytelling — check your own church’s creativity!)Connect with Ben Cachiaras: LinkedIn | TwitterThanks for tuning in to Better Preaching. Remember, a sermon with a visual punch and a heart rooted in Christ can change lives—maybe even yours. Catch you next time for more wisdom on making a bigger impact!

  8. Jul 16

    BP2 Season 2 Episode 3 – The Better Preaching Prof | Dr. Daniel Overdorf

    Today we introduce a new segment to the Better Preaching Podcast. In each Preaching Professor episode I’ll interview a homiletics professor. In this, our first preaching prof episode I sit down with Dr. Daniel Overdorf. Daniel is the eighth President of Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he has taught homiletics for more than two decades. His book, Preaching: A Simple Approach to the Sacred Task, earned an honorable mention for Book of the Year from Preaching Magazine. Johnson University — https://johnsonu.edu/ Books by Dr. Overdorf Preaching: A Simple Approach to a Sacred TaskOne Year to Better Preaching: 52 Exercises to Hone Your SkillApplying the Sermon: How to Balance Biblical Integrity and Cultural Relevance

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Powered by Great Lakes Christian College, the Better Preaching Podcast (BP2) is inspiring a new generation of preachers to embrace the high calling and challenges of writing and delivering biblical, life-changing sermons.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Frank Weller
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Dr. Frank Weller

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