Expositors Collective

In this thought-provoking and emotionally stirring episode, Brother Jim Wilson joins Mike for a candid conversation that delves into the profound experience of losing one's voice as a preacher. Jim shares his personal journey of a nine-month period when he was unable to speak, offering an honest and vulnerable account of the challenges he faced. Join them as they explore the unique perspectives of being a speaker who can't speak and a preacher who can't preach. Additionally, they dive into the world of sermon illustrations, discussing various genres such as personal, fresh, biblical, hypothetical, and historical illustrations. Get ready to expand your mind and stir your heart in this captivating interview.Key Points: PART ONE **Exploring Sermon Illustrations:** Brother Jim delves into the diverse genres of sermon illustrations and their role in delivering powerful messages. In his research he highlighted the following types of sermon illustrations:   - **Personal Illustrations:**    - **Fresh Illustrations:**    - **Biblical Illustrations:**   - **Hypothetical Illustrations:**    - **Historical Illustrations:**  PART TWO **The Silence of the Preacher:** Brother Jim Wilson opens up about his extraordinary experience of losing his voice for a prolonged period of nine months. He shares the emotional and practical challenges he encountered during this time, and Mike shares about his limited reading and speaking abilities that he had after a traumatic head injury.  They explore the unique perspectives, frustrations, and insights that emerge from such a situation., Jim and Mike delve into the profound impact of feeling as if they were not being able to fulfill their calling. They discuss the emotional journey and the lessons learned during this period of silence.*Join Brother Jim Wilson and Mike in this captivating conversation that will leave you with a new appreciation for the spoken word and a deeper understanding of the art of preaching and illustrating.**Note: This episode is intended for anyone interested in the art of preaching, public speaking, and the power of words. Whether you're a preacher, public speaker, or simply curious about the experiences and challenges faced by those who communicate messages to a congregation, this conversation will leave you with valuable insights and inspiration.*Dr Jim Wilson started preaching when he was 17, became a pastor when he was 18 and served as a full-time pastor until he became a professor.  Today, he is Professor of Leadership Formation and the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Gateway Seminary where he has served since 2006. Though a full-time member of the Seminary faculty, Dr. Wilson continues to serve the local church as a Teaching Pastor of Lakeshore City Church in Corona, CA  In addition, he is speaks at conferences, seminars, retreats and in other local churches.Wilson is an award winning writer with hundreds of  pieces in print and the author, co-author or contributor to more than thirty books. Zondervan Academic, Broadman & Holman,  Lexham Press, Serendipity House, LifeWay, Weaver Book Company, Standard Publishing, and Tyndale House have published his work. His sermons and sermon illustrations appear in WordSearch, Accordance and Logos Bible Software.Jim graduated with a BA from Wayland University and a MDiv and DMin from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. He has certifications as a Church Consultant from Society of Church Consultants. Transitional Pastor from LifeWay, and is a MBTI practitioner.Resources Mentioned: Illustrating Well: Preaching Sermons that Connect  https://lexhampress.com/product/213956/illustrating-well-preaching-sermons-that-connectFresh Ministry  Helping Pastors be More Effective: https://freshministry.org/ Jim Wilson's books: http://www.freshministry.org/books.html sermon preparation Reflection Loop:  https://vimeo.com/299984821embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=81463134  The Homiletical Plot: The Sermon as Narrative Art Form https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/114821Recommended Episodes:Rafael Manzaneres - The Power and Danger of Personal Illustrations : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2020/2/24/zj3d28nijrb4moagh63yp2znkqhijs Donald Sunukjian: Establishing Relevance by Rummaging through People's Lives https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2022/7/19/oral-clarity-and-establishing-relevance-by-rummaging-through-peoples-lives-with-don-sunukjian Adam Copenhaver: The right and wrong ways to tell stories in your sermons : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2022/4/26/the-right-and-wrong-way-to-tell-stories-in-your-sermons-adam-copenhaver Tim Chaddick and Mike Neglia talk about identity issues in the life of a preacher: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59e29a9ef14aa1b6ea069018/t/5a902435ec212d5ccd5ce750/1519397621846/New+Identity+Podcast_mixdownFinal+.mp3 For information about our upcoming training events in Indiana and California 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

Division, tension and conflict has always been part of life in a fallen world, but it feels as if it has only increased over the past years. How can preachers address contentious issues in a gracious yet truthful way? How can we balance the tightrope as we attempt to offering a unifying word to a divided congregation? Drs Matthew Kim and Paul Hoffman offer seven steps towards preaching that  a seven-step model for promoting reconciliation that unifies rather than causes unnecessary division1. The Theological Step: The Sins of Pride and Prejudice2. The Contextual Step: America's Past and Present Reality3. The Personal Step: Facing Our Sin and Acknowledging Our Prejudices4. The Positional Step: We Are Heralds, Not Heart-Changers5. The Methodological Step: A Homiletic for Reconciliation and Unity6. The Practical Step: Pre-Sermon, Mid-Sermon, and Post-Sermon Practices7. The Categorical Step: Biblical Themes and Texts "Preaching has become something of a dreaded task. With self-appointed authorities declaring on social media what pastors should and should not address--and telling people to leave their churches if pastors don't say the supposed right thing--the pastor bears the impossible task of speaking God's Word to a disinterested and divided world. In a day where cultural land mines abound, the preacher can either dismiss the concerns of her congregation as invalid or irrelevant or become a prisoner to the narratives and perspectives of the moment. Kim and Hoffman give us a better way. They excavate a treasury of theological resources to address the chief causes of division and map the terrain of our cultural dynamics and historical context. They teach us to become aware of our own lens as preachers and to rely on the Spirit to breathe the Word of God to the people of God. The result is a stunning, scholarly, current, and critical guide for preachers to take seriously the complexity of preaching in a rapidly changing world."Glenn Packiam Matthew D. Kim (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is professor of practical theology and holder of the Hubert H. and Gladys S. Raborn Chair of Pastoral Leadership at Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, in Waco, Texas. He previously served as the George F. Bennett Professor of Preaching and Practical Theology, director of the Haddon W. Robinson Center for Preaching, and director of Mentored Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is a past president of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and has over twenty years of preaching and teaching experience. Kim has written or edited many books, including Preaching to People in Pain (winner of a Christianity Today 2022 Book Award) and Preaching with Cultural Intelligence (the 2018 Preaching magazine Book of the Year). Paul A. Hoffman (PhD, University of Manchester) is senior pastor of Evangelical Friends Church of Newport, Rhode Island. He serves on the Oversight Board for the Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region, is an adjunct professor at Barclay College, and is the author of Reconciling Places: How to Bridge the Chasms in Our Communities. Recommended Resources: Preaching to a Divided Nation: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/preaching-to-a-divided-nation/408810 Ministers of Reconciliation : https://lexhampress.com/product/197409/ministers-of-reconciliation-preaching-on-race-and-the-gospel Matthew Kim Bibliography: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Matthew-D.-Kim/author/B001JRVEXA?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Suggested Episodes:Alan Stoddard reflects on lessons learned from Haddon Robinson:  https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2021/11/9/sermon-based-small-groups-alan-stoddard James Travis on maintaining unity in multicultural congregations: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2019/12/9/episode-78-unity-in-multicultural-churches Eric Cartier on the power of connection: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2020/9/1/the-power-of-connection-eric-cartierFor information about our upcoming training events in California and Indiana 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

In this episode of Expositors Collective, Mike Neglia and Nick Cady are interviewed by Brian Kelly (Host of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast) to discuss the crucial role of expositional Bible teaching in church planting. With their combined experience as pastors and church planters, Mike and Nick share valuable insights and practical tips on how to effectively communicate the Word of God to a new congregation. They explore the benefits of teaching the Bible in a clear and relevant way, and how it can help build a strong foundation for a thriving church community. Join us as we delve into the power of expositional Bible teaching in church planting and discover how it can transform the lives of believers and non-believers alike.[This episode was originally released on the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast - Subscribe HERE for more specific content for church planters and senders.Resources Mentioned:Cultivate Church Planter Training Videos: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com/resources/cultivate-training-video-series/ Calvary Church Planting Manual : https://cultivatechurchplanting.com/resources/calvary-church-planting-manual/ Danny Ramos "one of the top ten guys in the world" : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2018/9/4/episode-11-danny-ramos-and-jimmy-robeson-interview

Josh White, pastor of Door of Hope Church and an accomplished musician, dives into the profound topic of vulnerability in preaching. He emphasizes the necessity of honesty as a foundation for authentic ministry, sharing personal narratives while navigating the risks of oversharing. Their conversation addresses the tension between professionalism and personal struggles in pastoral roles. Josh challenges the pitfalls of emotional hype in preaching, advocating for a genuine, heartfelt delivery of the Gospel that resonates deeply with the audience.

Welcome to Episode 276 of The Expositors Collective Podcast, the show that equips, encourages, and empowers preachers and communicators of God's Word. In today's episode, our host Mike sits down with Terry Michaels, a seasoned Radio DJ and passionate student of the Bible. Terry shares insights on effective communication, the value of diligent study, and the art of preaching to those who are suffering. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation filled with practical advice and heartfelt wisdom.Segment 1: Communication Lessons from a Radio DJ- Terry Michaels reflects on his time as a Radio DJ and how it shaped his understanding of effective communication.- The importance of clarity, repetition, and knowing your audience in conveying messages effectively.- The role of rhetorical skills in communication versus the mastery of the text of Scripture through diligent study.Segment 2: The Inductive Bible Study Method- Terry's enthusiasm for the Inductive Bible Study method and its impact on his own study and teaching.- A brief overview of the Inductive Bible Study method and its benefits in understanding and applying Scripture.- Terry shares his excitement about covering this module at the upcoming training event hosted by Calvary Austin.Segment 3: Preaching to Those Who Are Suffering- Terry opens up about living with chronic pain and offers valuable advice on preaching to congregations dealing with suffering.- Pitfalls to avoid when addressing suffering and well-intentioned phrases that can unintentionally cause further harm.- How vulnerability and honesty in the pulpit can carry significant weight and make everyone in the congregation feel valued.Segment 4: Closing Thoughts and Takeaways- Terry concludes the interview by emphasizing the importance of listening.- The significance of listening to others, listening to ourselves, and listening to our spouse.- A reminder of the power of attentive and empathetic listening in ministry and personal relationships.Conclusion:Thank you for joining us on Episode 276 of The Expositors Collective Podcast. We hope this insightful conversation with Terry Michaels has provided you with valuable lessons on effective communication, diligent study, and preaching to those who are suffering. Remember to apply these lessons in your own preaching journey and continue to grow as a faithful expositor of God's Word. Stay tuned for more episodes that equip, encourage, and empower you in your preaching ministry.For information about our upcoming training events in Texas and Indiana 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

In episode 275, we're excited to have Chris Brown share his insights on the power of storytelling to captivate an audience and highlight the living reality of each passage of Scripture.Chris leads an hour-long workshop focused on using storytelling as a platform to launch your sermons. Through his teaching, you'll discover how to see the Bible through a different filter, giving you 9 unique points of view to better understand and communicate any text.Whether you're already a seasoned storyteller or looking to improve your skills, this episode is for you. Chris promises to provide practical tools and strategies to engage your audience and take them on a journey through the power of story.Don't miss this opportunity to supercharge your storytelling abilities and elevate your preaching to the next level.   Chris Brown has served as a Senior Pastor and Teaching Pastor at North Coast Church since 2004. Prior to that, he was the Campus Pastor at Azusa Pacific University, and then a Youth Pastor in the LA area. As a gifted storyteller and Bible teacher he loves to use his sense of humor and motivational style to help people truly experience all of the grace and mercy that they have been given in order to fall more in love with Jesus.  His life work and ambition is to use his unique gifts and personality to equip people to follow Jesus while building healthy and highly productive teams that serve the local church. Chris lives in Oceanside with his wife Amy and their three children, and tries to fish as much as his schedule will allow.  ( find out more at www.pastorchrisbrown.com ) Recommended Episodes:  Chris Brown's earlier appearance on Expositors Collective: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2023/3/21/you-have-permission-to-be-yourself-with-chris-brown Mike Neglia and Riley Taylor on getting to know yourself and preaching out of your authentic self:  https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2023/2/21/exposing-the-word-or-imposing-upon-the-word-riley-taylor-amp-mike-neglia Robert Fergusson "The power of story" https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2021/2/2/the-power-of-story-robert-fergussonScott Erickson "I'll be your story sherpa"  https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2021/5/11/ill-be-your-story-sherpa-scott-ericksonNick Cady "How to not be boring" https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2019/1/1/episode-28-how-to-not-be-boring For information about our upcoming training events in Texas and Indiana 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

What does faithfulness in the pulpit look like? Rod Carver speaks honestly about his life-verse and the various temptations to unfaithfulness that the preacher faces, and the irreplaceable virtue of faithfulness. In this episode, we explore the topic of faithfulness in the pulpit with Rod Carver, a seasoned preacher at Calvary Chapel of the Coastlands, who shares his insights and personal experiences. Carver emphasizes the importance of faithfulness as a core virtue for preachers and explains how it is demonstrated in their preaching. He cites his own life-verse (1 Corinthians 4:2) as an example of how scripture can inspire and guide preachers in their pursuit of faithfulness.Carver also discusses the various temptations that preachers face, such as the desire for popularity, financial gain, or the temptation to compromise the truth in order to please people. He speaks candidly about his own struggles with these temptations and how he has learned to overcome them.Throughout the conversation, Carver emphasizes that faithfulness in the pulpit is an irreplaceable virtue that cannot be substituted with talent, charisma, or other qualities that may attract a following. He explains that faithfulness is ultimately about honoring God and his Word above all else, and that preachers who are faithful to this calling will be a blessing to their congregations and communities. He also gives some tips on what to do when visiting Austin! “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:1–2 As Senior Pastor since 1997 Rod Carver graduated from CCU in Biblical Studies with a focus on leadership. Since then he has completed a ThD and pursues opportunities to keep learning and teaching. He has a passion to mentor and encourage younger pastors and missionaries.He is a regular contributor to various websites and is currently working on a book on marriage counseling. Blessed to be called to Corpus Christi Texas, Pastor Rod works with other pastors in the area to affect political and societal change through the proclamation of the Word of God.Recommended Episodes:  Paul LeBoutillier- Self Absorption is the death knell to faithful preaching:   https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2022/12/6/self-absorption-is-the-death-knell-to-faithful-preaching-with-paul-leboutillierShawn Stone - Speech Impediments, Insecurity and the Holy Spirit : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2019/7/16/episode-56-speech-impediments-insecurities-and-the-holy-spirit Tucker Maile - Getting your sea legs and finding your own voice: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2022/10/3/getting-your-sea-legs-and-finding-your-own-voice-with-tucker-maileFor information about our upcoming training events in Texas and Indiana 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

About Brian,“I am a sinner saved by grace. I follow Jesus, am a husband, father, and pastor. I currently live in Winnemucca, Nevada where I pastor The Redeemed Church - a relatively new church plant. I also co-host The Redeemed Podcast. One of my greatest passions in life is to study and understand God through His Scriptures. As I grow in my understanding, I am thrilled to help further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.”Brian Croteau speaks about how the lives and experiences of members of his congregation and broader community have shaped him as a preacher. From the initial impact of a Christian “biker gang” to the ongoing overlapping lives between him and the church members, Brian knows that he is not independent of their influences, and also his preaching is not into a vacuum, but it is to help build the faith, and strengthen the discipleship of the real life people in front of him. It is important to “sticking to the script” and also listening attentively to the doubts, fears and questions of those to whom he is ministering to. They also speak about the challenges and opportunities of leading musical worship, managing bi-vocational ministry and the seven letters to the seven churches.  “Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.Proverbs 30:7-9 Listen to the Redeemed Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-redeemed-podcast/id1636947439 https://open.spotify.com/show/7w9Q7AgowCNWdFRKFBwnfk?si=96b69aaa3fc04f97 Recommended Episode Bryan Chapell : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2022/9/13/pulpit-flourish-vs-pastoral-care-with-bryan-chappell Chuck Smith : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2021/3/14/bonus-episode-spirit-anointed-sermon-preparation-chuck-smith   Dan Ewing : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2021/5/14/respect-the-house-dan-ewingFor information about our upcoming training events in Texas and Indiana 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

The question is not “which variety of preaching is best” and then choose from the various genres and sub-genres of preaching options. Some prefer topical sermons, because just like topical ointments, they go right to where the itch is…Others prefer a more narrative approach, since life is one big unfolding story, shouldn’t our sermons include stories, or even be framed as one big story itself? Maybe the autobiographical yet informative Ted talk is the way forward? The real question is “is God’s Word powerful?” And since the answer is yes, we who have opportunity to speak about it in public need only to discover what model of preaching allows the Word to speak the most plainly, most directly - or to put it another way, what form of preaching unleashes God's Word? Since the Bible is God’s very words, and have within themselves His very authority - I believe that expository preaching should be the most consistent offering that we offer unto God and to His peopleWhat is expository preaching? Quite simply it is exposing what is inside the pages of the Bible to the hearers, for all to understand believe and apply.  think of a report who does an expose on a politician or a corporation. She does the work of discovering what is hidden and what previously is unknown, and then she exposes it to the watching world. “I want to tell you the true story of what you may only know the surface of” Not to imply that the scriptures are unknowable, and locked to all but a few experts. It isn't that the main message of scripture is inaccessible, but simple that it is un-accessed by many. (Another example of exposition … maybe the mohler quote?) So what the expositors does, week after week, is go deep into the pages, the themes, the paragraphs and the words of scripture. But what is also happening - is that the expositor is going deep into the Word, and the Word is going deep into the heart of the expositor. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12–13, ESV)Naked and exposed. The expositor is also the exposed one! Such is the power of God’s word and that is why expository preaching is powerful because it is putting people into direct contact with God’s Word. And what does it do? It exposes us. It lays us bare!  τραχηλίζω trachēlizō This is the only time this word is used in the whole Bible. Its used in extra biblical literature to describe when a defendant at a trial is made to face their accusers : a knife was put to their chin so that they would have to meet their gaze, they couldn’t look down in shame, or they couldn’t look away as a way of escaping the consequence of what they did, or the severity of the situation that they are in. It is also used to describe grave face-to-face confrontations of two wrestlers who meet in the middle of the mat. they would grab each other by the throat to start their competition. This is what God’s Word does to us! Now- granted this is very confrontational, and nearly violent language, but I want to highlight it to us right now at the start of this training event. We will be speaking about techniques and approaches for us to expose the meaning of ancient passages and how to help other people grasp the truths… but make no mistake… this truth is grasping you by the throat! You are being held in its gaze! You are laid bare before it. The expositor first and foremost must be exposed. And - after that takes place in our personal study, then we are ready for public proclamation. Since we are convinced of the inherit power in God’s Word, and as we shape our addresses to be plainly, simply, exposing one section at a time; it should be a humble yet confident act on our part. Since this is God’s very Word - we’re not up there to speculate, we’re not surmising, we’re not commenting, we’re not sharing : we have something to proclaim!  “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10–11, ESV)No more sharing - it is time to proclaim I flew over here from Ireland yesterday. There is a world of difference between the safety announcements at the beginning of a flight, and then what would happen if there is severe turbulence or if there is an actual emergency in the air. Instructions will be given, and everyone should listen, because this is crucial now. My friends, we are alive in crucial times - no more messing about. There is a peripheral of frivolity that still exists, but more and more people are coming to realise that the times are getting serious, the stakes are getting higher And lets not kid ourselves, your sermon isn’t going to save the world - but as we arrange opportunities for small or large groups of people to have a living, face to face, knife to the throat, hand to the neck confrontation with the living God; THAT is going to be what changes lives, and from a changed life, who knows what the ripple effect could be from there? The God who spoke the the world into being now uses our words to shape the world to His will. - John KoesslerFor information about our upcoming training events in Texas and Indiana 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

In episode 271, you'll hear why casting vision is a powerful tool that is underutilised by many preachers, and Todd Peebles is going to give you some very practical steps to start. Before that you will hear about Praying Over Your PassageTodd shares his approach to preparing for a sermon, which involves praying over the passage he'll be teaching on. He explains how this practice helps him to connect with God and gain a deeper understanding of the text, enabling him to communicate its message more effectively. Planning a Preaching ScheduleTodd shares his process for planning out a preaching schedule months in advance, including how he selects topics and Scripture passages to teach on. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and being open to change as the schedule unfolds.Casting Vision for the Church    Casting a vision" for a church is the process of defining and communicating a clear and compelling picture of what the church could and should be in the future. It involves sharing a vision of what the church can achieve, what it stands for, and where it is heading. It is a critical process for churches because it helps to provide direction, focus, and motivation for the congregation. One of the most significant benefits of casting a vision for a church is that it provides a clear sense of direction and purpose. It helps the members of the church understand where they are heading and why they are doing what they do. This clarity can be motivating and inspiring, helping to unite the congregation around a shared vision and a common goal. Todd helps us think through this process together.   Todd was born in Stuttgart Arkansas in January 1970.  His parents are Phyllis & Allen Peebles.  As a child, he was privileged to be an Army Brat.  This meant he got to live in some different places.  His family lived in Heidelberg Germany, Clarksville Tennessee, Gauiter Mississippi and Crowville Louisiana. Todd Graduated from High School in Crowville Louisiana in May of 1988.  In 1990, he began to pursue his childhood dream of working in Law Enforcement.  He Served the Stuttgart Arkansas Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department in Greenville Mississippi.   In 1995 Todd answered the call to vocational ministry  on his life.  He began serving in Youth Ministry.  In 1996, Fellowship Baptist Church in Texarkana Arkansas Licensed him to the ministry.  In 1998, Todd answered the call to serve His first church as Senior Pastor. In May of 1999, Shady Grove Baptist Church of Sparkman Arkansas ordained him to the Gospel Ministry. In October of 2004, Todd and Shelly (Pease) Peebles were married.  They now have four wonderful children, one boy and three girls.  Todd has served as Pastor at churches in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and now serving as pastor in Kansas. Todd graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity (MDiv) and a concentration in Expository Preaching in December 2011.  Todd is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry also from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Todd is passionate about expository preaching, serving in the local church, and helping  others with their calling in ministry as opportunities present themselves.Recommended episodes: Leadership Collective : https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2021/6/3/introducing-the-leadership-collective  Ted Leavenworth interview: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2020/11/19/mistakes-new-preachers-often-make-ted-leavenworth Rob Salvato interview: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2020/5/12/episode-106-preaching-with-brevity-and-clarityFor information about our upcoming training events in Texas and Indiana 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