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. 5d ago ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode with Vaughn Roberts on Preaching the Big Story of the Bible

    Send us Fan Mail The Bible is made up of 66 books, written over many centuries, in different settings and genres. But how do we help people see that it tells one big story? And how does understanding that story shape the way we preach individual passages? In this bonus episode, we’re joined by Vaughn Roberts, author of God’s Big Picture, to explore how the Bible fits together and how preachers can help their congregations see the bigger picture. We discuss why biblical theology matters, how the whole Bible points to Christ, and how to preach individual passages in a way that connects them to God's unfolding purposes. We discuss: Understanding the Bible as one unfolding storyThe key stages and themes that hold the biblical story togetherHow biblical theology shapes the way we prepare and preach sermonsConnecting individual passages to the wider story without forcing the connectionsHelping congregations become more confident readers of the BiblePreaching Christ from the whole counsel of GodCommon pitfalls when trying to connect a passage to the big storyFaithful preaching means taking people into the particular passage while helping them understand where it fits in the whole Bible. Whether you're a new preacher learning to handle Scripture or a more experienced preacher wanting to grow in biblical theology, this conversation will help you see the big story more clearly and show your hearers how every part of Scripture fits into God's great plan fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  2. Oct 10

    Bonus Episode: Preaching for Revitalisation with Darren Middleton, Russ Grinter, & Suart Withers

    Send us Fan Mail What role does preaching play in revitalising a struggling church? When a congregation has lost momentum, numbers are declining, or ministry feels stuck, how can preaching help a church recover its spiritual health and renewed confidence in the gospel? In this bonus episode, we’re joined by Darren Middleton, Russ Grinter, and Stuart Withers to explore the role of preaching in church revitalisation. We discuss how faithful preaching can help reshape a church’s culture, renew its vision, and bring God’s people back to the priorities that matter most. We discuss: The role of preaching in the revitalisation of a local churchDiagnosing the spiritual needs of a congregation through God’s WordPreaching to challenge complacency and encourage renewed faithfulnessHelping a church regain a clear sense of its identity, purpose, and missionBalancing encouragement and challenge when change is neededThe relationship between preaching, prayer, leadership, and patient pastoral ministryAvoiding quick fixes and trusting God’s Word to do its work over timeChurch revitalisation rarely happens overnight. It takes prayer, patience, courageous leadership, and the steady work of God’s Word among his people. Whether you’re serving in a struggling congregation, helping lead a church through change, or simply wanting to think more carefully about preaching and the health of your church, this conversation will encourage you to consider how preaching can serve the long-term renewal of Christ’s church. 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  3. Sep 24 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode with Rico Tice on Preaching the Gospel Clearly

    Send us Fan Mail Bonus Episode: Preaching the Gospel Clearly with Rico Tice What does it actually mean to preach the gospel clearly? And how do we make sure that, when we preach, people understand not just what Christianity is, but what God is calling them to do with Jesus? In this bonus episode, we’re joined by Rico Tice, evangelist, author, and founder of Christianity Explored, to talk about the heart of clear gospel preaching. Rico brings decades of experience communicating Christ to people who may have little or no Christian background with loads of wisdom learned from John Chapman as well. We discuss: What makes a gospel presentation genuinely clear Explaining vital aspects of Christianity to a 13 year oldStating the importance of godliness in leaders and equipping othersHow to call people to respondProviding helpful illustrations to make the point stickyWhether you're preaching a Sunday sermon, a Christmas or Easter service, an evangelistic event, or simply want to become clearer when explaining the gospel, this conversation with Rico will challenge you to make the good news of Jesus unmistakably clear. 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  4. Aug 25

    Preaching at Evangelistic Events with Sam Chan

    Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 9: Preaching at Evangelistic Events with Sam Chan Christmas. Easter. Carols. Community events. Special evangelistic nights. These moments can bring people into our churches who may rarely or never hear a Christian sermon. But how do we preach the gospel to a room where many people may have little understanding of Christianity and may not even be sure why they're there? In the final episode of Season 2, we’re joined by Sam Chan (evangelist, author, and experienced communicator) to explore how to preach clearly and compellingly at evangelistic events. Sam brings years of experience thinking about how the gospel connects with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We discuss: Making the most of opportunities like Christmas, Easter, Carols, and community eventsExplaining the gospel clearly without assuming too much Building a bridge from everyday experience to the message of Jesus Engaging people who are sceptical, curious, or spiritually indifferent Using stories, illustrations, questions, and humour effectively As the season comes to a close, this episode brings us back to the heart of preaching: proclaiming Christ to real people in real situations. Whether you're preaching at a packed Christmas service, an Easter gathering, a community event, or any other evangelistic opportunity, this conversation will encourage you to preach the gospel with clarity 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  5. Aug 18

    Preaching to Comfortable Christians with Tim Johnson

    Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 8: Preaching to Comfortable Christians with Tim Johnson How do you preach to people who genuinely believe the gospel, regularly attend church, and yet have become comfortable in their Christianity? How do you challenge complacency without simply piling on guilt? In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Johnson (lecturer on preaching and pastoral care at Ridley College) to explore the challenge of preaching to Christians who may be spiritually settled, comfortable, or resistant to change. We consider how the Word of God can lovingly expose complacency, renew our vision of Christ, and call believers to deeper faith, obedience, and mission. We discuss:  Preaching challenge without becoming harsh or moralistic Calling people beyond comfort towards sacrifice, holiness, and mission How a bigger vision of God provides the motivation for Christian growth Preaching to people who know the right answers but may have lost their sense of wonder Whether your congregation is prosperous, settled, mature, or simply familiar with the rhythms of church life, this conversation will help you think about how to preach God's Word in a way that wakes us up to the glory of Christ and the cost, and joy, of following him. 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  6. Aug 11

    Preaching to Gen Zs and Millennials with Guy Mason

    Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 7: Preaching to Gen Zs and Millennials — with Guy Mason How do you preach faithfully to generations shaped by smartphones, social media, individualism, and a rapidly changing cultural landscape? And how can we understand the people sitting in front of us without simply trying to make the gospel “cool”? In this episode, we’re joined by Guy Mason, founding and Senior Pastor of City on a Hill, to explore how preachers can communicate the unchanging gospel to Gen Zs and Millennials. Guy shares practical wisdom on understanding the questions, assumptions, and longings of younger generations, while keeping the message firmly centred on Christ. We discuss: What characterises the worldviews of Gen Zs and Millennials How cultural awareness can strengthen rather than compromise biblical preaching Communicating clearly in an age of distraction and scepticism Speaking to younger generations without pandering to them Why the timeless gospel remains exactly what younger people need Whether you’re preaching to a congregation full of young adults or simply want to understand the generations you’re trying to reach, this conversation will help you preach with greater cultural awareness, clarity, and confidence without changing the message. 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  7. Aug 4

    Kids Talks with Ian Jones

    Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 6: Kids Talks with Ian Jones How do you explain big truths to little people? And how can a children's talk be more than just a few entertaining minutes before the sermon? In this episode, we're joined by Ian Jones—children's ministry leader and experienced thoughtful communicator—to explore the art of giving faithful and memorable kids' talks. Ian shares practical wisdom on communicating God's Word to children in a way that is simple without being simplistic, fun without becoming distracting, and always centred on Christ. We discuss:  How to communicate big biblical truths in simple language  Using illustrations, objects, and interaction effectively  Holding children's attention without relying on entertainment  Keeping the gospel at the heart of every kids' talk Whether you're leading a children's talk every Sunday or only occasionally, this conversation will help you communicate God's Word in a way that captures young hearts while serving the whole church. 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

  8. Jul 28

    Preaching to Women with Joy Arundell

    Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 5: Preaching to Women with Joy Arundell How can preachers faithfully proclaim God's Word in a way that genuinely connects with the women in their congregation? What helps women feel seen, understood, challenged, and encouraged by the gospel? In this episode, we're joined by Joy Arundell to explore what it looks like to preach with women thoughtfully in mind. Joy shares insights from years of study, teaching God's Word to women, and thoughtful practical wisdom. We discuss:  How women hear and respond to preaching  Common blind spots that can unintentionally hinder communication  Preaching to the real joys, pressures, and challenges women face  Avoiding stereotypes while speaking with empathy and truth  Keeping Christ at the centre as we call women to faithful discipleship Whether you're preaching to a Sunday congregation, a women's event, or simply want to grow in serving the women God has entrusted to your care, this conversation will help you preach with greater clarity, compassion, and gospel purpose. 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.  https://startingstrong.substack.com

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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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