Preaching for Life: Kevin Sanders on Clarity and Conviction

Title: Preaching for Life: Kevin Sanders on Clarity and Conviction   In this episode, Kevin Sanders joins Mike Neglia for a focused and practical conversation on the art and discipline of preaching. Together, they explore what it means to preach with clarity, conviction, and care. Kevin shares how his theological training, personal experiences, and missionary years in the Philippines have shaped his approach to preaching. The conversation touches on the challenge of crafting a clear main point, addressing sensitive topics without being crass, and maintaining pastoral integrity in the pulpit.Mike and Kevin also reflect on the legacy of Dr Jim Shaddix, the importance of sermon focus, and how preachers can continue to grow in both skill and spiritual depth. This episode offers both encouragement and instruction for anyone committed to the ministry of biblical proclamation.Topics Covered Include:Developing and maintaining clarity in sermon structurePreaching difficult or delicate topics with sensitivity and faithfulnessUsing technology (like PowerPoint) without letting it dominate the messageThe impact of mentors and theological education on preachingAvoiding crudeness while remaining biblically honestThe importance of continual growth and reflection in preachingGuest Bio:Kevin Sanders is the pastor of Apollo Heights Baptist Church in El Paso, Texas, and the author of Preaching for Life: A Pastor’s Journey of Biblical Proclamation. Originally from Pinson, Alabama, Kevin sensed a call to ministry as a teenager, eventually earning a Master of Divinity and serving for over a decade as a missionary to college students in the Philippines. Since returning to the US, he has devoted himself to pastoral ministry, with a particular focus on expository preaching, pastoral integrity, and helping others grow in their preaching craft.His new book Preaching for Life draws from his personal story, theological training, and years of preaching to offer wisdom and encouragement for preachers at every stage.Resources Mentioned:Preaching for Life by Kevin Sanders  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F597P9CM?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520Power in the Pulpit by Jim Shaddix and Jerry Vines : https://www.jerryvines.com/store/books/power-in-the-pulpit/Expositional Leadership: Shepherding God's People from the Pulpit By R. Scott Pace, Jim Shaddix :  https://www.crossway.org/books/expositional-leadership-tpb/?srsltid=AfmBOoqrSlhMZJ3lNVA9hsmtP52QHu2vYO9lpB5hENmtq3_LBYwYaA--Phil Newton on Pastoral Preaching (Expositors Collective) https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/pastoral-preaching-dr-phil-newtonFor 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 the pastor who put you under discipline has died? Can you still be forgiven?”That’s just one of the hard-hitting questions tackled in this raw and riveting panel discussion recorded live in Kampala, Uganda. With honesty, insight, and pastoral clarity, three Ugandan leaders dig deep into the challenges and opportunities of Christian mentorship in today’s church.From spiritual fatherhood in West African contexts to generational curses, from the fear of feedback to the gift of correction, the conversation is bold, biblical, and deeply rooted in experience.In this episode, you’ll hear:What intentional and relational mentorship looks like in real churchesWhy good theology isn’t enough if the lifestyle doesn’t matchHow to begin a mentoring relationship—and why “specific asks” matterCan someone be mentored by books alone?How to recover from spiritual wounds—even when the person who hurt you is goneWho has the right to critique your sermon (and how to hear them without ego)A pastoral response to teachings on generational cursesWhere to give your tithe, and why it’s more than just a financial questionMeet the Panel:Pastor Kyomuhuendo Nicholas – leads Calvary Chapel Fort Portal with a heart for discipleship and spiritual formation.Dr. Juvintine Emuku – A medical doctor who also serves at Calvary Chapel Soroti, bringing theological depth and local insight to pastoral ministry.Rev. Raymond L. Bukenya – theologian, apologist, and team leader at Tru Tangazo Uganda, Raymond is passionate about equipping believers to proclaim and defend the truth of the gospel in an age of scepticism. A graduate of Wycliffe Hall (University of Oxford), the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, and the University of Winchester, he also teaches with Calvary Chapel Bible College Kampala and The Shepherds Academy. He and his wife Lynn are raising seven children—four boys and three girls.Whether you're mentoring others or looking for someone to guide you, this conversation will challenge your assumptions, encourage your heart, and help you pursue Christ-centred relationships that shape leaders and strengthen the church.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

Could reclaiming the practice of catechetical preaching be the key to deeper discipleship and richer congregational life today? In this compelling episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Pastor Danny Hyde invites listeners to revisit the timeless wisdom of the catechisms—not just as theological documents, but as vibrant, pastoral tools for shaping hearts and anchoring churches in gospel truth.Danny Hyde serves as pastor of Oceanside United Reformed Church in California and is the author of numerous books, including Welcome to a Reformed Church and Grace Worth Fighting For. A passionate advocate for Reformed theology, Danny shares his journey of learning to preach Christ faithfully from all of Scripture, especially the Old Testament. Much of his early formation came under the mentorship of the late Dr Edmund Clowney, former president of Westminster Theological Seminary. Clowney’s Christ-centred hermeneutic and biblical-theological approach continue to shape generations of preachers. In this episode, Danny reflects on the lessons he learned firsthand from Clowney about letting Scripture’s redemptive storyline lead us to the person and work of Jesus.The conversation then turns to the catechisms—particularly the Heidelberg Catechism—and why they still matter for preachers and congregations today. Danny explains how catechetical preaching can deepen theological literacy, form congregational identity, and foster gospel clarity in a distracted world. He highlights how the pattern of question and answer is not just pedagogical, but pastoral—echoing the truth of God into the minds and hearts of His people.This episode includes reflections on the importance of confessional identity, pastoral mentorship, and the preacher’s task of proclaiming Christ without growing repetitive. You’ll also hear a surprising story about how the Heidelberg Catechism once appeared on the shelves of TBN, and how even unlikely partnerships can bear witness to deep truth.Whether you are sceptical about tradition or eager to recover the old paths, Danny Hyde offers a gracious and persuasive vision for preaching that is rooted in Scripture, guided by confession, and centred on Christ.Recommended episodes: Danny's first episode on the show:  https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/long-obedience-in-the-same-location-danny-hydeBryan Chapell's episode :  https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/pulpit-flourish-vs-pastoral-care-with-bryan-chapell Preaching Like a Puritan: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/preaching-like-a-puritan-pastoral-care-and-problems-with-the-quadriga-roberto-gazga Upcoming Training Event – We’re Coming to Florida!Join us in St. Petersburg, Florida for a two-day Expositors Collective training weekend:📅 August 22–23, 2025Designed to help you grow in your personal study and public proclamation of God's Word.Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, this gathering will equip and encourage you.👉 For full details and to register, visit: www.expositorscollective.comThe 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 happens when a generation of preachers rises up without mentors? In this energising and deeply personal talk, Rev Raymond L. Bukenya challenges pastors and leaders to take the biblical call to mentoring preachers seriously—for the health of the church today and the sake of gospel clarity tomorrow.Drawing from Scripture, history, and personal experience, Raymond argues that preaching mentorship is not optional—it is essential. He diagnoses why mentoring is often lacking in African church contexts, explains what faithful mentoring should look like, and calls preachers to pass on both sound doctrine and godly character.Along the way, Raymond shares colourful and memorable analogies—including one involving barbecues and pig ears—that bring this vital message to life. His passion for raising up the next generation of faithful preachers comes through every moment of this talk. Recorded in September 2024, Kampala, UgandaRev Raymond L. Bukenya is the team leader and a founding member of Tru Tangazo Uganda. He is passionate about proclaiming, clarifying, and affirming the truth claims of the Christian faith in an increasingly sceptical world amidst alternative worldviews, and trains and mentors others to do the same. He is a theologian, Christian apologist, and missiologist with training from Wycliffe Hall College (University of Oxford) and the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA), and holds a Masters in Missions from the University of Winchester. Raymond serves as a Theology Tutor with Calvary Chapel Bible College Kampala and The Shepherds Academy (an online theological college), where he teaches pastors, pastoral apprentices, and church planters. He is a family man, married to Lynn, and together they are raising seven children—four boys and three girls.If you care about faithful preaching—whether you’ve stood behind a pulpit once or a thousand times—you’ll be challenged to pursue the kind of mentoring that shapes both the messenger and the message.Register for our next in person training event August 22-23, 2025 St Petersburg, Florida Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg https://expositorscollective.org/gatherings/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 does it look like when gospel renewal is forged through suffering and planted in the heart of a global city? In this conversation, Esteban Valenzuela, pastor of Raíces Madrid Evangelical Christian Church, shares his remarkable story of personal transformation, perseverance through false accusation, and the sovereign call of God that led him and his family to Madrid, Spain.Mike Neglia and Esteban talk about the power of gospel renewal — not just as a theological concept, but as a lived reality. Esteban reminds us that the gospel is the cornerstone of Scripture and the Christian life, and warns against shallow repetition of gospel language without depth or clarity. They also discuss the challenges of church planting, how God works through weak sermons and weak preachers, and why having a clear message truly matters.Join Mike Neglia and Brian Kelly at the upcoming CGN Ministry Conference June 22-25, 2025 This conference is designed for church leaders and their ministry teams to connect, collaborate, and grow together. Dive deep into John 13–17, The Upper Room Discourse, with our main session speakers, and attend workshops led by experienced leaders in key areas such as Lead and Senior Pastors, Executive and Associate Pastors, Women in Ministry, Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Worship, Small Groups and Care Leaders, Tech Teams, Administration, and Lay Leaders. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry worker, or volunteer, this event is for your whole team. Join us for an inspiring time of learning, fellowship, and renewed vision for the work God has called us to!Register for our next in person training event August 22-23, 2025 St Petersburg, Florida Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg https://expositorscollective.org/gatherings/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

Before outlining a sermon or opening a commentary, Ed Compean begins with prayer. In this recording from an Expositors Collective training event in Uganda, he offers a grounded and practical walkthrough of sermon preparation that starts with dependence on God and flows toward a faithful final draft.Drawing from years of pastoral ministry, including church planting and leadership training in Kenya, Ed shares the rhythms that shape his weekly approach to preaching. He explains why he handwrites the passage, how he draws on trusted voices from church history and the global church, and what to keep - or cut - on the “cutting room floor.” He also unpacks the value of a strong sermon introduction and how the classic “Explain, Illustrate, Apply” model still serves the preacher and the congregation well.Whether you’re a church planter, a teaching pastor, or a developing preacher, this episode is a helpful and humble guide to crafting sermons that are rooted in prayer and faithful to Scripture.Topics Covered:Why every sermon must begin in prayerWriting out the passage by hand to slow down and engageLearning from others who have been with GodManaging time and knowing what to cutCrafting compelling introductionsStructuring the sermon: Explain, Illustrate, ApplyAbout Ed Compean:Ed Compean is the lead pastor of Shoreline Calvary in Morro Bay, California. Before that, he planted churches and coached leaders in Nairobi, Kenya. He now serves with the Cultivate Church Planting Initiative of Calvary Global Network and is passionate about seeing Jesus exalted through thriving local churches.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, Brian Brodersen joins us to share insights from decades of pastoral ministry, biblical exposition, and spiritual discernment. Now serving as pastor emeritus of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Brian reflects on his transition out of the lead pastor role, and his current ministry leading a Sunday night Bible study through the New Testament - currently in the Book of Acts. This intentional, accessible overview of the New Testament continues to build up believers and equip the next generation with solid biblical foundations.The heart of our conversation focuses on the nation of Israel, biblical prophecy, and current events. Drawing from a dispensational framework without lapsing into speculation, Brian offers careful guidance for preachers navigating one of the most charged and misunderstood topics in Christian ministry today. Whether you’re teaching through Ezekiel 38–39, responding to the news cycle, or wondering how to speak about Jerusalem from the pulpit, this episode will offer clarity, conviction, and a call to faithfulness.In the final section, Brian turns our attention to the spiritual realities behind gospel ministry. Drawing on themes from his book The Powers of Darkness & the People of God, he reminds us that the preacher is always a target for satanic opposition. This sobering yet hope-filled word will encourage pastors and Bible teachers to persevere in the face of unseen resistance.Guest Bio – Brian Brodersen:Brian Brodersen is pastor emeritus of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, where he served as senior pastor from 1993 to 2023. He is also president of the Calvary Global Network, chancellor of Calvary Chapel Bible College, and co-founder/director of Creation Fest UK. Brian is the featured speaker on the Back to Basics radio programme and a regular voice on the live call-in show Pastors’ Perspective. He holds an M.A. in Ministry and Leadership from Wheaton College.Resources Mentioned:  The Powers of Darkness & the People of God by Brian Brodersen“We live in a world influenced by powerful, malignant spirit beings. Their purpose? To resist the advancement of God’s kingdom in the world and in your life.”This updated edition of Spiritual Warfare helps believers face the personal and pastoral challenges of ministry with biblical insight and spiritual resilience https://backtobasicsradio.com/store/books/the-powers-of-darkness-the-people-of-god/The Valley of Vision prayer book:  https://banneroftruth.org/us/devotional-series/the-valley-of-vision-devotional/ Justin Thomas episode of Expositors Collective: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JkZihlzGmjId9Gaiacuux?si=44c486f0a32f4debFor 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, Mike speaks with Dr Pamela MacRae, Professor of Ministry to Women and Ministry to Victims of Sexual Exploitation at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. With decades of experience in local church ministry and nearly twenty years teaching at Moody, Dr MacRae offers thoughtful insight on how preachers can communicate the Bible with clarity and care - particularly when speaking to congregations that are often more than half women.Pam reflects on the first time she taught the Bible, how she has grown as a communicator, and what bad habits she has worked to leave behind. She and Mike also discuss her chapter How Women Hear the Sermon from The Moody Handbook of Preaching, exploring the dynamics of how women engage with preaching and what opportunities and challenges that presents.The conversation also touches on a class she teaches called Pastoral Care of Women, which equips male pastoral students to preach and minister more thoughtfully to the women in their churches. She offers advice to male pastors and preachers - particularly those from complementarian settings - on how to serve the women in their churches with greater attentiveness and understanding.This episode is a valuable conversation for anyone serious about teaching the Bible faithfully to the whole church.Recommended resources: Shepherding Women in Pain: Real Women, Real Issues, and What You Need to Know to Truly HelpBeverly Hislophttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7944332-shepherding-women-in-pain  Worthy: Celebrating the Value of WomenBy Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher :https://elysefitzpatrick.com/book/worthy-celebrating-the-value-of-women/ Cheer Her On interview with Dr MacRae:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HeHAKwRTwTYESbPres1bq?si=fc0f8cffa8764a78 Register for our next in person training event August 22-23, 2025 St Petersburg, Florida Calvary Chapel St. Petersburghttps://expositorscollective.org/gatherings/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

Recorded live in Kampala, Uganda, this episode features a wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation on the practice of church leadership in a variety of contexts. Pastors from Calvary Chapel and Baptist traditions come together to address anonymous audience questions on everything from altar calls to tongues, from tithing to women in ministry, and from spiritual gifts to church planting proximity.With grace, humour, and biblical grounding, panelists explore:When (and why) to invite a public response after a sermonWhether Christians are cursed if they don’t titheWhat spiritual gifts look like in different church culturesWhy some churches do not ordain women as pastorsHow to teach clearly about demons in spiritually sensitive culturesAnd the wisdom of planting churches near existing onesYou'll hear personal stories, pastoral insight, and moments of sharp theological clarity - all shaped by the lived experience of ministry in Uganda and beyond.Featuring:Eric Lockheart, lecturer and administrator at Uganda Baptist Seminary. He holds an MDiv in Christian Ministry and a ThM in Applied Theology, both from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Wake Forest, NC). Eric served as a pastor in the USA for 14 years before moving with his wife and four sons to Uganda in 2018 to serve under the IMB Baptist Mission. He loves teaching Hermeneutics and Homiletics, and enjoys sports, reading, fishing, and time with his family.James Senyonjjo Okurut, lecturer at Uganda Baptist Seminary since 2020, with over 20 years of ministry experience. He holds a BA from Makerere University (specialising in Communication), a BTh from UBS, and is pursuing a Master’s from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.Zeddie Muzungu, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Kampala and Director of Calvary Chapel Bible College Uganda. He is passionate about teaching God’s Word and training future church leaders. He is married to Hope Muzungu.Ed Compean, lead pastor of Shoreline Calvary in Morro Bay, California. He previously served in Nairobi, Kenya, as a church planter and coach to emerging leaders, and is actively involved with the Cultivate Church Planting Initiative of Calvary Global Network.Join Mike Neglia and Brian Kelly at the upcoming CGN Ministry Conference June 22-25, 2025 This conference is designed for church leaders and their ministry teams to connect, collaborate, and grow together. Dive deep into John 13–17, The Upper Room Discourse, with our main session speakers, and attend workshops led by experienced leaders in key areas such as Lead and Senior Pastors, Executive and Associate Pastors, Women in Ministry, Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Worship, Small Groups and Care Leaders, Tech Teams, Administration, and Lay Leaders. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry worker, or volunteer, this event is for your whole team. Join us for an inspiring time of learning, fellowship, and renewed vision for the work God has called us to!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 does it look like to prepare and preach the Bible in a way that’s both faithful to the text and reliant on the Holy Spirit?In this panel discussion hosted by Mike Neglia, four experienced Bible teachers – Roy Kasika, Moses Ouni, Zeddie Muzungu, and Brian Kelly – respond to real questions about sermon prep, interpretation, and Spirit-led preaching. Recorded live in September 2024 at Calvary Chapel Kampala, Uganda, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and pastoral encouragement for those who teach God’s Word.The conversation ranges from outlining and inductive Bible study to interpreting challenging genres like prophecy and apocalyptic literature. The panellists highlight the need for repeated prayer, contextual awareness, and a Christ-centred lens for every passage. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been preaching for years, you’ll find this discussion grounding, clarifying, and energising.🔑 Key Topics Include:Why prayer is essential throughout the study processHow to find and focus on the one big idea in a passageInterpreting figurative language, prophecy, and apocalyptic texts like RevelationUsing translations like NKJV, ESV, and NLT for clarity and richnessPreaching Christ from all of Scripture – especially the Old TestamentSermon prep timelines – from 4 hours to 20 (and why it varies)Trusting the Holy Spirit more than your outlineJoin Mike Neglia and Brian Kelly at the upcoming CGN Ministry Conference June 22-25, 2025 This conference is designed for church leaders and their ministry teams to connect, collaborate, and grow together. Dive deep into John 13–17, The Upper Room Discourse, with our main session speakers, and attend workshops led by experienced leaders in key areas such as Lead and Senior Pastors, Executive and Associate Pastors, Women in Ministry, Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Worship, Small Groups and Care Leaders, Tech Teams, Administration, and Lay Leaders. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry worker, or volunteer, this event is for your whole team. Join us for an inspiring time of learning, fellowship, and renewed vision for the work God has called us to!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