Reflections on Friendship and Growth in Ministry

In this episode of theExpositors Collective Podcast,Mike Neglia speaks withTrillia Newbell—Bible teacher, author, andAcquisitions and Editorial Director at Moody Publishers—about her journey inteaching the Bible, overcoming self-consciousness in ministry, and the importance of friendship for pastors and Bible teachers.

Trillia sharesher early experiences of teaching, how she’s grown in confidence, and the ways thatTim Keller’sThe Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness helped her shift her focus from herself toserving others with joy. She and Mike also explorefriendship in ministry, discussing whetherpastors can have friends within their congregation, how tonavigate pastoral loneliness, and whyaccountability and support outside the pulpit are essential.

Additionally, Trillia shares insights from herchildren’s book,Jesus and the Gift of Friendship, explaining why she believes thatfriendship is a foundational part of the Christian life—one that kids (and adults) need to learn about from a gospel perspective.

This episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement forpastors, Bible teachers, and anyone seeking to grow in their personal faith, relationships, and confidence in teaching God’s Word.

📖 Resources & Books Mentioned in This Episode:

• 📚The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller –  https://store.thegospelcoalition.org/product/9781906173418/the-freedom-of-self-forgetfulness-paperback 
• 📚Jesus and the Gift of Friendship by Trillia Newbell –  https://www.crossway.org/books/jesus-and-the-gift-of-friendship-case/ 
• 🌍Bible to Life (Moody Publishers' online Bible resource) –  https://bibletolife.com/ 
• 📖The Moody Bible Commentary –https://www.moodypublishers.com/the-moody-bible-commentary/
•  Friendship and Church Planting featuring Mike Neglia and Clay Worrell : https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/cultivate-church-planting/episode/the-importance-of-friendship-mike-neglia-and-clay-worrell 
• Dr Wayne Baxter on Guest Speaking: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/from-the-page-to-the-pulpit-wayne-baxter
• Philip Nation on Guest Speaking: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/how-to-be-a-good-guest-speaker-how-much-you-should-tell-your-kids-about-church-drama-and-so-much-more-1ltc

📝 Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ Trillia’sfirst time teaching the Bible—and how she’s grown since then
✔️ Gaining confidence as a Bible teacher and learning toserve rather than stress
✔️ HowTim Keller’sThe Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness changed Trillia’s approach to ministry
✔️Can pastors have close friends within their congregation?
✔️ Whyministry can be lonely—and how pastors can cultivate real friendships
✔️The inspiration behindJesus and the Gift of Friendship and how to teach kids about biblical friendship
✔️Practical advice for pastors and Bible teachers seeking to grow in faith and ministry

Register for our next preacher training workshop: 

April 4-5, 2025 

Longmont, Colorado 

White Fields Community Church 

https://expositorscollective.regfox.com/expositors-colorado-2025

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, visithttps://cgnmedia.org/

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