エピソード

  • Episode 7: A Conversation with Bob Richardson

    Episode 7: A Conversation with Bob Richardson
    2025/04/07

    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 7 A Conversation with Bob Richardson

    Episode Theme: The difference between a talk and a sermon

    In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Bob Richardson, senior pastor of Altamaha Baptist Church, Jesup, GA, about his preparation process, sermon illustrations, and preaching lessons he has learned.

    Key Highlights:

    How to make your Bible for preaching: Bob explains how he marks his Bible to assist his preaching.

    Sermon Illustrations: Bob talks about his approach to sermon illustrations

    Helpful Criticism: Bob advocates for the benefits of developing relationships with those who can give helpful criticism and coaching to help you become a better preacher.

    Joys and hardships of preaching: Bob describes the difficult labor of preparing to preach and the great joy of being able to proclaim God’s word to the church.

    Challenges of Bi-vocational ministry: Bob served in a bi-vocational role for some of his ministry. He shares some of the difficulties of bi-vocational ministry and how God used this time to discipline his preparation time.

    Join Ben Smith and Bob Richardson for a candid discussion of how God has matured and grown their understanding of and approach to preaching.

    Host: Ben Smith

    Guest: Bob Richardson

    Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

    For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org.

    Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr.

    For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/.

    Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

    All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom

    Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

    Bob Richardson is the senior pastor of Altamaha Baptist Church, Jesup, GA.

    Pastor Bob earned a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education from Valdosta State University and served as a bi-vocational pastor and schoolteacher for 10 years.

    Prior to his ministry with Altamaha Baptist Church, Bob served as pastor of Sand Hill Baptist in Race Pond, Georgia, Calvary Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia (2006-2013), and First Baptist Church in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

    Bob earned a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a second Master of Arts degree in Missiology from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has served in various leadership roles in two Baptist associations and the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.

    You can find video of Bob Richardson’s preaching at https://altamahabaptistchurch.org/sermons/.

    For more information on Altamaha Baptist church, visit https://altamahabaptistchurch.org.

    A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.

    Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 2 分
  • Episode 6: A Conversation with Rusty Grace

    Episode 6: A Conversation with Rusty Grace
    2025/03/31

    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 6

    Episode Theme: The Preacher as Pastor

    In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Rusty Grace, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Waycross, Georgia, about the vital role of preaching and pastoral ministry in today’s churches. Together, they discuss sermon preparation, a little church history, and the challenges of sermon illustrations.

    Key Highlights:

    Preaching and Worship Planning: Rusty discusses how he plans the worship service in relation to the text he will preach.

    Preaching Illustrations: Rusty discusses the dangers and blessings of sermon illustration.

    Join Ben Smith and pastor Rusty Grace for a helpful discussion on the importance of preaching and its relationship to the church’s worship and ministry.

    Host: Ben Smith

    Guest: Rusty Grace

    Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

    For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org.

    Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr.

    For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/.

    Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

    All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom

    Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

    Rusty Grace is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Waycross, GA, where he has served since 2019. He and his wife, Lauren Grace, currently have five children and anticipate soon the adoption finalization of their sixth. For more information about pastor Grace and his church, visit https://fpcwaycross.com/.

    A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.

    Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 6 分
  • Episode 5: A Conversation with Freddie Smith

    Episode 5: A Conversation with Freddie Smith
    2025/03/24

    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 5: A Conversation with Freddie Smith

    Episode Theme: A lifetime of faithfulness

    In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with retired Freddie Smith about his 63 years of pastoral ministry and the insights he has gained.

    Key Highlights:

    Importance of exhortation: Freddie Smith talks about the importance of exhortation in preaching.

    Importance of Calling: Freddie Smith explains how the call of God in his life has encouraged him and helped him remain faithful to preaching the gospel.

    Fear of God vs Fear of Man: Freddie Smith and Pastor Smith discuss how the fear of man will hinder faithful preaching and the importance of a healthy fear of God to compel a man to faithfully preach God’s word.

    Changes in church culture: Pastor Ben and Freddie Smith discuss the importance of approaching the pulpit with a sense of holiness and respect.

    Join Ben Smith and Freddie Smith for a helpful discussion of drawing on the wisdom gained from 63 years of pastoral ministry.

    Host: Ben Smith

    Guest: Freddie Smith

    Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

    For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org.

    Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr.

    For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/.

    Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

    All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom

    Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

    Freddie Smith has been preaching for over 63 years. He has served churches in Florida and Georgia, including First Baptist Church, Naples, FL; Central Baptist Church, Sanford, FL; and Sweat Memorial Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. He is the author of Revival Our Survival. Though retired from full-time ministry, Freddie continues to preach regularly.

    A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.

    Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 6 分
  • Episode 4: A Conversation with Dr. Levi Skipper

    Episode 4: A Conversation with Dr. Levi Skipper
    2025/03/17
    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 4: A Conversation with Dr. Levi SkipperEpisode Theme: A preacher’s preparation and the role of preaching in the churchIn this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Levi Skipper, senior pastor of Sagemont Church, Houston, TX, about the process of preparing to preach, the role of preaching in the ministry of the church, and how technology has impacted the ministry of preaching.Key Highlights:The Details of Sermon Preparation: Dr. Skipper discusses his weekly sermon preparation process, from reading a scripture text to delivering a sermon. Levi discusses using a sermon manuscript and how his pulpit notes have changed over the years.Helpful Criticism: Dr. Skipper advocates for the benefits of developing relationships with those who can give helpful criticism and coaching to help you become a better preacher.Importance of knowing your congregation: Beyond the study and writing of sermons, Dr. Skipper describes how knowing your congregation is a requirement for every preacher.Technology and the church: Online access has impacted how many connect with preaching. Dr. Skipper discusses how God has used technology to advance the reach of the church’s preaching ministry and its limitations.Join Ben Smith and Dr. Levi Skipper for an honest discussion of the challenges and joys of preaching and how you can be more faithful in the pulpit.Host: Ben SmithGuest: Dr. Levi SkipperBen Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.orgFollow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsrFor more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/Other podcasts by Ben Smith:All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdomSermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspodDr. Levi Skipper is the senior pastor of Sagemont Church, Houston, TX. He previously served as the Vice President of Church Strengthening for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, where he has been serving with the Georgia Baptist Convention since 2019. Levi has 22 years of ministry experience, of which 17 have been in the role of Senior Pastor. Levi is a graduate of Shorter University, Rome, GA. He went on to receive his Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Ministry from Luther Rice University.Dr. Skipper was called at the age of 23 as Lead Pastor of Ewing Road Baptist Church in Austell, Georgia. In 2009, from his heart for evangelism and missions and a clear call from God, Levi founded First Day Ministry. At First Day Ministry, Levi has preached at evangelism conferences with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, revivals across the state, and has held numerous evangelistic crusades overseas. He has also been instrumental in founding a theological training school that has equipped over 300 pastors in Ethiopia. In 2010, returned to the pastorate as Senior Pastor at Concord Baptist Church in Clermont, Georgia. In 2019, he accepted the role of Director of Evangelism for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.Dr. Skipper is the author of many books and resources that include:-The Domino Effect: Building an Evangelistic Culture in the Life of Your Church- No Sweat Evangelism- No Sweat Discipleship- Ride the Waves- Your Ministry Zone- Time Management Training- Spiritual Avalanche, https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Avalanche-Dr-Levi-Skipper/dp/1617775630- Marriage In the Red: Transforming your Marriage One Color at a Time (2010), https://www.christianbook.com/marriage-transforming-your-one-color-time/levi-skipper/9781449703721/pd/703722?srsltid=AfmBOoqIzB8dqdCN7qaep1RMWKy-oRJp7xpHvzWjxEi08fb4eMPcZpiMFollow Dr. Skipper on X at https://x.com/drjlskipperYou can find video of Dr. Levi Skipper’s preaching at https://www.sagemontchurch.org/media/on-demand/An audio podcast of Dr. Levi Skipper’s preaching is available on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sagemont-church/id1774323850A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 1 分
  • Episode 3: A Conversation with Jarrod Everson

    Episode 3: A Conversation with Jarrod Everson
    2025/03/10

    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 3

    Episode Theme: Transformative Preaching in a Changing Congregations

    In this insightful episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith engages with Jarrod Everson, the pastor of Deenwood Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia, to explore the vital role of preaching in today’s churches. Together, they delve into the church’s transformation from a predominantly senior congregation to a diverse community, catalyzed by neighborhood changes over the past 15 years.

    Key Highlights:

    Preaching Style and Preparation: Jarrod emphasizes the importance of an expository preaching approach. He shares his preparation routine.

    Challenges and Growth in Expository Preaching: The conversation addresses the initial resistance faced when introducing expository preaching to a congregation unfamiliar with the method. Jarrod reflects on overcoming these challenges, leading to deeper scriptural engagement among members and his personal growth as a preacher, inspired by his father’s expository preaching.

    Cultural Shifts and Church Dynamics: Jarrod notes the decline of cultural Christianity in South Georgia and its impact on church dynamics. This shift has fostered a more committed group of believers who prioritize biblical preaching and discipleship.

    Long-term Ministry and Preaching Impact: The episode underscores the importance of long-term ministry commitment and the transformative power of preaching God’s Word despite initial resistance. Jarrod highlights the need to balance structured worship with spontaneity and cautions against neglecting deeper issues in favor of trivial matters.

    Join Ben Smith and Jarrod Everson for a compelling discussion on the enduring significance of preaching and its ability to shape and transform church communities.

    Host: Ben Smith

    Guest: Jarrod Everson

    Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

    For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org

    Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr.

    For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/

    Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

    All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom

    Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

    Jarrod Everson is the pastor of Deenwood Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

    For more information about Pastor Everson and his church, visit http://deenwoodbaptist.org/.

    Listen to Pastor Everson’s sermons at: https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-xaykw-5706b7

    A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.

    Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    52 分
  • Episode 2: Why a podcast about preaching?

    Episode 2: Why a podcast about preaching?
    2025/03/03
    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 2 Why a Podcast about preaching?Episode Theme: Recovering a love for, appreciation of, and devotion to preaching.In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith shares his story of how God has transformed his understanding of preaching. Ben explains how he hopes to help the listeners grow in their understanding of God’s word and the ministry and role of preaching. He shares that he hopes this podcast will be used to recapture and recover the church’s love for, appreciation of, and devotion to preaching.Key Highlights:The Primacy of the Ministry of Preaching: Ben Smith explains that the primacy of the ministry of preaching is such that if you remove it, a church ceases to be a church, and every other ministry of the church flows from it.Conviction over Education: While education is helpful, and theological education can be a great asset for a preacher, faithful preaching requires more than academics and education. Ben Smith shares a personal experience that revealed the necessity for those who preach to labor under the conviction that the Bible is the word of God.Substance over performance: Everyone loves a good show and enjoys being entertained. There is a performative element to preaching, but faithful preaching must be much more than a performance. Ben Smith shares his personal experience of coming to appreciate biblically faithful preaching more than the performance of preaching.Faithfulness over size: The hardest lesson for anyone who teaches or preaches is not to be enamored with the illusion of crowd size. Ben Smith explains how crowd size is not the only, most important, or most helpful metric in assessing the faithfulness of a preaching ministry.Join Ben Smith for an insightful discussion of the importance of preaching and why a podcast devoted to the ministry of preaching will be helpful to the church.Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.orgFor more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/Other podcasts by Ben Smith:All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdomSermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspodA special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. Ben Smith shares his personal connection to Jim’s parents, James and Ella Gibson, and how their example and testimony of honoring the preaching of God’s word had a profound impact on his life.You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.I chose the hymn Brethren, We Have Met to Worship because the lyrics emphasize the importance of preaching for the salvation of the lost and the ministry to the church,Brethren, We Have Met to Worship, by George Askins1 Brethren, we have met to worshipAnd adore the Lord our God;Will you pray with all your power,While we try to preach the Word?All is vain unless the SpiritOf the Holy One comes down;Brethren, pray, and holy mannaWill be showered all around.2 Brethren, see poor sinners round youSlumb'ring on the brink of woe;Death is coming, hell is moving,Can you bear to let them go?See our fathers and our mothers,And our children sinking down;Brethren, pray and holy mannaWill be showered all around.3 Sisters, will you join and help us?Moses' sister aided him;Will you help the trembling mournersWho are struggling hard with sin?Tell them all about the Savior,Tell them that He will be found;Sisters, pray, and holy mannaWill be showered all around.4 Let us love our God supremely,Let us love each other, too;Let us love and pray for sinners,Till our God makes all things new.Then He'll call us home to heaven,At His table we'll sit down;Christ will gird Himself, and serve usWith sweet manna all around.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    16 分