In this episode of Expositors Collective, Mike Neglia interviews Christopher Ash, reflecting on his 50 years of preaching experience. Christopher shares how his preaching has evolved over the decades, shifting from a focus on making sermons interesting to embracing the seriousness and weight of preaching God’s word. He discusses the importance of pastoral preaching to a congregation he knows and cares for, and the dangers of seeking larger preaching platforms for self-promotion.

Mike and Christopher explore the challenges of preaching the Psalms, particularly the imprecatory Psalms, and how they relate to suffering and covenant promises. Christopher shares his ongoing passion for the Psalms and his work on a Christ-centered interpretation of them, encouraging preachers to help their congregations see the Psalms as songs and prayers for believers in Christ.

The conversation also touches on sustainable ministry, as Christopher reflects on his book Zeal Without Burnout and shares his personal experience with breakdown and recovery. He emphasizes the importance of rest, the Sabbath principle, and avoiding the pride that can lead to burnout in pastoral ministry. Finally, Christopher shares his upcoming writing projects, including a book focused on the unique challenges and opportunities for those in their 50s and 60s.

Key Topics Covered:

• Evolution in Preaching: Shifting from creating "interesting" sermons to the weight and seriousness of preaching God's word.
• Pastoral Preaching: The importance of preaching to a congregation one knows and loves, versus preaching at larger, unfamiliar events.
• Challenges of the Psalms: Handling imprecatory prayers and the importance of a Christ-centered understanding of the Psalms.
• Sustainable Ministry: Lessons from Zeal Without Burnout and the critical role of Sabbath rest in avoiding burnout.
• Future Writing Projects: Christopher’s focus on writing for those in mid-life and reflections on preaching that connects deeply with both heart and mind.

Keywords: preaching evolution, pastoral preaching, Christ-centered interpretation, Psalms, sustainable ministry, Zeal Without Burnout, imprecatory Psalms, rest in ministry, Sabbath, burnout prevention, sermon development.

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Dr. Alastair Roberts (PhD, Durham University) joins Mike Neglia to discuss the value of incorporating diverse forms of Christian teaching beyond traditional sermons. Alastair, a Teaching Fellow at The Theopolis Institute and a lecturer for Davenant Hall, emphasizes the importance of shorter sermons to allow time for other instructional methods like catechesis, Eucharistic addresses, and exegetical teaching. He argues that sermons should focus on addressing the conscience and upholding the authority of God's Word rather than attempting to encompass all aspects of Christian teaching. Mike shares his own struggles with lengthy sermons and seeks practical advice on making them more concise. Together, they discuss the benefits of concentrating on a single key application and integrating varied teaching methods within the service. The conversation also explores the significance of feedback and the pastor's role in guiding the congregation's spiritual growth.

Alastair Roberts is a well-known blogger, writer, and host of the Mere Fidelity podcast. He also runs his own podcast, Alastair’s Adversaria, where he provides daily reflections on the Bible and features topical interviews. He is the author of *Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption Through Scripture* (Crossway, 2018) and the forthcoming *Heirs Together: A Theology of the Sexes*. Alastair and his wife Susannah split their time between the UK and the US. You can follow his theological insights on his blog, Alastair’s Adversaria, his YouTube channel, and on Twitter @zugzwanged.

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

Click here to support Expositors Collective

Uganda training event update - Mike speaks about some of the highlights of the Kampala trip and speaks about the future of Expositors Collective.

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For advertising - get in touch expositors@calvarychapel.com

Super blessings🙌🏽🙌🏽to you Expositors Collective, the organizers, facilitators, and Calvary Chapel. You're a generational blessing🌟🌟🌟. Every second of these 3 days made sense. *No regrets🙅‍♂🙅‍♂.*

Thanks for the the great work, I'm starting with inductive Bible study for my church leaders right now

This is one of my best highlights of the year. Greatly edified, thank you for organizing Expositors conference.

Praise God for the entire arrangement of the Expositors Collective Uganda Conference. I was inspired by the teachings and enriched by the practical ways of preaching the word of God.

Fellow #preachers and #bible teachers, let me encourage you to listen to @expositcllctv podcasts. I wish I had known this existed for as long as it has. Some really good content and discussion. It's encouraging and challenging. Just what I need!

Barret Case - Rich Hill, Missouri

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