The Apocrypha, Church Councils, and the Pastor’s Responsibility - with Shane Angland, Matt Brown, Nick Cady, and Steven Pomeroy

4 snips

Jan 20, 2026

Shane Angland, a pastor renowned for his insights into biblical interpretation, joins Steven Pomeroy, a church staff member passionate about Bible exposition. They dive into the Apocrypha, clarifying its historical context versus its Scriptural status, critical for pastors today. The panel emphasizes the distinction between teaching and preaching, urging an interactive approach in small groups. They also discuss the vital role of church councils in defining doctrine and the necessity of using extra-biblical sources for deeper understanding, all while encouraging clarity and connection in sermons.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ADVICE

Use The Apocrypha For Context

Read the Apocrypha as historical and theological background, not as inspired Scripture.
Use books like Maccabees, Sirach, and Wisdom to understand Jewish expectations and New Testament context.

ADVICE

Teach People To Mine The Text

In Bible studies, ask the same interpretive questions you use for sermon prep to help people see the text.
Teach people to mine the text themselves rather than delivering all the gems for them.

ADVICE

Match Format To Context

Let the context dictate format: avoid monologues in small groups and favor interaction.
Give tools and ask questions so members engage and discover meaning together.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Recorded at the Expositors Collective gathering in Longmont, Colorado, this panel discussion helps pastors and Bible teachers think carefully about how Scripture has been understood, preserved, and proclaimed throughout church history, and why those distinctions still matter for ministry today.

The conversation begins with practical clarity around the Apocrypha. The panel explains what the Apocryphal books are, how they relate to the biblical canon, and why pastors should understand their historical role without confusion or alarmism. Rather than treating the topic as merely academic, the speakers show how these questions directly affect pastoral confidence and congregational trust.

From there, the discussion broadens to the role of church councils in defining and guarding Christian doctrine. Listeners are reminded that the core beliefs of the faith were not invented late, but carefully articulated in response to real theological challenges. Even historical heresies, the panel argues, served the church by forcing clarity about what Christians believe and why.

A major emphasis throughout the session is the importance of distinguishing teaching from preaching. The panel explores why Bible studies should prioritise understanding rather than monologue, and why sermons must move beyond explanation to proclamation. Pastors are encouraged to be clear about their aim in each context, recognising that clarity serves both faithfulness and fruitfulness.

The conversation also calls pastors to humility, urging them to learn from faithful voices of the past rather than assuming novelty equals faithfulness. Church history is presented not as a museum of dead ideas, but as a living resource that strengthens discernment and safeguards the gospel.

The session concludes with a pastoral appeal for brokenhearted preachers who do more than convey information. The church does not merely need accurate teachers, but faithful proclaimers who handle the truth carefully and speak it with conviction, compassion, and love.

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective