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/ExpositorsCollective

Donate 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 prayer
• Writing out the passage by hand to slow down and engage
• Learning from others who have been with God
• Managing time and knowing what to cut
• Crafting compelling introductions
• Structuring the sermon: Explain, Illustrate, Apply

About 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/ExpositorsCollective

Donate 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=44c486f0a32f4deb

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/ExpositorsCollective

Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective