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View from the Pulpit with Ben Smith

View from the Pulpit with Ben Smith

By: Ben Smith
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View From the Pulpit: Exploring the Heart of Expository Preaching

Discover why expository preaching is central to the life and health of every church with Pastor Ben Smith. Each episode features conversations with pastors, church leaders, and members, exploring the role of expository preaching, the work of preparing and delivering sermons, and the impact of faithful preaching on the congregation.

This podcast is about preaching—but it’s not just for preachers. Whether you sit behind the pulpit or in the pew, View From the Pulpit will help you understand why expository preaching is vital to the church and how it strengthens the faith of every believer.

@2025 View from the Pulpit with Ben Smith Christianity Spirituality
Episodes
  • Episode 34: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Cochran

    Episode 34: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Cochran
    Oct 13 2025
    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 34: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Cochran Episode Theme: A Lifetime of Passion for Expository Preaching and Fidelity to God's WordJoin host Ben Smith in this episode of "View from the Pulpit" as he sits down with Dr. Danny Cochran, a seasoned pastor, teacher, and mentor with over 45 years in ministry. Dr. Cochran, who, prior to his retirement, pastored Holly Creek Baptist Church for 24 years and holds multiple advanced degrees.In this episode, Dr. Cochran shares profound insights into his ministry journey and preaching. Key Highlights:• Personal Testimony and Call to Ministry: Dr. Cochran shares how a DUI arrest and the need to borrow money from a friend led to a gospel encounter that led to his and his wife’s salvation. This conversion ignited a lifelong passion for studying the scripture, leading to his call to preach.• Education and Engaging Original Languages: Dr. Cochran describes his unconventional pursuit of theological education and how this has shaped and helped his ministry.• Community Involvement and Pastoral Experience: Dr. Cochran has ministered to his community through various roles. She shares how these opportunities exposed him to diverse community aspects, influencing his preaching and allowing for unique ministry opportunities.This conversation is filled with practical insights for pastoral ministry and faithfully preaching God’s words. Join Ben Smith and Dr. Danny Cochran for this honest discussion on preaching and pastoral ministry.Host: Ben SmithGuest: Dr. Danny Cochran 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-allforthekingdomSermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod Dr. Danny Cochran recently retired as the long-serving Senior Pastor of Holly Creek Baptist Church in Chatsworth, Georgia. Throughout his distinguished ministry, he faithfully shepherded his congregation and made an indelible impact on both local church life and broader ministry contexts.Beyond pastoral work, Dr. Cochran has served as an adjunct professor teaching at the Leavell College of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Piedmont International University.Dr. Cochran holds a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Liberty Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Piedmont International University. He received his master’s degree from Liberty University.Dr. Cochran is married to Tina, and they are proud parents of two married sons and grandparents to three granddaughters.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.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. Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app and never miss an episode.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id##96433489Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 33: A Conversation with Dr. Gerald Harris

    Episode 33: A Conversation with Dr. Gerald Harris
    Oct 6 2025
    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 33: A Conversation with Dr. Gerald HarrisEpisode Theme: Wisdom and encouragement on preaching, leadership, and faithfulness in ministry.In this episode of View From the Pulpit, Pastor Ben Smith welcomes Dr. Gerald Harris, respected pastor, author, and former editor of The Christian Index. With decades of service in the pulpit and the broader Southern Baptist Convention, Dr. Harris brings a wealth of experience, insight, and encouragement for today’s pastors and church leaders.Together, they discuss the joys and challenges of long-term ministry, the role of biblical preaching in shaping the church, and the importance of staying faithful in an ever-changing cultural landscape. Dr. Harris reflects on his calling, his years of leadership, and the lessons he wishes to pass on to the next generation of ministers.Key Highlights from this Episode:· Faithful Ministry Over the Long Haul – Dr. Harris shares how God sustained him through seasons of both joy and trial, emphasizing that fruitfulness in ministry comes through steady faithfulness rather than chasing trends.· The Christian Index Years – As editor, Dr. Harris witnessed significant shifts in church life and culture. He reflects on those years and how pastors can wisely engage with issues of the day without losing focus on the gospel.· Encouragement for Today’s Pastors – With warmth and pastoral care, Dr. Harris offers practical counsel for ministers who may feel weary, reminding them that God’s Word is sufficient and His calling is sure.This conversation is filled with wisdom and encouragement for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone who desires to remain steadfast in their faith and service to Christ.Join Ben Smith and Dr. Gerald Harris for their helpful discussion on preaching, leadership, and faithfulness in ministry.Host: Ben SmithGuest: Dr. Gerald HarrisBen 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-allforthekingdomSermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod Dr. Gerald Harris is a seasoned Southern Baptist pastor, editor, and author, best known for his 15-year tenure as editor of The Christian Index, the Georgia Baptist Convention’s official newspaper. His leadership spanned from June 2003 to June 2018.Born on November 26, 1940, in Hickory, North Carolina, Harris accepted Christ at age 9 at First Baptist Church of Valdese, North Carolina. He was called to preach during his senior year of high school. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mercer University, a Master of Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary. Harris served as pastor at several churches across North and South Carolina, Mississippi, and Georgia. Notably, he pastored Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia, for nine years before transitioning to the role of editor at The Christian Index.Throughout his ministry, Harris held various denominational leadership positions. He served as president of the Georgia Baptist Convention in 1999 and was a member of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee from 1998 to 2003. Additionally, he chaired the Resolutions Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2007 and was president of the Association of Baptist State Paper Editors in 2015.An accomplished author, Harris has written several books, including Pardoned to Be Priests (1988), Olympic Heroes, World-Class Athletes Winning at Life (1996), A Gentle Zephyr – A Mighty Wind (2010), A History of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board 1972–2017 (2017), Blessings or Balderdash (2019), and The Rise and Fall of the Conservative Resurgence in the SBC (2020). He has also contributed articles and devotionals to various publications, including Decision Magazine, Homelife, and Baptist Record.Harris and his wife, Martha, have three children, 13 grandchildren, and one great-grandsonA 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.Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app and never miss an episode.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id##96433489Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?...
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode 32: A Conversation with Dr. Jerry Vines

    Episode 32: A Conversation with Dr. Jerry Vines
    Sep 29 2025
    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 32: A Conversation with Dr. Jerry Vines. Episode Theme: Passion Driven PreachingIn this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Jerry Vines, Key Highlights:The Transformative Shift to Expository Preaching: Dr. Vines vividly describes growing up in an era where most preaching was topical or textual-topical, with very little actual exposition of scripture. He found the constant search for new sermon topics a "misery" early in his ministry. A pivotal moment arrived when he heard Warren Wiersbe at a conference, realizing Wiersbe was "pulling it right out of scripture". This, along with the influence of W.A. Criswell, prompted a dramatic shift to expository preaching, which he believes is the "best way in the world for a congregation of people to really learn the scriptures". He informed his early congregation of this change, and while it was an adjustment that "forced them to bring their Bible", they eventually "fell in love with it and frankly would not be happy with anything else going forward". He notes that while some younger preachers still favor topical approaches, he is encouraged by a growing movement toward the exposition of books, which "bodes well for the future.”Rigorous Preparation and Passion-Driven Delivery: Dr. Vines outlines a meticulous three-step process for sermon preparation: 1) Investigation: "What does the passage say?" involving extensive reading and consulting various translations and original languages. 2) Interpretation: "What does the passage mean?" through word studies, parallel passages, and understanding Greek/Hebrew words, consulting commentaries only last as a check. He wisely states, "If it's new, it's not true. And if it's true, it's not new". 3) Application: "What does the passage tell me and the people to do?" ensuring the message connects to daily lEnduring Wisdom for Pastors: Drawing on over 60 years of ministry, Dr. Vines offers timeless advice. He stresses the paramount importance of preaching, stating it is the "primary ministry of the pastor". He encourages pastors to "preach at the place God has put you", emphasizing that the size of the church doesn't matter, as one never knows who they might be influencing. A crucial piece of counsel is to develop a "strong strong devotional life," including daily Bible reading and prayer, as it helps deal with life's challenges. Finally, he advises pastors to "not let the critics bother me". Citing 1 Peter 2:23 and Job 16:19, he says, "Don't defend yourself. Your enemies won't believe it and your friends don't need it". He also humorously suggests not taking oneself "too seriously" and "enjoy the journey" with joy in the Lord. Join Ben Smith and Dr. Jerry Vines for valuable insights into what expository preaching is and how to develop a preaching ministry that is faithful to the word.Host: Ben SmithGuest: Dr. Jerry VinesBen 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-allforthekingdomSermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod Dr. Jerry Vines is a native of Carrollton, GA. He was educated at Mercer University (B.A.), New Orleans Theological Seminary (B.D.), and Luther Rice Seminary (Th.D.). His 60+ years of pastoral ministry included pastoring churches in Georgia and Alabama. He served the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida, for twenty-four years. Dr. Vines is an author and a much-sought-after revival preacher. In addition to his pastoral ministry, Dr. Vines has served as president of the Alabama Pastors’ Conference, president of the Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference, and president of the Southern Baptist Convention.For more information and resources by Dr. Vines, visit: www.jerryvines.com. There you will find Bible preaching and teaching materials that include Books, DVDs, and CDs of expository teaching from God’s Word. There, you will find over 2000 of Dr. Vine’s sermons available.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. Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app and never miss an episode.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id##96433489 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/...
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    1 hr and 10 mins
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