From the Page to the Pulpit with Wayne Baxter

Jan 28, 2025

Wayne Baxter, an Associate Professor of New Testament and Greek at Heritage College & Seminary, discusses his dynamic journey from a non-religious background to a full-time preacher. He shares insights on making sermons engaging and accessible, emphasizing the significance of contextual understanding of Scripture. Baxter highlights the importance of thorough sermon rehearsal and creative illustrations to connect with congregants' daily lives. He also addresses the challenges of itinerant preaching and the need for theological depth balanced with practical application.

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ANECDOTE

Early Preaching Experiences

Wayne Baxter shares his early preaching experiences, starting with a Jeremiah 1 sermon critiqued for prioritizing personal experience over text.
He recounts initial church sermons, feedback received, and his struggle with being pedantic early on.

ANECDOTE

Mixed Feedback and Pedantry

Wayne Baxter discusses receiving mixed feedback early in his ministry: affirmation of gifting, need for growth, and criticism for being pedantic.
He admits to intentionally being pedantic to prove his knowledge, reflecting on his desire to be taken seriously as a young preacher.

ANECDOTE

Youth Ministry and Preaching Style

Wayne Baxter credits youth ministry for teaching him simplicity in communication and moving away from manuscripting towards preaching notes.
This shift allowed more freedom and flexibility to emphasize points relevant to each congregation.

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In this episode of the Expositors Collective Podcast, Mike Neglia speaks with Dr. Wayne Baxter, Associate Professor of New Testament and Greek at Heritage College & Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario. With a Ph.D. in Early Christianity from McMaster University and an M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Wayne combines academic expertise with years of pastoral experience, having served churches in Windsor, Ottawa, and Toronto. He’s the author of several books, including Preparing Sermons from the Page to the Pulpit: Exegesis to Exposition in Seven Steps, a practical guide to sermon preparation.

Wayne shares his journey from a non-church background to full-time ministry, reflecting on how his preaching has evolved from being overly technical to more accessible and engaging. He emphasizes the importance of situating Scripture within its broader context (co-text) and how this approach strengthens sermon preparation. Wayne also shares insights into sermon rehearsal, creative illustrations, and connecting Scripture to the daily lives of congregants.

Mike and Wayne discuss the challenges of itinerant preaching, the state of expository preaching today, and how pastors can balance theological depth with relevant application. Wayne’s heartfelt hope is that his book will bridge the gap between biblical study and impactful preaching, equipping pastors and seminarians to proclaim God’s Word faithfully. Whether you’re a seasoned preacher or just beginning your journey, this episode is packed with practical tools and encouragement to help you grow in your craft.

Links:
9 Marks Application Grid: https://simeontrust.org/application-grid-9marks/
30 Day Shred: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/13745-30-day-shred
John Houseman: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002144/
Philip Nation on how to be a good guest preacher: 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

Wayne teaches at Heritage College & Seminary https://discoverheritage.ca/

You can find his book (and other Lexham Press authors who have been on the show here: https://lexhampress.com/Expositors

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