Episodes

  • Episode 28: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Akin

    Episode 28: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Akin
    Sep 1 2025
    In this episode of "View From the Pulpit," host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Danny Akin, President and Professor of Preaching and Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Akin shares his journey and conviction for expository preaching, defining it as text-driven, where "the text of scripture sets the agenda both in terms of the structure of your sermon and the substance of your sermon". The conversation explores the historical shift toward expository preaching in pulpits and seminaries, Dr. Akin's meticulous sermon preparation process, and offers valuable advice for both preachers and congregations. Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 29: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Akin.Episode Theme: Text-driven preachingIn this episode of "View From the Pulpit," host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Danny Akin, President and Professor of Preaching and Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary about expository preaching, the historical shift towards expository preaching in pulpits and seminaries, Dr. Akin's meticulous sermon preparation process, and valuable advice for both preachers and congregations. Key Highlights:The Power of Expository Preaching: Dr. Akin passionately advocates for expository preaching as the most genuine and effective method for feeding the soul and nurturing discipleship, contrasting it with topical preaching that may lack sufficient biblical substance. He emphasizes that the sermon's agenda should be dictated by the biblical text itself, not the preacher's ingenuity or external topics.A Glimpse into Sermon Preparation: Dr. Akin details his personal preparation process, which often involves mapping out sermon series months in advance. For each message, he dedicates approximately 15 hours of preparation, including multiple readings of the text in various translations (including Greek and Hebrew), consulting five to ten commentaries (critical, expository, and devotional), and meticulously crafting outlines that reflect the structure of the scripture. He stresses the importance of weaving application throughout the message rather than backloading it and individually working on introductions and conclusions to ensure a strong start and finish. Encouragement for Pastors and Churches: Dr. Akin addresses challenges such as the misconception that expository preaching is "boring" (attributing boredom to delivery, not substance) and the pressure on church planters for "cool series" over biblical fidelity. His advice to churches is to pray for their pastors and to applaud, affirm, and encourage them when they faithfully open and explain the Bible. He concludes with his lifelong guiding principle for ministry: "All that matters in life is that you please God".Join host Ben Smith and Dr. Danny Akin, President of SEBTS, as he shares insights on the art and importance of text-driven expository preaching, his personal sermon preparation, seminary education, and the enduring power of God's Word for the church. Host: Ben Smith 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 about Central Baptist Church in Waycross, GA, please 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-allforthekingdom Sermon Shorts is a podcast featuring sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod Guest: Dr Danny AkinDr. Danny Akin serves as the President and Professor of Preaching and Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) in Wake Forest, North Carolina. His extensive academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Criswell College (1980), a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1983), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities from the University of Texas at Arlington (1989), specializing in History with a minor in Philosophy. Dr. Akin's career in theological education began at Criswell College in the 1980s, followed by a period at SEBTS as an Associate Professor and Dean of Students. He then had a significant tenure at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he held various roles including Associate Professor, Dean of the School of Theology, Senior Vice President for Academic Administration, and Professor of Theology and Christian Preaching. He assumed the presidency of SEBTS in 2004, a position he has held for over 20 years.An Atlanta, Georgia native, Dr. Akin and his wife Charlotte have four adult sons, all of whom are serving in ministry or ministry-related professions. Beyond his leadership and teaching, he is a prolific author of numerous books and articles, notably authoring or editing many volumes in the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series. Dr. Akin's ministry and life are ...
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    55 mins
  • Episode 27: A Conversation with Noah Oldham

    Episode 27: A Conversation with Noah Oldham
    Aug 25 2025

    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 27: A Conversation with Noah Oldham.

    Episode Theme: Cultivating a church culture that deeply values God's word.

    In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Noah Oldham, Executive Director of Send Network about establishing the central place of preaching in new churches, the critical role of biblical, expositional preaching, training the next generation of preachers, and cultivating a church culture that deeply values God's word.

    Key Highlights:

    Preaching is Central to Church Planting: Noah emphasizes that church planting is about engaging the city with the gospel and making disciples. Central to this is the declaration of God's word. Strong biblical expositional preaching is considered "everything" in the early years of a church plant for growth, unity, and vision.

    Biblically Shaped Culture: Noah shares how building a church culture that is hungry for God's word requires intentionality in the worship service. Practices like beginning services with scripture reading to indicate God has the first word and centering the service around preaching shape people's understanding of what is important. Allotting a significant amount of time to preaching communicates its value. Join Ben Smith and Noah Oldham for valuable insights into establishing the central place of preaching in new churches, the critical role of biblical, expositional preaching, training the next generation of preachers, and cultivating a church culture that deeply values God's word.

    Host: Ben Smith

    Guest: Noah Oldham

    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-allforthekingdom

    Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

    Noah Oldham is the Executive Director of Send Network. He served as the founding and lead pastor of August Gate Church for 15 years and the Send City Missionary to St. Louis for almost 10 years. In both roles, he led his church and dozens of others in planting churches throughout the St. Louis region and beyond. He holds a master’s degree in Biblical Studies and Christian Leadership from Liberty University and an undergraduate degree from McKendree University. He writes, speaks, and trains in the area of church planting and the local church. Noah and his wife Heather have been married since 2005 and have five children.

    For more information and resources from Noah Oldham, visit:

    Follow Noah on X: www.x.com/noaholdham

    Find articles and podcasts at www.newchurches.com

    Find sermons at www.augustgate.com

    Find sermons and teaching at www.sojournwoodstock.com

    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/id2796433489

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Help Me Wrap Up This Season of the Podcast — I’d Love to Hear from You

    Help Me Wrap Up This Season of the Podcast — I’d Love to Hear from You
    Aug 21 2025

    Help Me Wrap Up This Season of the Podcast — I’d Love to Hear from You

    As this season of View for the Pulpit nears its end, I’ve been reflecting on the conversations we’ve had—and the impact they’ve made on me personally. When I started this podcast, my goal was to offer a resource to the church that would renew our appreciation for faithful preaching and highlight why it is vital to the health and life of the church.

    From the beginning, I’ve intentionally invited guests who are committed to—or growing in—expository preaching. Each conversation has stretched me, encouraged me, and given me practical insight. I’ve learned so much by hearing how different men approach the preparation and delivery of their sermons. It’s been a joy to see how God uniquely equips each one to bless the church.

    But what’s been just as meaningful? Hearing from you.

    Your messages, emails, and conversations about the episodes have been incredibly encouraging. And that got me thinking: why not wrap up this season with you?

    A Roundtable Wrap-Up Episode — Featuring Listeners

    To close out the season, I’d like to record a special roundtable-style episode featuring listeners like you—pastors, laypeople, men and women, younger and older voices. I want to hear what you’ve learned, what’s helped you most, and how God has used the podcast in your own walk with Christ.

    It doesn’t matter where you live—we can connect remotely. The only requirement is that you’ve listened to the podcast and are willing to share your thoughts.

    Want to Join the Conversation?

    If you'd like to participate, please sign up at:
    👉 www.vftppod.com/talk

    I’m aiming to wrap up this season in October, and I’d love to release these listener conversations in early November.

    Whether you’ve listened to every episode or just a few, your voice matters. I’d be honored to have you be part of this final conversation.
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    3 mins
  • Episode 26: A Conversation with Brian Carroll

    Episode 26: A Conversation with Brian Carroll
    Aug 18 2025
    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 26: A Conversation with Pastor Brian Carroll. Episode Theme: Convictional expositional preachingIn this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Pastor Brian Carroll, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Flintstone, GA about his commitment to faithful biblical exposition and preaching through books of the Bible, his sermon preparation process, and the importance of loving and knowing one's congregation. Key Highlights:· Preaching through books: Pastor Carroll is committed to preaching through books of the Bible and adhering to a rigid preaching schedule. Typically, Pastor Carroll does not deviate from his preaching schedule for church or secular holidays. Recently, a particularly uncomfortable text from Revelation 17 fell on Mother’s Day Sunday. Rather than avoid the text, Pastor Carroll took the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to preaching through books of the Bible.· Collaborative model of Sermon Preparation: A significant aspect of Pastor Carroll’s preparation process is collaboration with his staff. He brings the week's text to Monday morning staff meetings for questions, insights, and different perspectives.· The Profound Impact of Long-Term Pastoral Ministry: Both Carroll and Smith highlight the value and impact of serving a church for a significant period. Carroll, with tenures of over 12 years at his previous church and seven years at his current church, emphasizes how knowing the congregation deeply shapes his preaching and pastoring. His current position at Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church is particularly significant as it was the church where he attended college, was called to preach, and experienced spiritual growth. This history creates a sense of "homecoming" and a desire to "invest in the church. Join Ben Smith and Pastor Brian Carroll for valuable insights about expository preaching and how to be most faithful when proclaiming God’s word. Host: Ben SmithGuest: Pastor Brian Carroll 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/shortspodBrian Carroll has served as lead pastor of Chattanooga Baptist Church, Flintstone, GA, for seven years. Prior to coming to Chattanooga Baptist, he pastored Northside Baptist Church of Newnan, GA. Brian earned his undergraduate degree from Shorter University in Rome, GA, a MDiv from Beeson Divinity School, and a Master of Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. In addition to his pastoral duties, Brian serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Shorter University.Brian and his wife, Heather, have two children.Follow Pastor Carroll on X: https://x.com/pastor_brianWatch and listen to Pastor Carroll’s latest sermons on:· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChattanoogaValleyBaptistChurch· Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chattanooga-valley-baptist-church/id1484400386For more information on Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church, visit: http://cvbchurch.org/ 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/id2696433489Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead
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    57 mins
  • Episode 25: A Conversation with Dr. Robert Smith

    Episode 25: A Conversation with Dr. Robert Smith
    Aug 11 2025
    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 25: A Conversation with Dr. Robert Smith.Episode Theme: Exegetical WeaverIn this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Robert Smith, Distinguished Professor of Divinity and preaching at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, AL. Dr. Smith describes his approach as an "exegetical weaver," interweaving explanation and application throughout the sermon. A notable aspect of his delivery is preaching without notes, relying on "internalization not memorization," which allows for improvisational, Spirit-guided expression. Dr. Smith emphasizes that "what counts is content," not just style, and teaches a 10-step Christocentric method that heavily focuses on deep textual study, including reading the text "50 times". He advocates for the sermon's form to reflect the text's genre, distinguishing between deductive and inductive approaches. Dr. Smith stresses the importance of unity in diversity within the church, encouraging preachers to learn from various cultural preaching traditions and for congregations to value faithfulness to the text over performative dynamics, warning against "emotionalism" that overshadows exegesis. Key Highlights:A Unique Definition and Approach to Expository Preaching: Dr. Smith defines expository preaching as deliberately aiming "to expose what is in the text. Not impose upon it but expose what's in there". He further clarifies it as "usher[ing] people by the word of God into the presence of Christ the Son of God through the power of the Spirit of God for the purpose of transformation". He characterizes his personal preaching style as that of an "exegetical weaver," explaining that he intends to "take the text, expose it, and then... weave the explanation throughout the text with the application" from start to finish, ensuring the listener constantly connects with the sermon as the text unfolds. This means the application is "interwoven with the explanation... from the beginning to the end rather than to wait to give the application at the end".Emphasis on Internalization Over Memorization for Delivery: Dr. Smith is known for preaching without notes, a practice he states he adopted early in his ministry after a divine prompting to put down his manuscript. He achieves this not through memorization, but through "internalization," where the message becomes "so deep in my soul that... it becomes almost an effortless effort". This allows for an "improvisational" delivery, trusting the Holy Spirit to bring forth thoughts and words that were not explicitly planned. While he models this approach, he teaches his students the importance of versatility in delivery, encouraging them to be proficient with manuscripts, outlines, or no notes, as the "context will demand that". He consistently stresses that "what counts is content. What counts is matter," above style or approach.Rigorous Textual Saturation as Foundational Preparation: A central tenet of Dr. Smith's 10-step "Christocentric method of preaching" is an intense focus on deeply understanding the biblical text itself. The initial six steps of this method are dedicated entirely to the text, with a notable requirement for his students to read the sermon text "50 times" before they begin sermon preparation (not in one sitting, but over time). This deep reading, combined with understanding the text's literary, historical, canonical, and redemptive-historical contexts, ensures preachers are "thoroughly saturated in the text" and their "senses have been engaged and evoked by the text". He also emphasizes that "the form of the text is inspired just like the text itself," and therefore, the sermon's structure should often reflect the genre of the biblical passage (e.g., narrative, epistle, proverb), contrasting deductive and inductive sermon forms.Join Ben Smith and Dr. Robert Smith for instructive insights into sermon preparation and deliveryHost: Ben SmithGuest: Dr. Robert Smith 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. Robert Smith Jr. served as professor of Christian preaching at Beeson for more than 25 years and held the Charles T. Carter Baptist Chair of Divinity. Previously, he served as the Carl E. Bates Associate Professor of Christian Preaching at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Smith is the 2017 E. K. Bailey Expository Preaching Conference Living Legend. A popular teacher and preacher, he received Southern...
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Episode 24: A Conversation with John Roland

    Episode 24: A Conversation with John Roland
    Aug 4 2025
    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 24: A Conversation with Pastor John Roland.Episode Theme: Blessings and challenges of bi-vocational ministry.In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Pastor John Roland, Pastor of Beulah Baptist Church in Sterrett, AL, about his experiences and perspectives as a bi-vocational pastor, his approach to preaching, and the unique aspects of his ministry at Beulah Baptist Church.Key Highlights:Study and Preparation on the Go: Pastor Roland's sermon preparation has to be mobile to accommodate his secular job requirements. He typically reads the chosen passage multiple times, writing down questions about it, and then consulting trusted commentaries to find answers. He outlines three to four main points for his sermon and writes out a manuscript in Google Docs. He often copies and pastes commentary notes below his points and summarizes them. He works on this document throughout the week, utilizing Google Docs for mobility across his devices (iPad, laptop, phone), especially when traveling for his secular job. He puts the finishing touches on the manuscript on Friday or Saturday.Challenges for Bi-vocational ministry: One of the significant challenges is the limited time for traditional pastoral duties like hospital visits and extensive personal visitation. He struggles with feeling like he should be doing more and has had to learn to say no to commitments outside his primary roles to manage his time effectively. Balancing the demands of his secular job with pastoral responsibilities also means he often doesn't have a dedicated day off during the week, requiring constant effort to maintain physical and mental energy.Importance of relationships: Pastor John encourages young pastors to prioritize "building relationships in the community, and partner with as many other ministries and pastors that you can for accountability, encouragement, and collaboration.”Join Ben Smith and Pastor John Roland for an enlightening conversation about bi-vocational ministry. Host: Ben SmithGuest: John Roland 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 Pastor John Roland is the Pastor of Beulah Baptist Church in Sterrett, AL. Prior to coming to Beulah Baptist Church, Pastor Roland has served as a transitional pastor and a senior pastor. He earned his undergraduate degree from Samford University, MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and an MBA from Kennesaw State University.John has worked for many years for various organizations as an executive in advancement. He is currently the Advancement officer for the Howard College of Arts and Sciences of Samford University.John and his wife, Amy, have three adult children.Follow Pastor John Roland on X at https://x.com/jaroland74Listen to Pastor Roland’s latest sermons through the Beulah Baptist Church’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BeulahBaptistChurchSterrett 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/id1796433489Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead
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    54 mins
  • Episode 23: A Conversation with Chris Fowler

    Episode 23: A Conversation with Chris Fowler
    Jul 28 2025

    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 23: A Conversation with Pastor Chris Fowler.

    Episode Theme: Preaching in a College Town.

    In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Pastor Chris Fowler, Pastor of Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church in Statesboro, Georgia, about his experiences and perspectives as a pastor in a college town and how his approach to expository preaching and leading his church to honor and live out God’s word.

    Key Highlights:

    · The importance of reading scripture in worship: Christ explains his practice of reading large portions of scripture (chapters or even entire books) in the worship service and how this has contributed to his church growing in appreciation of God’s word and the value of hearing the Word.

    · Resources to further the impact of preaching: Christ shares what resources he uses to aid engagement with preaching. These include a listening guide with space for notes and discussion questions provided for use throughout the week.

    · Sermon Preparation Process: Pastor Christ details his weekly process for preparing a sermon. He shares how he studies the passage and what he takes to the pulpit to preach from.

    Join Ben Smith and Pastor Chris Fowler for a helpful conversation about preaching and leading a church to a great appreciation for God’s word.

    Host: Ben Smith

    Guest: Chris Fowler

    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-allforthekingdom

    Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

    Chris Fowler is the Pastor of Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church, Statesboro, GA. Prior to joining Fletcher Memorial, Fowler served as Associate Pastor of Education and Discipleship at North Peachtree Baptist Church in Dunwoody, GA, and as Pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Roanoke, North Carolina. Pastor Fowler earned both his undergraduate degree and MDiv. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

    Chris and his wife, Amy, have four children.

    Listen to Pastor Fowler’s latest sermons on:

    · YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fletcherchurch768

    · Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CuxkyMUtnkjfvb2bGHOlX

    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/id1796433489

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead
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    55 mins
  • Episode 22: A Conversation with Dr. Mac Brunson

    Episode 22: A Conversation with Dr. Mac Brunson
    Jul 21 2025
    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 22: A Conversation with Dr. Mac Brunson Episode Theme: Changes and Trends among Baptist churches in approaches to preachingIn this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Mac Brunson, Senior Pastor of Valleydale Church in Birmingham, AL, about his approach to Bible study, sermon preparation, and lifelong pursuit of learning.Key Highlights:Early Days: Dr. Brunson chronicles how God has developed his preaching from his first church to his present ministry.Exposure to and learning to preach expository sermons: Dr. Brunson recounts his first exposure to expository preaching and how he learned to preach expository sermons.Sermon Illustrations: A gifted sermon Illustrator, Dr. Brunson, shares his insights into using illustrations for greater effect and where he finds his illustrations.Honoring the ministries of former pastors while being honest about your own personality and giftedness: Dr. Brunson shares his experience of pastoring FBC Dallas and FBC Jacksonville while honoring the legacy and ministry of the pastors that preceded him.Lifelong learner: Brunson shares how books and reading are crucial to a pastor’s pursuit of lifelong learning.Join Ben Smith and Dr. Mac Brunson for an engaging conversation about ministry, preaching, and the lifelong pursuit of learning.Host: Ben SmithGuest: Dr. Mac Brunson 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. Mac Brunson is the Senior Pastor of Valleydale Church in Birmingham, AL. Prior to coming to Valleydale Church, Dr. Brunson served as senior pastor of both the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, FL, and the First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX. He holds a PhD, DMin., and MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, an honorary doctorate of divinity from Dallas Baptist University, and earned a B.A. from Furman University. He is an adjunct professor for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a sought-after conference preacher. He has published several books and articles, including the 2023 publication God is For You: Learning to Trust God's Wisdom through Life's Crises (2023)Mac and his wife, Debbie, have three adult children and 16 grandchildren.Follow Dr. Mac Brunson on X at https://x.com/brunson_mac.Listen to Dr. Brunson’s latest sermons through the Valleydale Church Sermons podcast available in Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/valleydale-church-sermons/id1345039445For more information on Valleydale Church, Birmingham, AL, visit https://www.valleydale.org/. 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/id1796433489Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead
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    1 hr and 8 mins