Especially the Preaching

Ben discusses the concepts of meekness and readiness of mind, explaining how these attitudes can transform the way individuals engage with biblical teachings. Includes practical steps to cultivate these qualities, encouraging listeners to approach sermons and scripture with expectation and humility. Send me a text! Support the show

Brian Cosby shares his journey into ministry, emphasizing the importance of preaching as faithful exposition of biblical texts. He discusses the spiritual elements of sermon preparation, the influence of pastoral care on preaching, and the challenges of shepherding in a busy world. Cosby also addresses the spiritual requirements for preachers, how to navigate cold seasons in ministry, and the impo...

In this episode Ben discusses the often-overlooked role of the congregation's prayers in the ministry of preaching. Powerful preaching is not solely dependent on the pastor's skills but also on the active participation of the congregation through prayer. He outlines specific ways church members can pray for their pastors, including preparation, heart, delivery, and the congregation'...

In this conversation, Derrick Brite shares his journey as a pastor and theology professor, discussing the distinctions between preaching and teaching, the role of the Holy Spirit in preaching, and effective sermon preparation techniques.  He reflects on his upbringing in Ringgold, Georgia, and how it shaped his ministry in a rural context. Derrick emphasizes the importance of theology in pastoral...

Jason Helopolous shares his journey into ministry, the call to preach, and the essential elements of faithful preaching. He covers the importance of spiritual preparation, the mechanics of sermon preparation, and the need for pastors to guard against pride. He also offers valuable advice for young preachers, highlighting the significance of connecting pastoral care with preaching. Send me a text!...

Ben sits down with his longtime friend and fellow RTS alum, Rev. Ryan Biese, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.  The two discuss the difference between preaching and lecturing, the place of Christ in every sermon, and how to structure a week around two full sermons. Ryan offers a candid look into his preparation process, including why he writes 4,000-word “outlines,”...

In this roundtable-style episode, Ben is joined by friends Job Dalomba and Stephen Spinnenweber to discuss two weighty themes from Pastoral Theology by Thomas Murphy: Preaching as the Minister’s Chief Calling, and Christ as the Sum and Substance of All Preaching. “The minister ought, by all means, to cultivate a very high appreciation of the importance of preaching, and to concentrate on it all hi...

Matt Adams joins Ben to explore the significance of preaching, focusing on Matt's personal journey from a Pentecostal background to becoming a Presbyterian minister.  They discuss the philosophy of preaching, emphasizing the importance of explaining and applying biblical texts in a Christ-centered manner. Matt shares his sermon preparation process, detailing how he maps out sermon series and...

Ben walks through Romans 10:1–15—a passage that not only clarifies how sinners are saved, but how that salvation reaches them: through preaching. Paul gives us a chain of logic that leads to a staggering conclusion: salvation depends on the preached Word. We explore the implications of that truth—for hearers of preaching and for those who do the preaching. Romans 10 raises the stakes of every serm...

Ben sits down with Logan Almy to explore the heart of a preacher’s calling, the mechanics of sermon preparation, and the necessity of unction in the pulpit. Logan shares his story—from a Southern Baptist upbringing and powerful high school conversion experience to a Presbyterian pulpit shaped by personal trials, theological clarity, and a longing for power in preaching. Together, they discuss the...

Ben Ratliff and Jim McCarthy explore the journey of ministry, focusing on the call to preaching, the tools and practices involved in sermon preparation, and the importance of personal piety in a minister's life.  Jim shares his experiences from his early days in ministry, the growth of his preaching style, and the challenges he faces in balancing sermon preparation with other pastoral respons...

Ben Ratliff sits down with James Logan, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. James shares his journey into pastoral ministry—from teaching Bible in private schools to discovering a call to pulpit ministry at RTS Jackson—and how that call has taken root in the rhythms of small-town church life. Together, they discuss the heart of preaching as proclaiming Christ for the sa...

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In this episode of Especially the Preaching , Ben sits down with Rev. Scott Davis, pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Scott shares how he moved from member to minister in the same congregation, what it’s like to serve bivocationally as both pastor and professional magician, and how preaching became the centerpiece of his calling. The conversation covers sermon preparation...

In this rich and personal conversation, Ben sits down with Cilas Menezes to discuss the call to preaching, the role of pastoral care in sermon preparation, and the nuts and bolts of weekly sermon crafting. Cilas shares his unique journey from law practice in Brazil to pastoral ministry in the PCA, reflecting on how God drew him to Himself and eventually into gospel ministry. What makes Cilas’s met...

In this episode, Ben sits down with Zach Byrd, a teaching elder in the PCA who pastors two churches in Mississippi. They discuss Zach’s call to ministry, his philosophy of preaching, and the way his pastoral care shapes his pulpit work. Zach shares stories from his unique context, explains his long-term sermon preparation process, and reflects on preaching without notes. The episode is full of pra...

In this episode of Especially the Preaching, I sit down with Alex Brown, PCA pastor on St. Simons Island, Georgia, to discuss his call to ministry, his preaching philosophy, and the realities of pastoral life. Alex shares his journey from Scotland to the PCA, his early influences in preaching, and how he prepares his sermons each week. We also discuss the tension between intellectual preparation a...

In this episode of Especially the Preaching , Ben Ratliff welcomes Rev. Jonas Brock to discuss his journey into ministry, his call to preaching, and his approach to sermon preparation. Jonas shares insights from his experiences serving in rural and coastal churches, his love for evening preaching, and the significance of tailoring sermons to the needs of his congregation. The conversation also tou...

In this episode of Especially the Preaching , Ben Ratliff interviews Job Dalomba, pastor of Christ Covenant PCA in Woodstock, Georgia. Job shares his journey from journalism to the pastorate, his approach to sermon preparation, and how he tailors his preaching to his congregation. The conversation delves into the effectual nature of preaching, the importance of the doctrine of God, and the persona...

In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Byrd, senior pastor at Christ Church PCA in Trussville, Alabama.  We discuss his journey into the PCA, his philosophy of preaching, and the joys and challenges of sermon preparation.  In the shows exclusive segment Jeremy shares his experience of preaching the same sermon twice each Sunday morning, what he’s learning from it, and how it has surprised him. We...

In this episode of Especially the Preaching , Ben sits down with David Senters, pastor of New Covenant PCA in Richmond Hill, Georgia. David shares his remarkable journey from Pentecostalism to the PCA, his philosophy of expository preaching, and his disciplined approach to weekly sermon preparation. Along the way, he reflects on the joys and challenges of ministering in a small church and offers p...

Join host Ben Ratliff and guest Steven Spinnenweber for an in-depth conversation about the art and craft of preaching. This episode explores what preaching is, how to approach sermon preparation, and the pivotal role of commentaries. Spin shares his philosophy on tailoring sermons to the needs of the congregation, balancing milk for new believers with meat for the spiritually mature. In a subscrib...

In this inaugural episode of Especially the Preaching , host Ben Ratliff introduces himself, shares his journey into ministry, and explains his passion for the ministry of the Word—especially preaching. Drawing from Westminster Larger Catechism 155, Ben discusses why preaching is the primary means by which God enlightens, convinces, and builds up His people. This episode lays the foundation for th...