The Preaching Lab

Clif Johnson

Welcome to The Preaching Lab Podcast, where we believe healthy pastors make healthy pulpits. Each episode is designed to encourage pastors toward spiritual health, personal holiness, and faithful exposition of God’s Word. Hosted by Adam Thomas and Jason Goodwin, Baptist pastors and co-leaders of The Preaching Lab Ministry, this podcast offers honest conversations, biblical encouragement, and practical wisdom for those called to preach. Join us as we talk about the soul of the preacher, the craft of expository preaching, and the rhythms that sustain long-term faithfulness in ministry. Whether you’re a seasoned pastor, a student of preaching, or someone longing to grow in biblical exposition, The Preaching Lab Podcast exists to help you stay healthy — in heart, in mind, and in the pulpit.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Taking the Pulpit Seriously with Drew Scott

    The conversation begins with introductions and a discussion about a new setting. It then transitions to meeting Brother Drew and discussing Texan Bona Fides. The conversation moves on to topics of barbecue and preaching, followed by a discussion about conversion and seminary. The transition to pastoring is then explored, followed by a discussion about ordination and the plurality of elders. The conversation then delves into a discussion about an article titled 'Taking the Pulpit Seriously, Balancing Gravity and Grace' and the prompt for writing the article. This is followed by a discussion about sermon delivery and humility, and the conversation ends with encouragement and anticipation for the upcoming sermon. The conversation delves into the importance of compassionate preaching, the analogy of shearing the sheep, the gospel as a scalpel, avoiding flippancy in preaching, the neglected discipline of critique, the primacy of prayer in preaching, and the call to disciple and equip others. The speakers emphasize the need for strong and compassionate delivery, the danger of harshness in preaching, and the impact of preaching on the audience. They also highlight the importance of constructive criticism, humility, and accountability in sermon delivery, as well as the critical role of prayer and the command to disciple and equip faithful men in the church. Takeaways Seriousness and humility in sermon delivery are essential for faithful preaching.Encouragement and anticipation for the upcoming sermon are important for maintaining a sense of purpose and dedication. Compassionate preaching is essential for delivering the truth effectivelyConstructive criticism and accountability are crucial for sharpening preaching skillsThe command to disciple and equip faithful men is a critical aspect of pastoral ministry Chapters 00:00 Introductions and New Setting07:15 Transition to Pastoring12:41 Prompt for Writing the Article19:29 Encouragement and Anticipation25:42 The Gospel as a Scalpel, Not a Hatchet30:54 Avoiding Flippancy in Preaching36:16 The Primacy of Prayer in Preaching43:49 The Call to Disciple and Equip Others

    45 min

  2. May 26

    When the Church Fails

    The conversation explores the challenges of dealing with church failure, criticism of purity culture, church discipline, accusations of church cover-ups, the role and responsibility of the church, navigating church hurt, and addressing pastor hurt. The speakers emphasize the importance of understanding intention, taking responsibility, and seeking healing and restoration. Takeaways Understanding the intention behind church practicesNavigating church hurt with grace and understanding Chapters 00:00 Setting the Stage06:53 Criticism of Purity Culture22:26 Role and Responsibility of the Church29:01 Navigating Church Hurt

    39 min

  3. May 11

    Avoiding Moralism with Dr. Gary O'Neal

    The conversation begins with a light-hearted discussion about the weather and the importance of rain for beekeeping. It then transitions to introductions and a brief overview of Dr. Gary O'Neill's background. The main focus of the conversation is on the importance of preaching the Old Testament in a way that is connected to Christ, the gospel, and the redemptive narrative of Scripture. Dr. O'Neill shares his insights on the dangers of moralistic preaching and the need for clear gospel connections in sermons. The conversation explores the importance of connecting Old Testament scriptures to the gospel and Christ-centered preaching. It delves into the methods and cautions of making these connections, emphasizing the balance between creativity and faithfulness to the text. Takeaways Importance of connecting Old Testament preaching to Christ and the gospelDangers of moralistic preaching and the need for clear gospel connections Christ-centered preaching requires connecting Old Testament scriptures to the gospel and Christ.The balance between creativity and faithfulness to the text is crucial in Christ-centered preaching. Chapters 00:00 Making Clear Gospel Connections in Sermons22:28 Methods of Making Connections to the Gospel28:23 Understanding Biblical Theology36:27 The Balance in Christ-Centered Preaching

    47 min

  4. Apr 20

    The Pastor's Health

    The conversation covers a range of topics including Easter reflections, service structure, sports, pastoral care, physical and spiritual fitness, consistency in health and fitness, importance of sleep and rest, neglect of health and fitness, diet and caloric intake, discipline in food intake, regular health checkups, and longevity in ministry. Takeaways Balancing physical and spiritual fitness is essential for pastorsRegular health checkups and discipline in food intake are crucial for longevity in ministry Chapters 00:00 Living the Dream06:05 Sports and NCAA Basketball Tournament11:15 Importance of Sleep and Rest18:48 Diet and Caloric Intake25:15 Discipline in Food Intake33:02 Longevity and Ministry

    38 min

  5. Apr 9

    Interview with Gavin Roberts

    The podcast features a conversation with Gavin Roberts, a church planter in Morgan, Utah, who discusses his experiences and insights on preaching, church planting, and Christian education. The conversation delves into the challenges of church planting in a predominantly non-LDS community, the importance of effective preaching, and the role of education in shaping a preacher's journey. The importance of an effective sermon introduction is emphasized, as it sets the tone, establishes relevancy, and earns the listener's attention. The introduction clarifies the destination and invites the listener to walk through the text, making it a crucial part of the sermon. The use of effective verbal and nonverbal communication keys, the establishment of tension, and the connection to the sermon body and conclusion are highlighted as essential elements of a successful introduction. Takeaways Church planting in non-LDS communities presents unique challengesEffective preaching requires careful attention to the introductionEducation plays a significant role in shaping a preacher's journey Importance of an effective sermon introductionThe role of verbal and nonverbal communication in the introduction Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weather Banter07:07 Engaging the Community and Preaching Approach12:06 The Role of Education in Preaching22:01 The Art of Sermon Introduction27:34 Establishing Relevancy and Engagement37:40 Creating Tension in the Introduction53:46 Utilizing Effective Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Keys

    56 min

  6. Mar 16

    Sermon Prep/Workflow

    The conversation covers the challenges of sermon preparation and the different methods used by the speakers. It also delves into the importance of heart preparation for sermon delivery. Takeaways Sermon preparation challengesDifferent sermon preparation methods Chapters 00:00 Remembering Robert Duvall05:44 The Art of Sermon Preparation19:12 Sermon Preparation Workflow35:02 Sermon Preparation and Heart Preparation

    37 min

  7. Mar 9

    Preaching as Art--Interview with Derrick Bremer

    The episode features a discussion with Derrick A. Bremer, a pastor preparing for missionary work in France. The conversation delves into the art of preaching, the balance of eloquence and gospel message, and the incorporation of beauty into sermons. Derrick shares insights on ministry in a post-Christian context and the importance of crafting memorable phrases and metaphors in sermons. Takeaways Preaching as an art embraces truth, goodness, and beautyThe importance of crafting memorable phrases and metaphors in sermons Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions06:07 Derrick's Decision to Surrender to Ministry11:59 Preparing for Missionary Work in France17:24 Preaching as Art and Rhetoric22:31 Balancing Science and Art in Preaching28:03 Balancing Eloquence and Gospel Message

    37 min

  8. Feb 5

    Exposition and Counseling with Russell Threet

    The conversation explores the integration of biblical counseling and preaching, emphasizing the interconnectedness of pastoral care and sermon preparation. It delves into the distinction between biblical counseling and other forms of counseling, as well as the need for an integrated vision of preaching as a primary means of caring for souls. The discussion also addresses the historical separation of preaching and counseling and the importance of careful application in sermon preparation. The conversation delves into the concept of preaching as shepherding, emphasizing the role of the pastor in guiding and caring for the congregation. It also highlights the importance of being gospel-driven in preaching, focusing on the transformative power of the gospel message. The impact of biblical counseling on preaching is explored, along with the need for gentleness and compassion in delivering sermons. Additionally, the significance of preparation and connection with the congregation is discussed, emphasizing the need to preach to the heart of the congregation. Takeaways Biblical counseling and preaching are interconnectedPreaching as biblical counseling emphasizes the integration of pastoral care and sermon preparation Preaching as a form of shepherdingThe importance of being gospel-driven in preaching Chapters 00:00 Pulpit Ministry as Soul Care35:40 Gospel-Driven Preaching42:54 The Impact of Biblical Counseling on Preaching49:25 Preaching to the Heart of the Congregation

    46 min

  9. 12/29/2025

    The Pastor's Prayer Life: Fuel for Ministry

    This podcast episode explores the significance of personal prayer in the life of pastors and its impact on their preaching. It delves into the challenges, insecurities, and misconceptions surrounding personal prayer, emphasizing the view of prayer as communion and the analogy of prayer as breathing in and breathing out. The episode also discusses the subtleness of God's response to prayer, the impact of personal prayer on public prayer, and resources for enhancing prayer life. It highlights the role of corporate prayer in personal prayer and emphasizes the importance of private prayer in the life of pastors. Takeaways Personal prayer is essential for pastors and has a direct impact on their preaching.Viewing prayer as communion and understanding its subtleness in God's response is crucial for a healthy prayer life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthy Pastors, Healthy Pulpits06:18 Viewing Prayer as Communion22:05 Resources for Enhancing Prayer Life31:06 The Importance of Private Prayer

    34 min

  10. 12/29/2025

    The Relaunch

    The podcast hosts reunite after a hiatus, sharing updates on their lives and families. The conversation covers their experiences, achievements, and changes over the years. The conversation covers a range of topics including the expectations for LSU football, the purpose of the podcast, the crucial role of friendships in ministry, navigating change in ministry, dependence on ordinary means of grace, the benefit of pastoral friendships in suffering, transparency and support in pastoral friendships, understanding the challenges of pastoral ministry, the importance of pastoral friendships in testing times, and developing pastoral friendships. Takeaways Podcast ReunionFamily Updates Importance of pastoral friendshipsNavigating ministry challenges Chapters 00:00 Life Updates29:40 Developing Pastoral Friendships

    37 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Preaching Lab Podcast, where we believe healthy pastors make healthy pulpits. Each episode is designed to encourage pastors toward spiritual health, personal holiness, and faithful exposition of God’s Word. Hosted by Adam Thomas and Jason Goodwin, Baptist pastors and co-leaders of The Preaching Lab Ministry, this podcast offers honest conversations, biblical encouragement, and practical wisdom for those called to preach. Join us as we talk about the soul of the preacher, the craft of expository preaching, and the rhythms that sustain long-term faithfulness in ministry. Whether you’re a seasoned pastor, a student of preaching, or someone longing to grow in biblical exposition, The Preaching Lab Podcast exists to help you stay healthy — in heart, in mind, and in the pulpit.

Information

  • Creator
    Clif Johnson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Clif Johnson
  • Show Website
    The Preaching Lab

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