How to Build Cohesive, Faithful, Application Driven Sermons - Matt Brown

How to Build Cohesive, Faithful, Application Driven Sermons Matt Brown shows how every biblical passage has a built in structure and how recognising that structure can transform the clarity, focus, and impact of your sermons. Recorded at our Longmont, Colorado training event.Matt explains that a passage works like a bridge. Every bridge has intentional direction, interconnected sections, and an intended destination. Scripture is the same. When you trace the flow of thought the biblical author has crafted, you begin to preach with greater confidence and sharper purpose.You will learn how to:identify the major movements of a passagefollow the progression of ideas that reveal the author’s intentturn the structure of the text into the structure of your sermondevelop application that grows naturally from the passagepreach cohesive, clear, and compelling messagesUsing Acts 11 as a worked example, Matt models how to observe the text, divide it into meaningful units, see how each section contributes to the whole, and discover the central idea your sermon should advance.Matt has been married for almost 20 years and has 4 amazing kids.  He has been serving in vocational ministry for 15 years, preaching expositional sermons in a variety of contexts from college ministry to lead church planter.  He loves pastoring pastors and coaching church planters to see the Great Commission advance through healthy multiplying churches.  He is a part of the Crossway Church Planting Network (crosswaynetwork.org) and has been involved in leading multiple Simeon Trust preaching workshops.  He loves Christ, coffee, and Chipotle (and alliteration).   They are currently in process of planting a church in Golden Co, called Golden City Church, which is the forth church plant they have been directly been a part of.goldencitychurch.com 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 Mike talks with Benni Rothe, pastor of Calvary Herborn, about his preaching journey and the practical habits that help him prepare well. Benni reflects on the lessons he picked up about time management while working full time as a banker and how those insights now help him structure his study week and keep a sustainable rhythm.The conversation touches on the relationship between personal devotions and sermon prep, the importance of finding your own working style rather than copying the approach of other preachers, and the surprising way God often uses us most in the moments when we feel least strong. Benni also shares how music plays a part in his process. As he finalises a sermon, he often uses music to stay focused, prayerful, and ready to communicate the message with a clear heart.About Benni RotheBenni is married to Laura. They have two daughters and live together in Germany. In fall 2017, Benni gave up his job as a banker and has been employed by the church ever since. He was the youth pastor for seven years and has been the senior pastor of our church since October 2024.It is important to him that people get to know Jesus in their lives and grow in their relationship with him. He roasts his own coffee and enjoys everything to do with coffee. Benni likes to spend time with his family and good friends, enjoys traveling, and is active in sports.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

Recorded live at the Expositors Collective training event at White Fields Church in Longmont, Colorado, this session features Shaun Sells teaching the core principles and habits of inductive Bible study. Designed to equip Bible teachers to handle Scripture with accuracy and integrity, Shaun’s message lays out the essential path of observing the text carefully, interpreting it responsibly, and applying it faithfully.Shaun shows why the message must come from the passage rather than the personality of the preacher, how poor observation leads to poor interpretation, and why interpretation is the stage where most problems arise. He introduces practical tools like the 7-Letter Rule, demonstrates how to use word studies without drifting off course, and urges teachers to read widely so they grow in wisdom and depth. Throughout the session, Shaun emphasises that the way we study the Bible shapes who we become, warning teachers to guard their hearts from becoming more like the Pharisees than like Christ.The training concludes with a reminder that patient, honest inductive study fuels clear and confident proclamation of the Word, serving both the teacher and the church.About Shaun SellsShaun has served in ministry for nearly thirty years, including twenty four at Calvary Chapel Cheyenne, where he was youth pastor, assistant pastor, and senior pastor for eighteen years. His leadership began in the unexpected transition after the founding pastor stepped away, forcing him to learn the breadth of pastoral ministry firsthand. That experience produced a long standing desire to help pastors grow without facing those same burdens alone. Shaun now serves with Poimen Ministries, investing in the health and strength of pastors and churches around the world.Listen to an interview with Shaun Sells here: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/ministry-in-motion-guest-preaching-mentorship-and-sermon-application-with-shaun-sellsFor 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 conversation, Lance Ralston reflects on more than forty years of pastoral ministry and Bible teaching. He describes how he began by leading a small group of men through Scripture, and how those early days shaped the habits and convictions that still guide him today. Lance shares lessons learned over decades in the pulpit, including what has changed, what has stayed the same, and what younger preachers often need to hear.A major part of the episode focuses on the emotional lives of preachers and congregations. Lance explains how the fall affects human emotions, how the new birth begins to renew them, and why understanding this matters for anyone who teaches the Bible. He and Mike discuss how emotions can support faithful preaching, how they can get in the way, and how both preachers and hearers can grow healthier patterns of emotional life.Lance also speaks about one of his great passions: church history. As the host of Communio Sanctorum: History of the Christian Church, he offers a wide view of the story of Christianity and highlights a few of his own preaching heroes from across the centuries. His love for leadership, historical context, and clear Bible teaching comes through in every part of the conversation.About Lance RalstonLance Ralston is the founding pastor of Calvary Chapel Oxnard in Ventura County, California, a fellowship he and others began in 1982. The church has met in several locations over the years and moved to its current Eastman Avenue facility in 1998. Lance and his wife Lynn have been married for more than thirty years and have three adult children and a growing number of grandchildren.Lance teaches the Bible expositionally, working systematically through both Old and New Testaments. He has taken his congregation through the entire Bible four times and is currently partway through a fifth. His teaching often includes historical background that helps listeners understand how Scripture speaks to life today.He is the author of Marriage: As It Was Meant To Be. He also has a long-standing interest in leadership and enjoys training younger pastors and ministry leaders.Lance hosts Communio Sanctorum – History of the Christian Church, a multi-season podcast designed to make church history accessible and engaging. Season 1 contains 150 episodes covering the story of the church from the first century to the eighteenth. Season 2 explores selected eras and themes in more detail.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/ExpositorsCollectiveDonate 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 session from our Longmont, Colorado preacher training weekend, Shane Angland walks through the heart of expository preaching and explains why faithful handling of Scripture is vital for every pastor, teacher, and communicator of God’s word.Shane gives a clear and practical framework for understanding what expository preaching really is, why the Bible itself models this approach, and how we can move from careful study to Christ centred proclamation. He highlights the importance of establishing the text, understanding context, tracing themes, and applying Scripture honestly and courageously.Drawing from passages like Deuteronomy 31, Nehemiah 8, Luke 4, and Acts 8, Shane shows that expository preaching is not a modern invention but a biblical pattern. He also discusses the character and posture required of preachers, reminding us that humility, diligence, and dependence on the Spirit are essential to handling God’s word faithfully.Whether you preach weekly or occasionally, or simply want to grow in your understanding of Scripture, this conversation will help sharpen your approach and strengthen your confidence in the Bible.Topics covered:What expository preaching actually isWhy explanation and application belong togetherHow the Bible models expositionThe movement from exegesis to theology to preachingWhy preaching must be text centred and audience awareThe benefits of preaching through books of the BibleHow expository preaching shapes the church and the preacherThe character traits needed for faithful expositionWilliam Tyndale’s historic prayer for true expoundersAbout Shane AnglandShane is currently a teaching elder at Ennis Evangelical Church in Ireland. He has served as a missionary in Ukraine and is a Th.M. graduate from Dallas Theological Seminary with an emphasis in historical theology.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/ExpositorsCollectiveDonate 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, longtime Bible teacher and commentator David Guzik joins us to explore the continuing value of Study Bibles and the importance of clarity in biblical teaching. Drawing from four decades of ministry, David reflects on how careful editing, thoughtful commentary, and pastoral intention can help readers engage Scripture more deeply and confidently.Key Highlights:• Why Study Bibles Still Matter – How they guide believers toward understanding and application• A Lifetime of Biblical Teaching – What decades of exposition reveal about clarity and faithfulness• The Art of Editing for Clarity – Distilling commentary without losing depth• Making Scripture Accessible – Encouraging everyday readers to grow in biblical confidenceResources Mentioned:Order the Enduring Word Study Bible here: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/enduring-word/H.B. Charles on Study Bibles:  https://hbcharlesjr.com/resource-library/podcast/007-using-study-bibles-in-sermon-preparation-podcast/David Guzik's Free Online Commentary: EnduringWord.comListeners will be encouraged by David’s passion for helping the church see clearly through the Word of God and his conviction that biblical tools should always serve transformation, not just information.Recommended for:✓ Pastors✓ Bible Study Leaders✓ Christians seeking deeper understanding of ScriptureDavid Guzik is a pastor, Bible teacher, and author of a widely used Bible commentary. Millions of people use David’s online Bible commentary on sites such as Enduring Word and Blue Letter Bible.David has been in Christian service for more than 40 years, including two church plants and more than seven years as a missionary in Germany, as director and teacher for Calvary Chapel Bible College.David has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Masters of Divinity degree from Calvary Chapel University.David is married to Inga-Lill for more than 41 years and together they have three adult children and three grandchildren.Resources:Order the Enduring Word Study Bible here: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/enduring-word/H.B. Charles on Study Bibles:  https://hbcharlesjr.com/resource-library/podcast/007-using-study-bibles-in-sermon-preparation-podcast/Connect: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/ExpositorsCollectiveDonate 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 rich and reflective conversation, Tim Brown, Heath Hardesty, and Brian Daly answer questions from attendees and discuss the spiritual dynamics of sermon preparation. Together they explore how worship, prayer, and delight in Scripture form the heart behind preaching that reveals rather than merely informs.Tim shares how Psalm 29 inspired his allegory comparing sermon preparation to the formation and venting of a storm – a vivid picture of how preaching can humble, refresh, and awaken new vision. Brian speaks about cultivating intimacy with God so that the preacher delivers a word received in worship, not a performance shaped by pressure. Heath reflects on the joy and labour of study, reminding us that the best preaching flows from delight in the Word rather than duty alone.Drawing on imagery from Moby Dick, Heath Hardesty describes how the harpooner’s stillness before the strike mirrors the preacher’s call to quiet readiness before God. It’s a striking reminder that the power of preaching is found not in frantic effort, but in calm, focused communion.The episode closes with encouragement to treasure the abundance of biblical tools available today, and to let the preacher’s soul be shaped first by the voice of the Lord before speaking to others.OutlineThe Storm and the Voice of the LordTim Brown’s Psalm 29 allegory: sermon preparation as the formation and venting of a storm.Preaching as revelation that births new desire and exposes pride.“Preaching helps people see with their ears” – Haddon Robinson.Worship and the Preacher’s SoulAvoiding “drizzling” on listeners by preparing the heart in worship.Brian Daly on preaching from intimacy and dependence, not routine.Heath Hardesty on delight and labour: studying as worship.Stillness Before the StrikeThe Moby Dick metaphor: the harpooner’s stillness as a model for prayerful focus.Learning to be still before God, letting Him shape the message.Tools for Deeper StudyBlue Letter Bible, Logos, The Bible Project, and E-Sword.Encouragement to explore design patterns, word studies, and accessible commentaries.Final ReflectionsThe joy of seeing the beauty of Christ in Scripture.Preaching as overflow from worship, not just output from study.Resources MentionedBlue Letter Bible – blueletterbible.orgLogos Bible Software – logos.comE-Sword – e-sword.netMoby Dick by Herman Melville – https://www.amazon.ie/Moby-Dick-Herman-Melville/dp/0198853696 Biblical Preaching by Haddon Robinson – “Preaching is the ability to make people see with their ears.” https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781540967916_biblical-preaching All Things Together by Heath Hardesty – https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/776336/all-things-together-by-heath-hardesty/Further Listening: Tim Brown: Preaching Up A Storm: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/preaching-up-a-storm-tim-brown Tim Brown: After The Storm:  https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/after-the-storm-with-tim-brown Heath Hardesty: Symphonic Preaching : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/symphonic-preaching-bad-sermons-consistent-improvement-with-heath-hardesty Heath Hardesty: Meditation, Delight and the Full Counsel of God: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/meditation-delight-and-the-full-counsel-of-godFor 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/ExpositorsCollectiveDonate 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 lively panel discussion, pastors Nick Cady, John Whittaker, and Conor Berry join Mike Neglia to explore the art and science of sermon preparation. They talk candidly about how to move from text to message, find the “big idea,” and keep Jesus at the center—without losing clarity or heart along the way.You’ll hear practical insights on sermon pacing, study habits, and handling the unexpected moments of inspiration (and frustration!) that come with preaching week after week.🔑 Key TopicsFinding the big idea in biblical textsBalancing exegesis with applicationThe challenges of Christ-centered preachingManaging time, creativity, and perfectionismPractical rhythms for sermon development💡 Episode HighlightsTurning study notes into compelling messagesHow to prepare deeply—without over-preparingWisdom for preaching under time pressureEncouragement for every preacher in every seasonWhether you’re a pastor, student, or teacher, this conversation will help you preach faithfully, think clearly, and love the Word even more.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/ExpositorsCollectiveDonate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

What if your sermon prep — or your spiritual life — isn’t meant to be efficient, but formative?In this episode, Mike Neglia sits down with Heath Hardesty, Lead Pastor of Valley Community Church in Pleasanton, California, and author of the forthcoming book All Things Together: How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World.Together they explore what it truly means to preach the full counsel of God—not by checking off every verse, but by weaving the whole redemptive story of Scripture: creation, covenant, Christ, and new creation. Heath reflects on ten years of ministry at Valley Community Church, preaching through Acts and preparing for Romans, and how he seeks to unite the Old and New Testaments in every sermon.The conversation then turns to the practice of Scripture meditation—what it is, what it isn’t, and how it forms both believers and preachers. Heath unpacks the Hebrew word hagah—to “chew” or “gnaw” on the Word—as a vivid picture of feasting on God’s truth until it becomes part of us. He explains why we should read Scripture aloud, how attention shapes the soul, and why delight—not duty—is what keeps us returning to God’s Word.For preachers, Heath cautions against seeing sermon prep as an efficiency exercise. Instead, meditation is the slow, transformative work that shapes the preacher before the sermon ever shapes the people. As he beautifully puts it: “You can’t microwave an acorn into an oak tree.”This conversation will refresh anyone feeling hurried, fragmented, or spiritually dry—and rekindle a love for Scripture that is slow, deep, and Christ-centered.Resources Mentioned: All Things Together:  How apprenticeship to Jesus is the way of flourishing in a fragmented world. (Forward by Jon Tyson) :  https://www.heathhardesty.org/Heath's two earlier Expositors Collective appearances:   https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/beholding-the-glory-of-jesus-with-heath-hardesty  https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/symphonic-preaching-bad-sermons-consistent-improvement-with-heath-hardestyAbout Heath HardestyHeath Hardesty serves as Lead Pastor of Valley Community Church in Pleasanton, California, and is the founder of Inklings Coffee & Tea in downtown Pleasanton. He grew up in a blue-collar home and was a plumber’s apprentice in Colorado before becoming a pastor on the edge of Silicon Valley, where he, his wife, and their four children now live.Heath holds degrees in literature, leadership, biblical studies, and theology from the University of Colorado Boulder and Western Seminary in Portland. His forthcoming book, All Things Together: How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World (with a foreword by Jon Tyson), releases October 14, 2025.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/ExpositorsCollectiveDonate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

Lynne Kelly shares her journey from hesitant Bible teacher to confident, disciplined instructor. Once unsure of her abilities and overly dependent on supplementary materials, Lynne describes how she began to grow in both skill and conviction through intentional study and training. Her cross-cultural ministry experience in Uganda and New Zealand, together with years of church planting in the USA, gives her a practical, discipleship-focused approach to teaching.Four years ago, she took a decisive step by enrolling in theological courses, determined to strengthen her understanding and teaching. Through this process, Lynne learned to overcome fear and self-doubt, moving from nervous apologies to confidence grounded in her calling.She also reflects on the unique challenges faced by women in ministry, particularly within traditional church settings, and how she now encourages other women to develop their gifts and teaching abilities.Currently, Lynne is preparing to teach the second half of Romans. Her focus is on disciplined study, simplified preparation, and mentoring the next generation of women teachers in her community.Resources Mentioned:8 Hours or Less by Ryan Huguley https://ryanhuguley.com/8-hours-or-less Ryan Huguley interview: https://open.spotify.com/episode/37aoDkKGgd7vWgHcV8A0Vq Calvary Chapel University - https://calvarychapeluniversity.edu/When She Leads Ministry - https://whensheleads.org/ Key Takeaway:“Their need is bigger than my fear.”A simple yet profound reminder that serving others is worth stepping beyond our insecurities.About Lynne Lynne Kelly has a heart for God’s Word and for helping others grow in their faith. She and her husband have served in ministry for over two decades, including ten years as missionaries in Uganda and several years in New Zealand. Lynne has been part of planting six churches and has been teaching the Bible regularly for the past five years. Her ministry is marked by a love for discipleship, encouragement, and practical application of Scripture.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/ExpositorsCollectiveDonate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective