Discovering God's Sovereign Theme in Your Life

What if the key to unlocking your preaching voice lies not in mimicking others, but in embracing the unique way God has shaped you—through your experiences, challenges, and divine calling? In this episode, recorded during the final session of the Reliance Church in August 2023, Mike Neglia reflects on the unique journey every preacher undertakes in finding their authentic preaching voice. Starting with the humorous challenges he faces as having an unexpected accent, Mike explores how "your voice" in preaching is not just about accent or regional dialect, but the genuine expression of who you are—shaped by both human experience and divine calling. Mike shares personal insights into the development of a preacher’s voice, noting how imitation is a natural and essential part of the process, but warns against getting stuck in mere imitation. Drawing from his own life experiences and struggles, including being a parent to a special needs teenager, he highlights how preachers can discover their "sovereign themes"—those deep, personal truths God has worked into their lives, which resonate with authority and impact when shared from the pulpit. This conversation offers practical advice for preachers to reflect on their unique contributions, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the grace of God in overcoming feelings of inadequacy. Pastor Mike encourages listeners to embrace their God-given voice, sharing how the themes of grace, shame, and the patient love of God have shaped his ministry and teaching. Tune in to hear more about the process of discovering your preaching voice, the balance between human influence and divine guidance, and how to avoid the pitfalls of imitation. "Preaching is the communicating of divine truth through human personality." – Phillips Brooks Key Takeaways: Finding your preaching voice is a journey from imitation to authenticity. Your voice is shaped by both personal experiences and divine calling. Sovereign themes—deep truths God has worked in you—carry unique authority in your preaching. Imitation is a natural part of the learning process but must lead to the discovery of your authentic self. "We discover our voice through a process that starts with imitation and ends with confidence and a distinct, unique, unrepeatable gift of your authentic self." Recommended Listening:  Tucker Maile on Finding your sea legs and finding your own voice: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/getting-your-sea-legs-and-finding-your-own-voice-with-tucker-maile  Brian Brodersen on Finding Your Own Voice: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/episode-77-finding-your-own-voice    Mike Doyle | Cultural Engagement and The Importance of Maintaining a Prophetic Voice : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/episode-63-mike-doyle-cultural-engagement-and-the-importance-of-maintaining-a-prophetic-voice For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com  The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

Mike Neglia and Brian Brodersen discuss the practical and spiritual aspects of sermon preparation. They kick off this workshop (recorded at the 2024 CGN International Conference) by speaking about the time commitment that is needed to prepare a sermon, and then talk about the following 7 steps:  Selecting a Passage: For many Calvary Chapel pastors, the text is simply the next chapter, but it's not always that straightforward. Brian shares how he approaches determining the right passage length and selecting the next sermon series, while leaving room for the Spirit's guidance. Meditating on the Text: How do you go from reading the passage to truly internalizing it? Brian talks about "marinating" in Scripture—letting it sink in, both mentally and spiritually. Crafting an Outline: A good sermon should lead your congregation on a journey, with each point helping them take a step closer to the main message. Brian emphasizes that the sermon should have a clear focus, guiding listeners from biblical history into personal application. Using Commentaries: Commentaries can be a great resource, but Brian cautions not to rely on them too quickly. They should act as consultants, not the first stop in preparation. Preaching the Gospel from Every Passage: Faithful Bible teaching must consistently point to Jesus as the ultimate Hero of the story. Collaborating with Others: Preaching is a solo endeavour, but it is also a community effort, and Brian and Mike discuss (and disagree!) about the importance of involving other church leaders, creative teams, and even new tools like ChatGPT to refine and communicate sermon ideas effectively. Prayer in Preparation: One of the most crucial parts of sermon prep is knowing when to stop studying and start praying.  Resources Mentioned:  Nick Cady on Outlining "Start with the Destination in Mind" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-64-start-with-the-destination-in-mind/id1397572249?i=1000449242754  John Whittaker on Using Commentaries Well: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/preaching-matthew-using-commentaries-well-and/id1397572249?i=1000659360763 Jonathan Pennington on the First Minute of your Sermon: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-first-and-last-minute-of-your/id1397572249?i=1000531570597 For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com  The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

In this open and candid episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Danijiel Zaharjanski shares his remarkable journey of being called by God to remain and serve in his homeland of Serbia, despite his initial plans to leave. Danijiel recounts how he and his wife, Wendy, planted a church in the city of Kragujevac, Central Serbia, where they’ve been living since 2012. Their church is one of only a very small handful of Protestant congregations south of the Danube River, which drives their mission to plant even more churches in the surrounding towns and villages in this under-reached region. The conversation explores Danijiel's reflections on American preachers, offering unique insights into cultural differences in preaching styles. More profoundly, Danijiel discusses the harsh reality that bad preaching and misguided theology can cause genuine harm to people’s lives. His reflections highlight the importance of sound, gospel-centered preaching in ministry, particularly in a place where spiritual needs are great. Danijiel, Wendy, and their son, Tadija, continue their faithful work in Serbia, helping to bring the gospel to a region that desperately needs it. Recommended Resources:  Dr Jeremy Treat on the importance of learning from global Christianity:  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/expositorscollective/episodes/Preaching-Teams--The-Treat-Sheet-and-Global-Christianity-with-Jeremy-Treat-e2c61sd/a-aakqvk4 Dr Timothy Keller on Gospel Centered Ministry (aka the podcast that changed Mike's life) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3MO7CtP6WU  Theology for the People episode featuring Wendy Zahorjanski discussing her book Hard Is Only Half the Story: Real Adventures from My Journey into the Unknown https://nickcady.org/2024/04/24/hard-is-only-half-the-story-the-role-of-taking-steps-of-faith-spiritual-growth-with-wendy-zahorjanski/ Read more about her book here: https://calvarychapel.com/posts/new-book-hard-is-only-half-the-story-real-adventures-from-my-journey-into-the-unknown/ For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com  The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

The Bible holds its greatest meaning and richness when interpreted through the lens of Jesus-shaped goggles, revealing its Main Character and guiding us toward explicitly Christian sermons. It is through this transformative perspective that the profound wisdom of the scriptures emerges, showcasing how each passage, story, and verse converges to illuminate the life, teachings, and grace of Jesus. In this episode, seasoned pastors Nick Cady and Josh Black from Victory Calvary Chapel lead an insightful and dynamic workshop recorded in the picturesque setting of Temecula, California, in August 2023. Their mission: to equip pastors, ministers, and aspiring preachers with the tools to deliver Gospel-centered sermons that resonate deeply with the core message of the gospel, no matter which part of the Bible they are preaching from. Throughout the event, participants were immersed in a captivating atmosphere of learning, exploration, and revelation. They learned to discern the gospel's truth and significance on every page of the Bible, discovering how each biblical narrative weaves into the grand, redemptive story of Jesus Christ. This workshop emphasized expository preaching, biblical hermeneutics, and Christ-centered exposition as the foundation for effective, impactful ministry. Nick and Josh’s approach to gospel-driven, Christ-centered preaching included practical insights on how to craft sermons that are theologically sound, pastorally sensitive, and relevant to the challenges faced by modern congregations. The speakers encouraged participants to connect the timeless truths of Scripture with the real-life experiences, challenges, and struggles of their audience—effectively bridging the gap between ancient biblical texts and contemporary issues. The ultimate goal was to equip pastors and preachers with strategies to point people toward the transformative power of the gospel, urging them to embrace the profound love, redemption, and grace found in Jesus Christ.Whether you're a seasoned pastor or new to preaching, this episode is designed to provide valuable insights for delivering Christ-centered messages that change lives. As the event concluded, attendees left inspired and empowered to proclaim the gospel from every passage, impacting lives and transforming hearts with the eternal truth of Jesus's love. Join us in this episode as we explore the intersection of biblical exegesis, homiletics, and the power of preaching the gospel in a way that captivates and transforms your congregation.

In this episode of Expositors Collective, Mike Neglia interviews Christopher Ash, reflecting on his 50 years of preaching experience. Christopher shares how his preaching has evolved over the decades, shifting from a focus on making sermons interesting to embracing the seriousness and weight of preaching God’s word. He discusses the importance of pastoral preaching to a congregation he knows and cares for, and the dangers of seeking larger preaching platforms for self-promotion. Mike and Christopher explore the challenges of preaching the Psalms, particularly the imprecatory Psalms, and how they relate to suffering and covenant promises. Christopher shares his ongoing passion for the Psalms and his work on a Christ-centered interpretation of them, encouraging preachers to help their congregations see the Psalms as songs and prayers for believers in Christ. The conversation also touches on sustainable ministry, as Christopher reflects on his book Zeal Without Burnout and shares his personal experience with breakdown and recovery. He emphasizes the importance of rest, the Sabbath principle, and avoiding the pride that can lead to burnout in pastoral ministry. Finally, Christopher shares his upcoming writing projects, including a book focused on the unique challenges and opportunities for those in their 50s and 60s. Key Topics Covered: Evolution in Preaching: Shifting from creating "interesting" sermons to the weight and seriousness of preaching God's word. Pastoral Preaching: The importance of preaching to a congregation one knows and loves, versus preaching at larger, unfamiliar events. Challenges of the Psalms: Handling imprecatory prayers and the importance of a Christ-centered understanding of the Psalms. Sustainable Ministry: Lessons from Zeal Without Burnout and the critical role of Sabbath rest in avoiding burnout. Future Writing Projects: Christopher’s focus on writing for those in mid-life and reflections on preaching that connects deeply with both heart and mind. Keywords: preaching evolution, pastoral preaching, Christ-centered interpretation, Psalms, sustainable ministry, Zeal Without Burnout, imprecatory Psalms, rest in ministry, Sabbath, burnout prevention, sermon development. For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com  The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

Dr. Alastair Roberts (PhD, Durham University) joins Mike Neglia to discuss the value of incorporating diverse forms of Christian teaching beyond traditional sermons. Alastair, a Teaching Fellow at The Theopolis Institute and a lecturer for Davenant Hall, emphasizes the importance of shorter sermons to allow time for other instructional methods like catechesis, Eucharistic addresses, and exegetical teaching. He argues that sermons should focus on addressing the conscience and upholding the authority of God's Word rather than attempting to encompass all aspects of Christian teaching. Mike shares his own struggles with lengthy sermons and seeks practical advice on making them more concise. Together, they discuss the benefits of concentrating on a single key application and integrating varied teaching methods within the service. The conversation also explores the significance of feedback and the pastor's role in guiding the congregation's spiritual growth. Alastair Roberts is a well-known blogger, writer, and host of the Mere Fidelity podcast. He also runs his own podcast, Alastair’s Adversaria, where he provides daily reflections on the Bible and features topical interviews. He is the author of *Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption Through Scripture* (Crossway, 2018) and the forthcoming *Heirs Together: A Theology of the Sexes*. Alastair and his wife Susannah split their time between the UK and the US. You can follow his theological insights on his blog, Alastair’s Adversaria, his YouTube channel, and on Twitter @zugzwanged. For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com  The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective Click here to support Expositors Collective

Uganda training event update - Mike speaks about some of the highlights of the Kampala trip and speaks about the future of Expositors Collective.  To donate to Expositors Collective follow this link: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective  For advertising - get in touch [email protected]   Super blessings🙌🏽🙌🏽to you Expositors Collective, the organizers, facilitators, and Calvary Chapel. You're a generational blessing🌟🌟🌟. Every second of these 3 days made sense. *No regrets🙅‍♂🙅‍♂.* Thanks for the the great work, I'm starting with inductive Bible study for my church leaders right now  This is one of my best highlights of the year. Greatly edified, thank you for organizing Expositors conference. Praise God for the entire arrangement of the Expositors Collective Uganda Conference. I was inspired by the teachings and enriched by the practical ways of preaching the word of God.  Fellow #preachers and #bible teachers, let me encourage you to listen to @expositcllctv podcasts. I wish I had known this existed for as long as it has. Some really good content and discussion. It's encouraging and challenging. Just what I need! Barret Case - Rich Hill, Missouri For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com  The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

John Whittaker speaks about the need to hone our homiletical skills so that we can connect with our congregations as complicated individuals, rather than a block of abstract "listeners."  Homiletics is the study of how to effectively communicate the message of the Christian faith through preaching and teaching. It involves understanding the biblical texts, the needs and concerns of the audience, and the use of language and other communication techniques to convey the message in a way that is meaningful and impactful John Whittaker is a preacher, teacher and pastor. He holds theology and ministry degrees from Boise Bible College, Cincinnati Bible Seminary, and a doctorate in preaching from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - the only reason for all of that is to help bring God's word into the lives of people more effectively. John has been serving in ministry for 30 years. He has served as a Professor of Preaching and New Testament at Boise Bible College for 19 years. During that time, he also helped plant a church in Kuna, Idaho, where he led the adult education ministry and preached for 11 years. He has taught classes for Eternity Bible College and taught and preached in various places around the country and the world. Most recently, he served for nearly 4 years as one of the teaching and campus pastors at The Pursuit, in Boise and is currently on the preaching coaching team at Calvary Boise. You can learn more about John Whittaker at https://www.johnwhittaker.net/ Additional Resources: Listeners Bible Commentary: https://www.listenerscommentary.com/ The Listener’s Commentary provides clear, accessible teaching through each book of the New Testament in audio format so you can learn and live the Bible.  Tucker Maile: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2022/10/3/getting-your-sea-legs-and-finding-your-own-voice-with-tucker-maile  Douglas O'Donnell : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2022/7/30/the-beauty-and-power-of-biblical-exposition-with-douglas-odonnell  Eric Cartier : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2021/12/7/sermon-prep-involves-time-work-and-prayer-eric-cartier Resources Mentioned:  Jim Wilson's message from earlier in the day https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/expository-preaching-enables-transformative-encounters-with-god-himself Wesley Towne's message from earlier in the day https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/the-journey-from-the-ancient-text-to-the-contemporary-culture Connect: Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com  The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

In this episode, Mike Neglia dives into the art of preaching with clarity and authority. Explore how to communicate biblical truths effectively by being your authentic self, using your natural strengths, and minimizing distractions. Learn how to balance humility and boldness in your delivery, craft compelling sermons rooted in Scripture, and ensure every listener, whether a seasoned believer or a newcomer, feels engaged and inspired by your message. Join us as we discuss practical tips and insightful strategies to enhance your preaching and connect more deeply with your congregation. “The function of the pulpit is not to entertain, to amuse, to satisfy an idle curiosity; it is to instruct, to inspire, to fire the heart and mind, to implant within us noble desires and ambitions, the Lord Jesus Christ, and to beget within them a passion for him.” - Francis James Grimké   Mike Neglia is the lead pastor at Calvary Cork, having moved to Ireland from Fallbrook, California, in 2003. In addition to pursuing a master’s degree at Western Seminary, Mike serves on the Calvary Global Network Executive Team and hosts the Expositors Collective podcast. Also, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, @mikeneglia Resources Mentioned:  Jim Wilson on Illustrating Well: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/beyond-words-sermon-illustrations-and-the-preacher-who-could-not-speak  Nick Harvey on Toastmasters: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/what-am-i-supposed-to-do-with-my-hands-and-other-lessons-that-preachers-can-learn-from-toastmasters-with-nick-harvey  Expositors Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expositorscollective/  Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Simon grew up in a Christian home and attended church from an early age but it wasn't until the age of 20 when he became a follower of Jesus. Since that time he has been involved in preaching & teaching the Bible in universities and colleges across the country as well serving as the Lead Pastor at Calvary Southampton, a church he founded 21 years ago. Simon has been married for 29 years, has four daughters, son-in-law and three grandchildren. Simon is a musician and Leeds  United fan.  Resources Mentioned:  Calvary Chapel Southhampton : https://calvarysoton.co.uk/  Joel Turner Interview : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/the-power-of-humor-in-preaching-joel-turner Bryan Chappel Interview : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/pulpit-flourish-vs-pastoral-care-with-bryan-chapell Donate to fund the travel expenses of rural Ugandan pastors to come in to our Kampala training event here: CLICK HERE to give to the Uganda Expositors Collective Conference The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective