The Teaching Pastor

This is a series of interviews with pastors about their secret sauce of dealing with various passages in the Bible and how they put that material into a message for their congregation. Download or Subscribe and geek out with us.

Zombie Bayou!? A chat with the creative team at Hume Lake Christian Camps

If you had one week to impact the lives of 1000 students, how would you do it? Ten people in a cabin in the woods with their Bibles, white boards, with ridiculous amounts of jr high level snacks! It’s not about outdoing the last year. . It’s all about doing “Different” well! Don’t address the peripheral symptoms, aim at the root causes and core motivations. And. . . what the heck is the genre of Zombie Bayou? In this episode of the Teaching Pastor we sit down and have a chat with Jay Johnson and Derek Geer members of the creative team at Hume Lake Christian Camps. If you want to see what a week at Hume Lake looks like in 3 min, click here. 2016 and 2017 Summer Theme Videos Bingo and Forsaken Hume Summer Theme Trailers/Teasers The Meadow Ranch (Jr High camp) Stage presentation of Phoenix Dark Pixar – Creativity Inc.   Music Provided by Pawn Shop Kings, “Love Like Jesus” Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on iTunes. Visit our patreon page and become a patron of the podcast patreon.com/theteachingpastor  

09-28
01:08:32

Ines Franklin: “There are times when the soul yearns for a chapel”

Building a contemplative reflective space and designing an interactive experience for a non-denominational Mega church. The path to the pulpit starts with cleaning window sills in the Children’s ministry. If you’re new at this, the rule is if it is related to teaching, say “yes!” What snacks are best to get the creative juices flowing? Facilitating an encounter with God on Sunday is awesome! but. . . Saturdays are the hardest. Sometimes working at a Mega Church is like being the fly on the grill of the 18-wheeler. In this Episode of The Teaching Pastor we sit down with Ines Franklin, Chapel Pastor at Mariners Church, in Irvine CA.  Click here for some of Ines’ messages or you can visit her Trochia page. Or if you would like to find out more about the Chapel Experience at Mariners church. Logos Bible Software Accordance Bible Software Fuller Theological Seminary Plantain Chips at Trader Joe’s Music Provided by Pawn Shop Kings, “Love Like Jesus” Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on iTunes. Visit our patreon page and become a patron of the podcast patreon.com/theteachingpastor

09-11
01:00:14

Jerry Root: “We offer crumbs! God feeds His people.” Wisdom from a Pastor-Scholar.

Call him Jerry, because if you call him Gerald it means the terrorists have won! The beauty of being admitted to Seminary on academic probation.When you meet people, do you lift them off the ground? Being a growing Pastor means you will inevitably feel awkward at times when you are learning new things. Doing exegesis on the text and exegesis on the hearts of the people. Every pastor-scholar needs three piles of books – (The books I read over and over; the books I need to read to keep up in my field; the books I want to read). Graduation is called commencement because it is the beginning of education, not the end. In this Episode of the Teaching Pastor podcast we get a conversation on practical pastoral wisdom with Dr. Jerry Root, Professor of Evangelism at Wheaton College and C.S. Lewis scholar. If you want to hear some sermons from Jerry Root go ahead and Google his name. Talbot School of Theology Wheaton College Check out the Walter Elwell page on Amazon Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge – RA Torrey Virgil’s Aeneid The Power and the Glory – Graham Greene Music Provided by Pawn Shop Kings, “Love Like Jesus” Go right now and rate and review the podcast on iTunes! Visit our patreon page and become a patron of the podcast patreon.com/theteachingpastor

09-04
01:00:48

Chris Brown is all about building teams. . . and listening to them!

If you are a gifted storyteller, you need to listen to this episode! 54 services a weekend might be crazy. “Hire the best people you can, and take a lot of naps,” who said that? You want to train younger teachers? Give them access to the teaching team prep. . . and use them as your personal Google. When was the last time your family took one car to church? What do you do when there is no anonymity when you walk into a coffee chop? Paying your “dumb tax” ahead of time. What do short-stops, running backs, and power forwards have to do with Teaching Pastors? In this Episode of the Teaching Pastor we catch up with Chris Brown, Teaching Pastor at North Coast Church, Vista CA. If you want to hear sermons from Chris you can find some at pastorChrisBrown.com or NorthCoastChurch.com Bethel Seminary, San Diego Garrison Keillor, A Prairie Home Companion David Guzik enduringword.com BlueLetterBible.com Azusa Pacific University Music Provided by Pawn Shop Kings, “Love Like Jesus” Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on iTunes. Visit our patreon page and become a patron of the podcast patreon.com/theteachingpastor

08-26
52:39

John Austin Helm is out in the public space

Is the office a productive place? What do you do when you are part of a church plant and you have no office? Getting your Jansport Backpack loaded as your “go” bag for mobile sermon prep. Analog or Digital? What are the pros and cons of being an early adopter? Waking up one morning and realizing, “I think I’ve found my voice!” Creating routine to maximize your creative decisions. Are you a pastor who might say, “It’s anyone’s guess what’s going to come out of my mouth.”? In this Episode of the Teaching Pastor we have a conversation with Pastor and Church Planter, John Austin Helm If you would like to listen to messages from Austin you can go to JohnAustinHelm.com. Below are some links to resources mentioned in the episode: Mike Eere, Vox podcast    Fuller Theological Seminary Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT) Logos Bible Software Accordance Bible Software The Jansport Right Pack Backpack Craig Groeschel (Books, Leadership, and Podcast) Music Provided by Pawn Shop Kings, “Love Like Jesus” Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on iTunes. Visit our patreon page and become a patron of the podcast patreon.com/theteachingpastor

08-21
54:34

Special Episode: "Pastor vs. Sound Guy"

What do Whitney Houston and your a/v team have in common? What is the best microphone to use on a Sunday morning? What about sound boards and speakers? Why is there a stereotype about sound techs among pastors? Why is there a stereotype of pastors among sound techs? In this special episode of the The Teaching Pastor we explore the matters of “sound” as it relates to the Sunday Morning Expierence of the message and we have a practical and philosophical conversation Paul Bresenden, President of 454 Creative If you would like to see more of what Paul and his team does visit 454 Creative  Here are some other resources that came up in the Episode. Countryman E6/Headset microphone Shure SM58 handheld mic AKG D5 mic DPA headset mic EAW Speakers QSC K12 Speakers Paul Dexter Creative – Systems Integrater Audio Training Yamaha House of Worship Resources and Training Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook Yamaha Guide to Sound Systems for Worship Nick Burns SNL IT guy Babylon Bee satire about sound tech stereotypes and blame Music Provided by Pawn Shop Kings, “Love Like Jesus” Rate and review the podcast on iTunes. Visit our patreon page and become a patron of the podcast patreon.com/theteachingpastor

08-05
01:04:13

Erik Thoennes (TAW-ness) preaches those passages that might never make it onto a Hobby Lobby decoration!

Do you need to provide a phonetic pronunciation for your last name? Revitalizing a local church with a three-person team approach. Erasing the Clergy/Laity distinction with a Plymouth Brethren background. How do you know when you have a sermon and not a lecture; it isn’t just about volume. Expanding your teaching team planning meetings to include all aspiring teachers in the congregation. The Best preaching advice for beginners. . . “just talk to us.” How do you preach those passages that probably will never make it on a Hobby Lobby decorative wall hanging. In this Episode we have a fantastic conversation with Erik Thoennes, Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at Biola University and Talbot Theological Seminary as well as Staff Elder at Grace EVFree, La Mirada. If you would like to hear some messages from Erik you can find them at the Grace EVFree La Mirada Website. Here are some links to some of the resources mentioned in this Episode Biblical Eldership, Alexander Strauch Logos Bible Software Accordance Bible Software The Gospel Coalition Hume Lake Christian Camps Summer 2018 Theme (Kajua Trailer) Biola University Department of Undergraduate Biblical Studies Do us a favor: Subscribe and Review the podcast on iTunes. Also, share this episode on Facebook with friends who might appreciate hearing about what goes on behind the scenes of teaching prep for a pastor.

07-29
53:36

Matt Hemphill knows that God is in the moving business!

From the Mortgage industry to Senior Pastor and the road in between. The value of authenticity and wonder when coming to the Bible. Being a young pastor means preaching every passage for the first time. Get a little feedback by asking your team, “Can you tell me something about last week’s sermon?” Watching film is the best way to step your game up. Growing by becoming more clear and preaching a “one point” sermon In this episode of the Teaching Pastor we have a conversation with Matt Hemphill, Lead Pastor at Prodigal Church of Orange County. You can listen to some of Matt’s messages at prodigaloc.org Here are a few resources that came up in the episode Bible Gateway Blue Letter Bible The “Be” series - Warren Wiersbe Communicating for a Change, Andy Stanley God Has a Name, John Mark Comer If you would like to help the podcast. . . share this episode (and others) on your social media platforms. You can also Rate and Review us on iTunes!

07-22
43:10

Chad Halliburton isn’t hip enough to live in Costa Mesa

How hip do you have to be to live in Costa Mesa? The value of Seminary for speaking with confidence. The difference between a good education and a seminary education. The camaraderie and protection of being part of a teaching team. Listening to a playlist of the Sunday worship set and setting a 30 min prayer timer while preparing the message. Teaching or Preaching. . . have you found your genre of preachers? And Starting your preaching career as “announcement guy.” In this episode we have a conversation with Chad Halliburton, campus pastor at RockHarbor Mission Viejo. Listen to some of Chad’s messages at the RockHarbor Mission Viejo site. The Witness of Preaching, Thomas Long Preaching from the Soul, J. Ellsworth Kalas The Drama of Scripture, Craig Bartholomew and Michael Goheen The Preaching Life, Barbara Brown Taylor (particularly chapter 7: “Preaching”) Music Provided by Pawn Shop Kings, “Love Like Jesus” Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on iTunes. Visit our patreon page and become a patron of the podcast patreon.com/theteachingpastor

06-04
57:18

Matt Kyser brings the oil and water. . . but is looking for fire.

Have you ever thought while preparing a message, “Shouldn’t this take less time, the more I do it?” Crafting and using a “Good News statement” every Sunday. Finding your voice, by stepping back and taking a hard look at your teaching with a trusted friend. Thinking about the way your sermon is consumed on media, Audio recordings or Video recordings, and how that affects the message. Finding your weekly rhythm and routine of prep. Color coding your notes or manuscript. How long does it take to preach through the gospel of Matthew? In this Episode we have a candid conversation with Matt Kyser, Lead Pastor at The Village Church of Irvine. Village Church Irvine Acts 29 and Acts 29 Orange County Talbot School of Theology at Biola University KUSC Classical Music 91.5 FM Blue Letter Bible Music Provided by Pawn Shop Kings, “Love Like Jesus” Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on iTunes. Visit our patreon page and become a patron of the podcast patreon.com/theteachingpastor  

05-23
52:20

Mike Pasquarello does his best work in a coffee shop . . . and the seminary classroom!

From Duke to North Carolina (a pilgrimage of preaching . . . and college basketball). The difference between looking at the Bible and looking through the Bible. Pastors are competitive? No, say it isn’t so. Finding a group of pastors to root for and debrief with might be an antidote for grinding away in isolation. Learning about preaching by doing biography work on voices from the past. The joy of preaching from a passage you have never preached from. When you put a sermon together, do one thing, and do one thing well. Today on the Teaching Pastor Podcast we chat with Mike Paquarello, the Lloyd John Ogilvie Professor of Preaching at Fuller Theological Seminary Listen to one of Mike’s sermons here at the Fuller Studio site. The United Methodist Church Lectionary Working the Angles, Under the Unpredictable Plant, The Contemplative Pastor, Eugene Peterson The Witness of Preaching, Tom Long Some books written by Mike: Dietrich: Bonhoeffer and the Theology of a Preaching Life (2017) John Wesley: A Preaching Life (2010) Christian Preaching: A Trinitarian Theology of Proclamation (2008) Sacred Rhetoric (2005) Narrative Reading, Narrative Preaching: Reuniting New Testament Interpretation and Proclamation (2003 w/ Joel Green) Music Provided by Pawn Shop Kings, “Love Like Jesus” Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on iTunes. Visit our patreon page and become a patron of the podcast patreon.com/theteachingpastor

05-09
53:14

Lisa Lamb creates with Redwood Trees out the window and a Labrador at her feet.

Preaching for creating a church culture that fosters racial reconciliation. Starting your sermon prep with a devotional reading of the text where you write out your passage phrase-by-phrase and line-by-line. If you are struggling with church growth, you might consider a weekly “offering sermon.” Every sermon needs a “through line.” And we have a good conversation about what it means to do funerals. In this episode of the Teaching Pastor we visit the campus of Fuller Theological Seminary to talk with Lisa Lamb, professor of preaching If you would like to listen to some sermons by Lisa click here. Four Pages of a Sermon, Paul Scott Wilson Fuller Leadership Platform Blue Letter Bible FeastingontheWord.net Ancient Christian Commentary Christian Classics Ethereal Library Africa Bible Commentary Music Provided by Pawn Shop Kings, “Love Like Jesus” Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on iTunes. Visit our patreon page and become a patron of the podcast patreon.com/theteachingpastor

05-02
55:23

Ryan Zeulner is particular about backpacks and jackets. . . and pens. . . and headphones. . . but he’s not OCD.

When your job is not primarily teaching, how do you shift gears when you need to prepare to go into the pulpit? How do you take your opportunities to “lead up” and affect the church culture? Packing a “go bag” for preaching prep if the office is not a productive place. Finding an experienced pastor to train you as a teacher. Did you know that one Sunday of the year is 2% of your Job? In this Episode of the Teaching Pastor we sit down with Ryan Zeulner, Pastor of Mission at Grace Fellowship Church in Costa Mesa, CA If you would like to hear messages from Ryan, you can find him at gracefellowhsipchurch.org Logos Bible Software Accordance Bible Software Communicating for a Change, Andy Stanley Biola University Teen Leadership Foundation FeedtheMusic.net If you would like to help The Teaching Pastor podcast. . . . Go to iTunes, subscribe, rate us, and write a review. If you have thoughts, or comments you can find Craig at theteachingpastor@gmail.com Music Provided by Pawn Shop Kings, “Love Like Jesus”  

04-16
54:19

Don Sunukjian. . . Jedi Master of Homiletics

Listening to bad sermons can make you a better preacher? Learning about oral clarity by listening to your own unclear sermons. The path to a pulpit, and then to a professorate. Spending enough time in the text to get to the point where you are able to say, “Thus saith the Lord!” The benefits of manuscripting sermons, and walking into the pulpit with no notes. In this Episode we have a conversation with Don Sunukjian, Professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. Talbot School of Theology Dallas Theological Seminary Invitation to Biblical Preaching, Don Sunukjian One Year to Better Preaching, Daniel Overdorff Check out Don’s Expository Preaching lectures on YouTube Music Provided by Pawn Shop Kings, “Love Like Jesus” Leave a review on iTunes, Subscribe, Share the Podcast with someone who might be interested.

03-27
54:24

David Ludwig preaches in mid-century modern, desert, Presbyterian architecture . . . built by Dwight D. Eisenhower. . . really!

Is your church sanctuary a stop on the historical architectural tour of your city? Should I preach a series, or follow the Lectionary? Some thoughts on having a pastoral transition plan. Preaching “in season” to your “winter family” when you live in a resort community. Analog and Digital. . . Old School and Tech Savvy. . . Some tips for preaching with technology you already have. And when it comes to preaching prep. . . what do you do when you love Mondays and Tuesdays. . . but Wednesday and Thursday are the hard days. In this Episode of the Teaching Pastor we travel out to the desert to have a conversation with David Ludwig, Senior Pastor of Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church. If you would like to listen to some of Dave’s sermons at pdpresby.org Listen to some of David’s sermons at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church Fuller Theological Seminary The Gospel of John, Dale Brunner Clay Schmit, Key Principles of Preaching IW Coffee in Palm Desert Darrell Johnson, 57 Words that Change the World If you are enjoying the Teaching Pastor do us a favor. Go on iTunes and leave a review, also recommend this or other episodes to someone who might appreciate hearing about how these pastors do their work. We are aiming to bring light-hearted, but seminary-level, and practitioner-focused conversations about moving from passage to message for anyone who teaches the Bible. So share, we also have a patreon page so check that out at patreon.com/theteachingpastor If you have thoughts or comments, find me, Craig Hill, on theteachingpastor@gmail.com

03-21
39:52

If your congregation has heard it all. . . try Ezekiel! (. . . and Dave Gundlach!)

When was the last time you preached through Ezekiel? (Heck, when was the last time I even read through a Major Prophet from start to finish?) What sort of tensions exist when you move into the weird and wild world of Exilic Apocalyptic literature and prophetic street theater in a Jewish refugee camp? How many chapters are in Ezekiel? In this Episode of the Teaching Pastor we circle back around with Dave Gundlach (Episode 2), Teaching Pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Costa Mesa and we geek out about the factors leading up to preaching through the book of Ezekiel. If you would like to listen to some of Dave’s messages through Ezekiel, here are links below to his messages, as well as some of the resources that he made use of and put before the congregation. Yawning at Tigers, Drew Dyck Dave’s series on Ezekiel The Bible Project (download the Read Scripture App ) The NIV Application Commentary on Ezekiel, Lain Duguid The New International Commentary on the Old Testament on Ezekiel (2 Vol.), Daniel Block If you are enjoying the Teaching Pastor, go on iTunes and write a review, share the podcast with a friend, or a pastor you know. We work hard to have a light-hearted, seminary-level, but practitioner-focused conversations about moving from passage to message for anyone who teaches the Bible. Questions or comments? Find me at theteachingpastor@gmail.com

03-16
49:47

Josh Harrison is part of “building it while it’s flying.”

Have you ever been confused for the “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” guy? The path from working with IT to leading the Teaching Team. Have you ever taken Hebrew . . . just for fun. The pros of having an English Lit degree as a teaching pastor. . . and, How do you work at a church where “building it while we are flying it” is part of the DNA? In this episode we have a conversation with Josh Harrison, Teaching Pastor at RockHarbor Church in Costa Mesa. If you would like to listen to some of Josh’s teaching you can go to costamesa.rockharbor.org. I recommend the Luke series, particularly the Road to Emmaus episode. If you would like links to anything that we discussed in the episode Vanguard University The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb, Jamin Goggin & Kyle Strobel How to Think Theologically, Stone & Duke Intro and Outro Music provided by Pawn Shop Kings, “Love Like Jesus.” Subscribe to the Teaching Pastor on iTunes or Podbean or visit our Patreon Page.  

03-08
54:33

Beth Schwartz is aiming for Emotional Heath (crafts and tea are optional)

How does a nurse from Pennsylvania come to lead the women’s ministries at one of the largest churches in the world? The role of seminary training for a women’s pastor. Empowering a team to write curriculum and teach the Bible. The value of reading the Bible and making your own observations, and. . . Is Craig a commentary-hater? In this Episode of the Teaching Pastor we have a conversation with Beth Schwartz Women’s Pastor at Saddleback Church   Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, The Emotionally Healthy Leader The STEP Bible Saddleback Church Women’s ministry Rick Warren’s resources for Pastors at Pastors.com Fuller Theological Seminary The Return of the Prodigal Son, Henri Nouwen The Way of the Heart, Henri Nouwen   If you are enjoying the Teaching Pastor go to iTunes and leave a review. Go to our patreon page The Teaching Pastor and give $1 a month (go crazy!)

02-09
40:59

“They didn’t tell me about that in the interview” -Darin McWatters

Does your Pastor’s office have Bullet-proof glass? How do you preach in the shadow of a celebrity pastor? Stepping into the Lead Role of a large church. How Many Sundays a year should a pastor preach? The unique journey of being self-trained in teaching the Bible. The value of having someone speak formative words to you about your teaching vocation. The beauty of a Church who creates room for you to grow as a pastor and then launches you out. Why did I choose book of Hebrews for my first Sermon Series? In this episode we have a conversation with Darin McWatters, Senior Pastor at EV Free Fullerton EV Free Fullerton Arizona Christian University Word Search Evernote Subscribe to The Teaching Pastor on iTunes and leave a review

02-02
57:41

Life after The Super Secret Summer Theme with Rich Baker

Do you want to be a Camp Speaker? Let go! The transition from Camp ministry to Church ministry. Online seminary? or in-person seminary? The Monster of Summer Camp Theme Planning, Live Stage Shows, and Film Making and the brainstorming behind it. The humility of admitting, “I might not be as good a teacher as I thought I was.” Brainstorming a passage with a Bubble Map. Preaching about the half-healing of a blind man in Mark 8. In this Episode we have a conversation with Rich Baker, Pastor of Communities at Arbor Road Church in Long Beach. Listen to one of Rich’s messages at arborroad.com Logos Bible Software            Liberty University Arbor Road Church   Subscribe to The Teaching Pastor on iTunes Leave a review on iTunes Visit our Patreon Page  

01-25
45:31

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