Season 2, Episode 9: Preaching at Evangelistic Events with Sam Chan

Christmas. Easter. Carols. Community events. Special evangelistic nights. These moments can bring people into our churches who may rarely or never hear a Christian sermon. But how do we preach the gospel to a room where many people may have little understanding of Christianity and may not even be sure why they're there?

In the final episode of Season 2, we’re joined by Sam Chan (evangelist, author, and experienced communicator) to explore how to preach clearly and compellingly at evangelistic events. Sam brings years of experience thinking about how the gospel connects with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.

We discuss:

• Making the most of opportunities like Christmas, Easter, Carols, and community events
• Explaining the gospel clearly without assuming too much 
• Building a bridge from everyday experience to the message of Jesus 
• Engaging people who are sceptical, curious, or spiritually indifferent 
• Using stories, illustrations, questions, and humour effectively 

As the season comes to a close, this episode brings us back to the heart of preaching: proclaiming Christ to real people in real situations. Whether you're preaching at a packed Christmas service, an Easter gathering, a community event, or any other evangelistic opportunity, this conversation will encourage you to preach the gospel with clarity and confidence.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Season 2, Episode 8: Preaching to Comfortable Christians with Tim Johnson

How do you preach to people who genuinely believe the gospel, regularly attend church, and yet have become comfortable in their Christianity? How do you challenge complacency without simply piling on guilt?

In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Johnson (lecturer on preaching and pastoral care at Ridley College) to explore the challenge of preaching to Christians who may be spiritually settled, comfortable, or resistant to change. We consider how the Word of God can lovingly expose complacency, renew our vision of Christ, and call believers to deeper faith, obedience, and mission.

We discuss: 

• Preaching challenge without becoming harsh or moralistic 
• Calling people beyond comfort towards sacrifice, holiness, and mission 
• How a bigger vision of God provides the motivation for Christian growth 
• Preaching to people who know the right answers but may have lost their sense of wonder 

Whether your congregation is prosperous, settled, mature, or simply familiar with the rhythms of church life, this conversation will help you think about how to preach God's Word in a way that wakes us up to the glory of Christ and the cost, and joy, of following him.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Season 2, Episode 7: Preaching to Gen Zs and Millennials — with Guy Mason

How do you preach faithfully to generations shaped by smartphones, social media, individualism, and a rapidly changing cultural landscape? And how can we understand the people sitting in front of us without simply trying to make the gospel “cool”?

In this episode, we’re joined by Guy Mason, founding and Senior Pastor of City on a Hill, to explore how preachers can communicate the unchanging gospel to Gen Zs and Millennials. Guy shares practical wisdom on understanding the questions, assumptions, and longings of younger generations, while keeping the message firmly centred on Christ.

We discuss:

• What characterises the worldviews of Gen Zs and Millennials 
• How cultural awareness can strengthen rather than compromise biblical preaching 
• Communicating clearly in an age of distraction and scepticism 
• Speaking to younger generations without pandering to them 
• Why the timeless gospel remains exactly what younger people need 

Whether you’re preaching to a congregation full of young adults or simply want to understand the generations you’re trying to reach, this conversation will help you preach with greater cultural awareness, clarity, and confidence without changing the message.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Season 2, Episode 6: Kids Talks with Ian Jones

How do you explain big truths to little people? And how can a children's talk be more than just a few entertaining minutes before the sermon?

In this episode, we're joined by Ian Jones—children's ministry leader and experienced thoughtful communicator—to explore the art of giving faithful and memorable kids' talks. Ian shares practical wisdom on communicating God's Word to children in a way that is simple without being simplistic, fun without becoming distracting, and always centred on Christ.

We discuss:

•  How to communicate big biblical truths in simple language 
•  Using illustrations, objects, and interaction effectively 
•  Holding children's attention without relying on entertainment 
•  Keeping the gospel at the heart of every kids' talk 

Whether you're leading a children's talk every Sunday or only occasionally, this conversation will help you communicate God's Word in a way that captures young hearts while serving the whole church.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Season 2, Episode 5: Preaching to Women with Joy Arundell

How can preachers faithfully proclaim God's Word in a way that genuinely connects with the women in their congregation? What helps women feel seen, understood, challenged, and encouraged by the gospel?

In this episode, we're joined by Joy Arundell to explore what it looks like to preach with women thoughtfully in mind. Joy shares insights from years of study, teaching God's Word to women, and thoughtful practical wisdom.

We discuss:

•  How women hear and respond to preaching 
•  Common blind spots that can unintentionally hinder communication 
•  Preaching to the real joys, pressures, and challenges women face 
•  Avoiding stereotypes while speaking with empathy and truth 
•  Keeping Christ at the centre as we call women to faithful discipleship 

Whether you're preaching to a Sunday congregation, a women's event, or simply want to grow in serving the women God has entrusted to your care, this conversation will help you preach with greater clarity, compassion, and gospel purpose.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Season 2, Episode 4: Preaching to Men with Andrew Grills

How do you preach in a way that speaks meaningfully to men? What are the opportunities, and the challenges, of calling men to follow Christ with courage and humility?

In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Grills, lead pastor of City on a Hill Geelong, to explore how faithful preaching can engage the hearts of men in our churches and communities. Andrew shares biblical and pastoral wisdom on addressing the unique temptations, responsibilities, and callings men face, while keeping Christ and the gospel firmly at the centre.

We discuss:

• Calling men to biblical leadership, service, and godliness 
• Preaching with challenge, grace, and gospel hope 
• Avoiding stereotypes while speaking to real issues 
• Helping men see the beauty and strength of following Christ 

Whether you're preaching to a men's gathering or a regular Sunday congregation, this conversation will help you proclaim God's Word in a way that challenges, encourages, and equips men to grow as faithful disciples of Jesus.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Season 2, Episode 3: Preaching to the Intrigued but Unconverted with Glen Scrivener

Guest: speaklife.org.uk

https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1202891.rss

Not everyone in our congregations has come to faith. Some are asking questions, exploring Christianity, and genuinely intrigued by Jesus but they're not yet trusting Him. So how do we preach in a way that helps them take the next step?

In this episode, we're joined by Glen Scrivener, evangelist, author, speaker, and Speak Life podcaster, to explore how to preach to people who are interested in the gospel but have not yet believed. Glen shares his passion for presenting Christ compellingly, answering the questions people are really asking, and speaking in a way that both welcomes sceptics and challenges us all to respond.

Whether you're preaching in a local church, at an outreach event, or to a congregation where visitors are regularly present, this conversation will help you proclaim Christ in a way that is both faithful to Scripture and compelling to those still exploring the Christian faith.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Weddings and funerals gather people who may rarely step inside a church, yet they're often moments when people can be directed to God and hear the hope of the gospel.

In this episode, we're joined by Reverend Eugene Hor to discuss how to faithfully and wisely preach at weddings and funerals. Eugene shares practical insights on proclaiming Christ with warmth, clarity, and sensitivity while serving families during some of life's most memorable and emotional occasions.

We discuss:

• How to prepare messages for two very different occasions 
• Balancing pastoral care with clear gospel proclamation 
• Preaching to rooms filled with both Christians and non-Christians 
• Avoiding common mistakes
• Making the most of unique opportunities to point people to Christ 

Whether you're officiating your first wedding, preaching your first funeral, or seeking to grow in these important ministries, this conversation will help you communicate the hope of the gospel with wisdom, compassion, and confidence.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Season 2, Episode 1: Hard Seasons in Life with Paul Grimmond

How do you preach to people whose lives are marked by grief, disappointment, suffering, or uncertainty? What does faithful preaching sound like when your congregation is walking through life's hardest seasons?

In the first episode of Season 2, we’re joined by Paul Grimmond (Vice Principal/Head of Ministry at Moore Theological College and the author of 'Suffering Well' and 'When the Noise Won't Stop') to explore how preachers can bring God’s Word to people who are hurting. Paul shares biblical wisdom and pastoral insight into preaching that acknowledges the reality of suffering while holding out the sure hope of Christ.

We discuss:

•  How to preach with both truth and tenderness 
•  Avoiding unhelpful clichés and easy answers 
•  Bringing comfort without diminishing suffering 
•  Helping people trust God when life doesn't make sense 
•  Why hope in Christ is never naïve, even in the darkest seasons 

Whether you're preaching to a grieving family, a weary congregation, or someone quietly carrying heavy burdens, this conversation will help you proclaim God's Word with compassion, honesty, and lasting hope.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Bonus Episode: Healthy Habits for Emerging Preachers — with William Taylor

Preaching isn’t just about what happens in the pulpit. It’s about the habits formed long before you step into it.

In this bonus episode, William Taylor - pastor, Bible teacher, and long-time trainer of emerging preachers shares the foundational habits that sustain faithful gospel ministry over the long haul. Drawing from decades of preaching and mentoring, William offers practical wisdom for those starting out and wanting to build well from the beginning.

We explore:

• The daily disciplines that shape strong preachers
• How to grow in clarity, conviction, and courage
• Guarding your heart while sharpening your craft
• Why character matters more than platform

Whether you’re preparing your first sermon or your thousandth, this conversation will help you cultivate habits that strengthen both your preaching and your walk with Christ.

Check out St Helen's excellent podcast here: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-tujz9-1115fbe

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

How can preaching do more than teach — how can it shape a church’s direction, culture, and heart for mission?

In this bonus episode, Russ Grinter, Darren Middleton, and Phil Campbell join forces to discuss how faithful preaching can set and sustain gospel vision in a local church. Together, they explore how vision casting happens not through flashy slogans or strategies, but through consistent, Christ-centred preaching that lifts people’s eyes to God’s purposes.

We talk about:

• How to preach in a way that forms a church’s culture over time
• The difference between preaching about vision and for vision
• How to align sermons with the mission and seasons of church life
• Lessons from years of preaching that have helped churches grow in focus and unity

Whether you’re planting, pastoring, or planning the year ahead, this episode will inspire you to preach in a way that helps your church see, and live, God’s big vision together.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Episode 10: Heart Application with Murray Capill

Preaching isn’t finished until God’s Word reaches real lives. But how do we move from explaining the text to showing its transforming power in the everyday?

In this season finale, we’re joined by Murray Capill, pastor, author, and long-time lecturer in preaching, to explore the heart of application. Murray unpacks why application is not an optional add-on, but the very goal of preaching, and how preachers can connect the Bible to the joys and struggles of their people with helpful ideas and frameworks.

We discuss:

• Why application is central to biblical preaching
• How to make sermons land in different contexts and with diverse listeners
• Common pitfalls in application and how to avoid them
• How application keeps pointing people to Christ rather than just “good advice”

This episode ties together the themes of the whole season, reminding us that preaching is not only about saying true things but about God’s Word bringing lasting change in real lives.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Episode 9: Key Tips for Beginners with Dave Martin

Every preacher has a first sermon. But what makes the difference between stumbling through and stepping up with confidence?

In this episode, we sit down with Dave Martin — experienced pastor and preaching trainer — to hear his most practical advice for those just starting out. Dave shares lessons learned the hard way, what he wishes he knew earlier, and the habits that can set new preachers on a path of steady growth.

We cover:

• How to overcome nerves and prepare with clarity
• The essential building blocks of a faithful sermon
• Common mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them

If you’re a beginner preacher, or walking alongside someone who is, this episode offers wisdom that’s both realistic and deeply encouraging.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Episode 8: Storytelling in Preaching with Mike Raiter

Why do some sermons stick in the mind and not just for days, but for years? Often, it’s because they connect truth to story.

In this episode, we’re joined by Mike Raiter, preacher, author, and director of the Centre for Biblical Preaching. We explore the role of storytelling in gospel proclamation. Mike unpacks how stories can illuminate, persuade, and reach the heart without distracting from the text.

We discuss:

• How Jesus used storytelling to engage and confront
• Practical tips for finding, crafting, and delivering stories
• How to make your stories serve the text, not steal the spotlight

If you’ve ever struggled to keep your listeners leaning in, or wondered how to make truth land with lasting impact, this episode will help you tell stories that preach.

Centre for Biblical Preaching: cbp.org.au

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Episode 7: Preaching With Women in Mind with Jenny Salt

What do preachers need to keep in mind when they’re preaching to women? How can we communicate the truth of God's word in a way that resonates with the whole church?

In this episode, we’re joined by Jenny Salt, lecturer, speaker, and long-time gospel communicator, to reflect on how preaching can honour and engage the women in our congregations.

Jenny shares insights on:

• Common blind spots male preachers may not realise
• How to avoid stereotypes while addressing real experiences
• What women listen for and what they wish preachers knew

Whether you’re preaching to a mixed church, a women’s event, or just want to grow in speaking across the whole body of Christ, Jenny brings wisdom, warmth, and clarity to a conversation every preacher should hear.

Hear more from Jenny on her podcast: smbc.edu.au/resources/salt-conversations

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Episode 6: Advanced Rhetoric with Darren Middleton

What takes a sermon from faithful to powerful? From clear to compelling?

In this episode, we’re joined by Darren Middleton, pastor, preacher, and preaching trainer, to explore the role of rhetoric in gospel preaching. Not empty persuasion, but the thoughtful, Spirit-filled use of language to engage hearts and minds with God’s word.

Darren unpacks:

• How rhetorical devices can serve the text, not overshadow it
• Why repetition, rhythm, and contrast matter in oral communication
• The difference between being clever and being clear
• How to grow as a communicator without becoming performative

This isn’t about hype it’s about preaching with conviction, clarity, and imagination. If you want to sharpen your delivery and better move people toward Christ, this episode will stretch and inspire you.

Darren's Podcast on Reformed Teaching is available here as well: https://discipleshipunplugged.buzzsprout.com/

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Episode 5: Preaching Christ from the Old Testament with Jared Hood

How do we preach Christ from passages where His name is never mentioned? And how do we avoid either forcing Him into the text or missing Him altogether?

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jared Hood, Principal of the Presbyterian Theological College and long-time Old Testament preacher and lecturer. Jared helps us think carefully and faithfully about how to preach Christ from the Old Testament not as a preaching trick, but as a theological and biblical necessity.

We explore:

• Why Christ-centred preaching matters for the whole Bible
• Different ways Christ genuinely emerges from Old Testament texts
• Pitfalls to avoid when connecting the Testaments

Whether you’re preaching from Exodus, Proverbs, or the Prophets, this conversation will equip you to preach the Old Testament with depth, care, and gospel clarity.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Episode 4: Outline, Structure & Preaching Wisdom — with Peter Adam

What makes a sermon not just true, but clear, compelling, and memorable? Often, it comes down to structure and a title or outline that sticks.

In this episode, Peter Adam, beloved preacher, lecturer, and trusted mentor to generations of gospel workers, helps us think wisely about how to move from text to structure with clarity and faithfulness. He unpacks:

• How to shape a sermon that truly serves your hearers
• Why great outlines and titles matter more than we think
• Common structure mistakes and how to avoid them
• How to let the passage drive the shape, without sounding dull or predictable

Peter also shares rich, pastoral wisdom about the preacher’s heart, the goal of transformation, and the lifelong task of growing as a servant of the Word.

If you’ve ever wondered how to go from good exegesis to a gripping outline with a memorable title this episode will sharpen both your structure and your soul.

peteradam.org

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

How do you find the big idea of a passage — and craft a question that makes people lean in from the very start?

In this episode, we’re joined by David Cook, experienced expositor and preaching trainer, to unpack how to identify the central message of a text and frame it in a way that grabs your hearers’ attention.

David shares practical steps for developing clear, faithful big ideas and marketable big questions that connect real life with God’s word — so your expositional preaching is both biblically grounded and impossible to ignore.

If you want to move beyond vague introductions and help your congregation feel the urgent relevance of Scripture, this episode will sharpen your preaching from the very first sentence.

David Cook's Preaching Trust: https://eptrust.org.au

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

How do you finish a sermon so it lands with clarity, conviction, and lasting impact instead of drifting to an awkward or forgettable close?

In this episode, we talk with Rory Shiner, author, pastor, and seasoned preacher, about the art of ending sermons well. Rory shares why your final words can make or break your sermon, practical ways to end with gospel-driven power (without cheesy clichés), and examples of endings that stick in people’s hearts.

If you’ve ever felt your sermon just fizzles at the end, this conversation will help you finish strong and point people clearly to Jesus.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Welcome to Starting Strong: Thriving in the First Years of Preaching — the podcast for new and growing preachers who want to handle God’s word faithfully and deliver it engagingly.

In this first episode, we’re joined by Richard Chin, National Director of AFES and seasoned Bible teacher, to tackle a vital question: How do you preach in a way that keeps people listening — not just politely, but eagerly — while staying true to the text?

Richard shares candid wisdom drawn from decades of preaching to students and churches alike:

• How to bridge the gap between ancient text and modern ears
• The biggest mistakes young preachers make when trying to be ‘interesting’
• Practical habits that make sermons clearer, sharper and genuinely captivating

If you’re longing to grow beyond boring sermons and into preaching that connects and transforms, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to preach the living Word to living people with faithfulness and life.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com

Welcome to Starting Strong: Thriving in the First Years of Preaching!

In this short intro, your hosts Matt and Oli share who they are, why they’ve launched this podcast, and what you can look forward to in the coming episodes.

You’ll get a sneak peek at some of the seasoned pastors, Bible teachers, and ministry leaders who will be joining us.

This isn’t just theory. It’s honest conversations, practical help, and real encouragement for new preachers who want to grow strong where it counts.

Our prayer is that these conversations would help raise up a generation of faithful, clear, and compelling preachers of God's Word. If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit. 

https://startingstrong.substack.com