The Pastor as Gardener: Seasons, Soil, and Sermon Prep with Matthew Erickson

What if your role as a pastor is not to produce growth, but to cultivate the conditions where growth might happen?In this episode of the Expositors Collective Podcast, Mike Neglia talks with Matt Erickson about his journey in preaching and how a season of personal and cultural upheaval led him to rethink pastoral ministry. Drawing from his book The Pastor as Gardener, Matt offers a vision of ministry that is both deeply biblical and quietly liberating.Instead of carrying the weight of outcomes, pastors are invited to think more like gardeners than CEOs. Preparing the soil, planting faithfully, watering consistently, and trusting God to bring the growth.Along the way, this conversation gets very practical. Matt reflects on his early experiences in preaching, how his preparation habits have matured, and how a collaborative preaching team can strengthen both the preacher and the church. He also explores how metaphors shape ministry expectations, why seasons matter more than we often admit, and how preaching can move beyond information transfer into genuine spiritual formation.If you’ve ever felt the pressure to make things “work” in ministry, this episode offers a needed reset.🌱 In This Conversation, You’ll Hear About:Why “preaching in the moment” can sometimes reveal a lack of preparationMatt’s growth from unstructured sermons to intentional, week-ahead preparationHow a team-based preaching model can lead to deeper study and more cohesive seriesThe story behind The Pastor as Gardener and the crises that shaped itThe freeing truth of 1 Corinthians 3 - you are not responsible for the growthWhy the gardener metaphor helps decentralise the pastor’s role without diminishing responsibilityHow different seasons of ministry affect expectations, energy, and fruitfulnessThe strengths and limits of the shepherd metaphor in modern ministry contextsJesus as “the gardener” in John 20 and how that image reframes pastoral identityThe importance of the preacher’s hidden, subterranean lifeHow to intentionally shape sermons for spiritual formation, not just informationPractical ways to incorporate prayer, silence, and reflection into preaching🌿 Key InsightYou can prepare, plant, and water with care…but you cannot make anything grow.📚 Books & Resources MentionedBy Matt EricksonThe Pastor as Gardener: A Renewed Vision for Ministry https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802884145/the-pastor-as-gardener/Field Notes for Pastors (podcast)  https://mwerickson.com/podcast/ On Leadership & Spiritual FormationThe Making of a Leader – J. Robert Clinton : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Making-Leader-Second-Recognizing-Development/dp/1612910750 The Critical Journey: Stages in the Life of Faith – Janet O. Hagberg & Robert A. Guelich : https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/311089.The_Critical_Journey🔎 About Matthew EricksonMatt is a pastor, writer, speaker, and disciple of Jesus. Since 2010, Matt has served as the Senior Pastor at Eastbrook Church, an urban, multiracial church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.Upcoming Training WeekendMay 15th-16th, 2026 at Reliance Church in Temecula, CaliforniaTake advantage of early bird pricing until April 26th – only $120 per person!Register Today!What to expect:In this interactive training weekend, attendees will hear insightful lectures, participate in Q&A panels, meet in small groups with a seasoned mentor, build ongoing relationships, and participate in a studying/teaching practicum.Who should attend:Christ-following men and women of all ages, ministry experience, and church backgrounds who are students of Scripture and desire to grow as teachers of the Word. Whether you’re a regular Bible teacher or have never taught the Bible in a public setting before, this training weekend offers invaluable tools to equip you in your journey.

Mike sits down with Peter Patrick Kenny for a wide-ranging conversation about preaching, preparation, and pastoral ministry. They discuss sermons that cover thirteen chapters and sermons that focus on just two verses, the dangers of over-relying on full manuscript notes, and the habit of slipping into “Christianese” when communicating biblical truth.They also explore tools like discourse analysis, arcing, and inductive Bible study, and how these approaches help preachers understand the text more deeply and communicate it more clearly to their congregations.Along the way, Peter reflects on the ministry of assistant pastors and shares lessons he learned while serving under the guidance of Ed Neill at Grosvenor Street Baptist Church in Dublin.It’s a fun, friendly conversation between two friends that will encourage and equip anyone who studies, teaches, or preaches the Bible.Peter is originally from Co. Tipperary, Ireland and now lives in Cork with his wife and three children. He has the joy of serving as the pastor of Cork Baptist Church, a very diverse city centre congregation that has been in it's current building since the 1890s and in the city for many years before. He's excited to see what God will do in the years ahead as his word is preached.Resources Mentioned: Preaching to a Post-Everything World - Zack Eswine : https://www.logos.com/product/43211/preaching-to-a-post-everything-world-crafting-biblical-sermons-that-connect-with-our-culture  Charlie Wingard's book Help For The New Pastor:  https://charliewingard.com/book/ Bible Arc : https://app.biblearc.com/Additional Resources:https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/review/an-interpretive-lexicon-of-new-testament-greek-beale-brendsel-ross/https://cdn.desiringgod.org/pdf/booklets/BTBX.pdfhttps://www.thegospelcoalition.org/profile/benjamin-l-gladd/https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/preaching-to-post-everything-world/https://www.christcenteredpreaching.com/https://www.grosvenorbaptist.org/Join us for our next Training Weekend May 15th-16th, 2026 at Reliance Church in Temecula, CaliforniaRegister Today! Connect:For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

In this fun interview between neighbours, Mike speaks with Tadhg O'Connell about lessons that he has learned as a preacher, testimony-giver, camp-speaker, addiction-recovery-activist and community organiser. They speak about neck tattoos, mountain top experiences, caring for the community and more. My name is Tadhg O’Connell, and I have lived all my life in Ballyphehane, a place I am deeply proud to call home. For many years, I was trapped in addiction, living in the bondage of my own sinful desires and feeling completely hopeless, to the point where I did not want to live anymore. In the middle of that darkness, I picked up a Bible and read Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and for the first time I truly understood that I was a sinner in need of salvation. But I also came to see that Christ had done everything necessary for me to have a relationship with God, as Hebrews 10:12 says, “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.” Realising that Jesus had paid the price for my sin changed my life completely. Today I am a member of Douglas Baptist Church, and my heart is especially for those still caught in addiction. I believe God has called me to remain where He saved me, as 1 Corinthians 7:20 says, “Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them,” and so my heart is heavy for the people in disadvantaged communities  who still feel lost and do not know their lives are valued because they are made in the image of God. I now run an addiction group every Monday night at 8pm in Ballyphehane Community Centre, seeking to bring the light of Jesus into this dark world, sharing the hope that rescued me and giving all the glory to Him.  SAVE THE DATE Our next in-person training event will be at Reliance Church in Temecula, California May 15-16th, early bird registration is available now, save your seat as soon as possible!  https://expositorscollective.org/gatherings/ConnectFor information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Dr Roy Collins is the kind of man many churches would love to have in their congregation: a retired pastor and professor who faithfully teaches the adult Sunday school class and serves as a steady, encouraging presence among God’s people. His influence is not loud or flashy, but marked by wisdom, warmth, and a long history of loving the local church.In this episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Dr Collins shares a message on Sermon Prep Essentials, recorded live at an Expositors Collective training event in 2024. Drawing on decades of experience in pastoral ministry and as a professor of Biblical Interpretation at Colorado Christian University, he offers thoughtful, grounded counsel for those tasked with preaching the Scriptures week after week.Throughout the message, Roy reminds preachers that they are called to speak God’s words, not their own. He emphasises the importance of slow, careful reading of the text, encouraging listeners to read and reread Scripture until it has time to settle and shape their thinking. He also highlights the value of humility in sermon preparation, urging preachers to learn from others and to allow their ideas to be refined within the context of the church.At the same time, Dr Collins offers gentle but firm warnings about common dangers in preaching, including the temptation to chase novelty or to elevate “new insights” that have not been tested by the wider church. In a culture that prizes originality and self-expression, he calls preachers back to faithfulness, reminding them that the gospel does not need reinvention, but clear and careful proclamation.Dr Collins is a member of White Fields Community Church, where his ongoing service reflects a lifetime commitment to Scripture, teaching, and encouragement. This episode will be a timely help for pastors, Bible teachers, and anyone seeking to grow in patient study and faithful proclamation of God’s Word.Resources Mentioned: Logos Bible Study Software: https://www.logos.com/ Roy Collins' episode on Theology for the People: https://nickcady.org/2021/08/27/guidelines-for-biblical-interpretation-with-dr-roy-collins/comment-page-1/ConnectFor information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Recorded live in Longmont, Colorado, this panel conversation brings together four seasoned pastors and ministry leaders to reflect on what faithful preaching looks like in today’s cultural moment.Dr Roy Collins, Dr Alan Stoddard, Mike Payne, and Bryan Stupar speak candidly about early preaching mistakes, the discipline of reading Scripture carefully, and the practical realities of preparing sermons alongside the many demands of pastoral ministry.The discussion addresses how expressive individualism shapes both the church and the wider culture, and why historic practices like preaching calendars, shared preparation, and confessional reminders help anchor pastors and congregations alike. The panel also explores realistic rhythms for sermon planning, the challenge of information overload, and the value of planning ahead rather than reacting week to week.In the final portion of the conversation, the focus turns to youth ministry. The speakers offer wise and grounded counsel on mentoring young people, cultivating lasting fruit, and remembering that students are often listening more closely than they appear. Rather than chasing novelty, the panel encourages patient investment, faithful presence, and a long view of spiritual formation.This conversation was recorded at a live Expositors Collective training event in Longmont, Colorado aimed at equipping pastors and Bible teachers to faithfully study and publicly proclaim God’s Word in the modern church.Topics CoveredLessons learned from first sermons and early failuresWhy reading whole books of Scripture mattersPlanning ahead with preaching calendarsManaging information overload in sermon preparationStructuring a realistic ministry weekExpressive individualism and its impact on the churchWhy historic confessions still matterMentoring young people toward spiritual fruitThe quiet but real attentiveness of youthAdditional Listening: Alan Stoddard on Ministry Mentorships: https://goodlion.io/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/passing-on-the-baton-preaching-mentorships-and-ministry-training-with-alan-stoddard Mike Payne on Passing on the Baton:https://goodlion.io/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/the-value-of-preaching-mentorships-michael-payne Bryan Stupar on Character in the Ministry:https://goodlion.io/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/why-character-matters-bryan-stuparConnectFor information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

In this episode of the Expositors Collective Podcast, we are joined by Brenda Leavenworth for a thoughtful and encouraging conversation about theology, leadership, and faithful service in the local church. Brenda is the founder and Director of When She Leads, a global ministry devoted to equipping women who lead and serve through conferences, leadership cohorts, and a podcast focused on Scripture-shaped ministry.Brenda shares about her own journey of growing in theological confidence and teaching clarity, emphasising that strong theology is not reserved for specialists but is essential for anyone serving God’s people. She reflects on the formative role of careful study, patience, and faithful practice over time, and explains why editing and restraint are acts of love in ministry communication.The conversation also explores the state of women’s ministry today, including the need for biblically grounded leadership and the danger of treating women’s discipleship as an afterthought. Brenda speaks candidly about leadership transitions, age, and the wisdom of building multigenerational teams that strengthen the church rather than centre it on personalities.Throughout the episode, Brenda’s heart for Scripture is clear. Her commitment to verse-by-verse teaching, doctrinal depth, and practical application shapes everything from her writing to the vision behind When She Leads. The result is a conversation that challenges listeners to pursue theological depth, steward influence wisely, and serve Christ’s church with humility and faithfulness.About Brenda LeavenworthBrenda Leavenworth is a Bible teacher, author, and speaker who has written more than thirty Bible studies, including Far Above Rubies and her most recent collaboration, The Ologies. She holds a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Christian Leadership and serves as Department Head of Women’s Ministry and Strategic Leadership at Reliance Church in Temecula, California.She is also a devoted pastor’s wife, mother of three, and grandmother of ten. Brenda’s life and ministry reflect a steady passion to see women rooted in the Word of God, strengthened by sound doctrine, and equipped to lead and serve faithfully in the context God has placed them.Resources MentionedWhen She Leadshttps://whensheleads.orgWSL: Spiritual Gifts https://goodlion.io/podcast/when-she-leads/episode/spiritual-gifts-part-1 WSL : Rachel Neglia https://goodlion.io/podcast/when-she-leads/episode/wsl-ireland-conference-2023-rachel-neglia-insecurity-in-ministryHaddon Robinson, Biblical Preachinghttps://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Preaching-Haddon-Robinson/dp/0310244173Tim Keller, Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Scepticismhttps://www.amazon.com/Preaching-Communicating-Skepticism-Timothy-Keller/dp/1596385537ConnectFor information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

In this episode, Clay and Mike reminisce about their Bible College days with their former Dean of Men, Pastor Sean Houseman. What begins with shared memories quickly develops into an encouraging and challenging conversation about teaching and preaching sacred Scripture with wisdom, patience, and humility.Drawing on years of pastoral experience, Sean reflects on how the Bible actually works as a book, cautioning against flattening all passages into proverb-like statements. Together, they explore how Scripture often unfolds like a treasure map, building its points carefully and leading readers toward conclusions over time, rather than offering instant answers.The conversation also touches on the subtle temptations faced by Bible teachers, including the pressure to appear especially spiritual, and the importance of being who God has actually made us to be rather than performing for others.This episode was originally released in October 2018 and remains a helpful listen for anyone involved in teaching, preaching, or simply wanting to handle God’s word more faithfully.For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

In this episode of the Expositors Collective, Mike Neglia sits down with Pastor Bob Hiller to explore the essential distinction between preaching the Law and preaching the Gospel. Drawing from his experience at Community Lutheran Church, Bob discusses the preacher's primary task: to "hand over the goods" by actively proclaiming the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus--------------------------------------------------------------------------------A Note on this RecordingThis episode was originally recorded and released in December 2020 As you listen, you will notice references to the unique challenges of that time, including discussions regarding social distancing and masks. While the cultural context reflects the peak of the pandemic, the theological insights regarding homiletics and the proclamation of Christ remain as relevant today as ever.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Highlights• Handing Over the Goods: Bob Hiller defines the core of the Gospel as the literal delivery of God's forgiveness to the listener.• The Law and the Gospel: Understanding the functional difference between God’s requirements (the Law) and His gift of grace (the Gospel).• Pastoral Perspective: Insights from Bob’s ministry at Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, California.• Face-to-Face Proclamation: A friendly, deep-dive conversation on how to ensure Jesus is the centre of every message.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Key Takeaways for Preachers• Focus on Forgiveness: Preaching is not merely sharing information; it is the act of proclaiming the forgiveness of sins.• Clarity in Mission: The goal of the expositor is to ensure the "goods" of the Gospel are clearly handed over to the congregation.• Timeless Truths: Despite the time-bound nature of the original 2020 recording, the necessity of distinguishing between Law and Gospel is a foundational pillar of biblical preaching.For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Dr Don Sunukjian has devoted his life to the craft of preaching, both in the pulpit and in the classroom. With doctoral training in theology and communication, along with 21 years of experience as a senior pastor, he brings together rigorous scholarship and real pastoral wisdom. He now serves as Professor Emeritus of Christian Ministry and Leadership at Biola University.In this conversation, Don joins Mike Neglia to talk about oral clarity in preaching and why vivid, real-life examples are essential for establishing relevance. Together, they explore how preachers can communicate biblical truth with accuracy, interest, and persuasive force, helping listeners not only understand the message but feel its weight.Dr Sunukjian has made significant contributions to the field of homiletics and biblical studies, writing for resources such as The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Biblical Preaching, Bibliotheca Sacra, Walvoord: A Tribute, and The Big Idea of Biblical Preaching. He has led pastors’ conferences across the United States and continues to maintain an active preaching ministry.This re-released conversation remains a timely reminder that faithful preaching requires both careful preparation and thoughtful communication.Recommended ResourcesAn Invitation to Biblical Preaching : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/442010.Invitation_to_Biblical_PreachingHow Don Sunukjian Preaches (Homiletix) : https://homiletix.com/don-sunukjian-how-i-preach/ Biblical Sermons (Baker Academic) : https://bakeracademic.com/products/9781540967916_biblical-preachingFor information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Recorded at the Expositors Collective gathering in Longmont, Colorado, this panel discussion helps pastors and Bible teachers think carefully about how Scripture has been understood, preserved, and proclaimed throughout church history, and why those distinctions still matter for ministry today.The conversation begins with practical clarity around the Apocrypha. The panel explains what the Apocryphal books are, how they relate to the biblical canon, and why pastors should understand their historical role without confusion or alarmism. Rather than treating the topic as merely academic, the speakers show how these questions directly affect pastoral confidence and congregational trust.From there, the discussion broadens to the role of church councils in defining and guarding Christian doctrine. Listeners are reminded that the core beliefs of the faith were not invented late, but carefully articulated in response to real theological challenges. Even historical heresies, the panel argues, served the church by forcing clarity about what Christians believe and why.A major emphasis throughout the session is the importance of distinguishing teaching from preaching. The panel explores why Bible studies should prioritise understanding rather than monologue, and why sermons must move beyond explanation to proclamation. Pastors are encouraged to be clear about their aim in each context, recognising that clarity serves both faithfulness and fruitfulness.The conversation also calls pastors to humility, urging them to learn from faithful voices of the past rather than assuming novelty equals faithfulness. Church history is presented not as a museum of dead ideas, but as a living resource that strengthens discernment and safeguards the gospel.The session concludes with a pastoral appeal for brokenhearted preachers who do more than convey information. The church does not merely need accurate teachers, but faithful proclaimers who handle the truth carefully and speak it with conviction, compassion, and love.For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective