What if the whole story of the Bible could be told through four mountains?

In this conversation, Mike speaks with theologian and pastor Michael Niebauer about his new book, Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion. They explore how the geography of Eden, Sinai, Tabor, and Zion can guide readers toward a deeper understanding of Scripture—and a more faithful approach to preaching it.

Michael reflects on his own development as a preacher, the discipline of lectionary-based sermons, and the formative role of repetition, feedback, and theological tradition. He outlines how early Christian exegesis, especially the writings of figures like Ephrem the Syrian, shaped his thinking and helped him connect the Old and New Testaments with fresh clarity.

Other highlights include:

• Why Eden was probably a mountain
• How to preach biblical symbolism without confusing your listeners
• The Bible as unapologetically Trinitarian
• Balancing historical context with spiritual reading
• Ministry to the elderly through Heritage Mission
• And why every sermon should lead to love of God and neighbour

Whether you're a seasoned preacher or simply looking for new ways to read the Bible, this episode offers theological insight and practical encouragement.

Michael Niebauer is an Anglican Pastor and Director of Heritage Mission, an initiative that trains leaders to start worship services in care facilities. He is the author of Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion and Virtuous Persuasion, a Christianity Today Book Award finalist and Outreach Magazine’s 2022 Missional Resource of the Year.

Resources Mentioned:

You can purchase Michael's book Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion here: https://lexhampress.com/expositors

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Join us August 22–23 at Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg for the next Expositors Collective Training Weekend — a two-day, interactive event designed to equip and encourage Bible teachers and preachers of all experience levels.

📖 Learn from seasoned teachers, engage in hands-on coaching, and grow in your calling to teach God’s Word with clarity and confidence.

🎙 Featuring:

Mike Neglia · Dr. Alan Stoddard · Brian Kelly

Dr. John Whittaker · Pilgrim Benham · Ryan Marr · Brian Brodersen

✅ Teaching, training, and practical tools you can use right away.

🔗 Register now at [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 these interactive seminars, attendees will meet in groups and build ongoing relationships. Our next training weekend will be held at Calvary Chapel St Petersburg.

8900 US Hwy 19 N, Pinellas Park, Florida 33782
August 22-23, 2025

Calvary Chapel St Petersburg

Register here: https://expositorscollective.regfox.com/expositors-st-petersburg

In this episode, Mike speaks with Jordan Faker, a former youth pastor and current missionary in the Basque Country of Spain. Jordan shares lessons from his eight years in youth ministry and reflects on the realities of bivocational life—working a regular job while faithfully shepherding students. He offers practical encouragement for preachers navigating time constraints, limited resources, and the tension of dual callings.

The conversation also explores the spiritual climate of post-Christian Europe, the urgent need for long-term missionaries, and how today’s young people (Gen Z and Gen Alpha) are spiritually searching in unexpected ways.

This episode is especially relevant for those preaching in small churches, ministering cross-culturally, or wrestling with how to balance faithfulness and sustainability in gospel work.

Follow Jordan’s journey:
📺 youtube.com/@jordanfaker
🌍 fakermissions.com.

Public Speaking in a Second Language: Learn to better express your thoughts by thinking differently by David Snead

https://www.amazon.com/Public-Speaking-Second-Language-differently/dp/B0BM42F127/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Cody King (the cable guy) on bivocational ministry:

https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/bivocational-ministry-and-time-management-cody-king

Join us August 22–23 at Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg for the next Expositors Collective Training Weekend — a two-day, interactive event designed to equip and encourage Bible teachers and preachers of all experience levels.

📖 Learn from seasoned teachers, engage in hands-on coaching, and grow in your calling to teach God’s Word with clarity and confidence.

🎙 Featuring:

Mike Neglia · Dr. Alan Stoddard · Brian Kelly · Dr. John Whittaker · Pilgrim Benham · Ryan Marr · Brian Brodersen

✅ Teaching, training, and practical tools you can use right away.

🔗 Register now at [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