Preachers in Training

Are women more religious than men? While this may have been true in times past, research may suggest a developing trend in the other direction. In this episode of Preachers in Training, Robert Hatfield sits down with brothers Jeff Jenkins and Dale Jenkins of The Jenkins Institute to discuss how preaching, leadership culture, and congregational tone can shape who feels seen, valued, and spiritually...

Is there a tension between serious biblical scholarship and effective ministry—or are the two meant to walk hand in hand? In this listener-requested episode of Preachers in Training , Robert Hatfield sits down with Justin Rogers , Dean of the College of Biblical Studies at Freed-Hardeman University , to talk about how careful study of Scripture strengthens, rather than weakens, faithful ministry.

In this episode of Preachers in Training, host Robert Hatfield is joined by Doug Burleson to talk about the upcoming 90th Annual Bible Lectureship at Freed-Hardeman University . The 2026 Lectureship will take place February 1–5, 2026 , and its theme is: “Our God, His Kingdom: Seeing the Christ in Matthew.” Together, Robert and Doug discuss the vision behind this year’s theme, the unique way Matthe...

In this opening episode of Season 23 of Preachers in Training, Robert Hatfield sits down with longtime friend and fellow minister Paul Sain for a deeply personal and encouraging conversation about grief, caregiving, and the calling to bear one another’s burdens. Paul shares about the loss of his wife, LaDon , in October 2025 and the journey that led him through seasons of caregiving, hospice, and...

In the season 22 finale of Preachers in Training , Robert Hatfield is joined by Jerry Elder , a longtime youth minister who reflects on the lessons God has taught him over decades of faithful service. With humility and wisdom, Jerry looks back on the joys, challenges, successes, and struggles of ministry—and offers encouragement for those still finding their footing as well as those who have been...

In this episode of Preachers in Training, Robert Hatfield is joined by Logan Richardson to discuss the challenges and opportunities of discipling teenagers in today’s digital landscape. They explore how technology influences teen behavior and spiritual development, and how church leaders and parents can effectively guide youth toward Christ in a screen-saturated world.  Logan is the associate / yo...

What we believe about God will always shape how we worship Him. In this episode of Preachers in Training, Robert Hatfield is joined by Jesse Eaton, one of the ministers at the Stantonville church of Christ in Stantonville, Tennessee, and a gifted song leader who thinks deeply about worship and theology. Together, they explore how theology and worship are inseparably connected—and why ministers, so...

In this episode, Robert Hatfield welcomes Forest Antemesaris for a heartfelt and practical conversation about reaching those who doubt. Forest shares from his unique perspective—having grown up an atheist and later coming to faith in Christ as a young adult. His journey gives him a rare insight into how Christians can approach conversations about faith with compassion, clarity, and conviction.

For the tenth year in a row , Chad Landman joins Robert Hatfield for one of our most anticipated episodes of the year — the Holiday Gift Guide for Ministers! Each year, Chad shares his favorite gear, tools, and resources that can enhance your ministry, boost creativity, and make your work more efficient . From tech gadgets to spiritual tools, there’s something here for every preacher (and for anyo...

In this episode, Robert is joined by Adam Faughn , a seasoned preacher, devoted husband and father, and an avid reader who models what it means to be a lifelong learner in ministry. Together they explore the importance of continual growth for preachers—spiritually, intellectually, and personally. Ministry can easily become routine, but growth keeps preaching fresh and hearts engaged. Adam shares i...

Self-righteousness can quietly creep into our hearts — even among those devoted to doing good. In this episode, Robert Hatfield is joined by David Sproule to talk about the danger of self-righteousness in the life of a preacher and within the church. Together, they discuss how pride in our own righteousness can undermine grace, distort our message, and damage our relationships with others and with...

Every preacher knows the value of relationships in ministry — but how can we move beyond surface-level connections to build real, lasting community within the church? In this episode, Robert sits down with Dean Thompson to talk about fostering deep connections among members, leaders, and ministers.

This week on Preachers in Training, Robert is joined by Melvin Otey —professor of Law at Faulkner University in Montgomery, AL, and a dedicated gospel preacher. In this conversation, we reflect on brother Otey's blog post, “A Word of Compassion for Preachers” , and discuss the challenges and blessings of ministry life. He shares heartfelt encouragement for those who serve in the pulpit, reminding...

In this episode of Preachers in Training , Robert is joined by Wayne Jones , president of the Bear Valley Bible Institute and host of Authentically Adam here on The Light Network. Wayne brings decades of ministry experience and leadership insight to the conversation as he reflects on the lessons he’s learned beyond the classroom. While preaching schools and Bible institutes provide excellent found...

Spiritual apathy can creep into the life of any Christian—even ministers. Left unchecked, it robs us of passion for the Lord, weakens our resolve, and hinders our influence. In this episode, Dan Winkler joins Robert to address the dangers of spiritual apathy and share practical ways to prevent it.

In this opening episode of season 22, Robert is joined by longtime gospel preacher Paul Sain. Paul’s wife, LaDon, has recently been placed on hospice care, and he now walks both the path of minister and caregiver. Drawing from Scripture and his own current experience, Paul offers practical and heartfelt guidance on how preachers can minister effectively and compassionately to those who are receivi...

Interpersonal skills are essential for effective ministry, yet they’re often overlooked in preacher training. In this episode, Robert is joined by longtime preacher and former Freed-Hardeman University Bible professor and dean, Billy Smith, to discuss how ministers can develop stronger people skills. 

Is your children’s Bible class program in need of a refresh? In this episode, Robert Hatfield sits down with Jeremy Hall , minister for the Bartlett Woods church of Christ in Bartlett, TN, to discuss the process of revitalizing a Bible class program . Jeremy shares the story of how their congregation reimagined their teaching efforts—from philosophy to logistics—and the powerful results they’re no...

What does it mean to lead like Abraham—with unwavering trust in God, even when the path seems uncertain? In this episode, Matt Guy joins Robert Hatfield to explore biblical leadership through the lens of trust , using Genesis 22 as a foundation. Matt, a radiologist in Charlotte, NC, serves on the boards of Lads to Leaders and Freed-Hardeman University , and is a deacon for the church of Christ at...

In this episode of Preachers in Training, Robert Hatfield welcomes Matt Miller, minister for the 109 church of Christ in Lebanon, TN, to discuss the urgent state of personal evangelism. Are our efforts to reach the lost alive and thriving, or are they barely hanging on? Together, Robert and Matt explore the signs that evangelism may be “on life support” in our congregations and individual lives—an...

How can ministers and church leaders connect with and invest in the next generation? In this episode, Robert is joined by Craig Evans, the preaching minister for the Mt. Juliet church of Christ in Tennessee, to discuss practical and spiritual ways we can reach and equip Generation Z. Craig brings wisdom and experience from years of ministry, including mentoring young people, working with families,...

In this important episode, Robert is joined by Lonnie Jones — a minister, speaker, host of the Keeping Up with Jones podcast, and a licensed professional counselor — to address the critical subject of mental health among ministers. Ministry is rewarding but also uniquely stressful, often leaving preachers vulnerable to burnout, isolation, and emotional fatigue. Lonnie brings his dual perspective a...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we work, communicate, and even engage with faith. But what impact does it have on the church? In this episode of Preachers in Training , host Robert Hatfield is joined by Michael Hite, Jason Helton, and Dale Jenkins to explore how AI is shaping ministry, preaching, and Christian outreach. Our panel of experts discusses the opportunities AI p...

Special days like Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day often bring unique opportunities and challenges for preachers. How can we approach these occasions faithfully and effectively? In this episode of Preachers in Training, Robert sits down with David Pharr, minister for the Concord Street church of Christ in Orlando, FL, to discuss how preachers can prepare sermons that honor these moment...

Ministry can be challenging, but what keeps preachers motivated and committed for the long haul? In this episode, longtime minister of the gospel, Gary Hampton, joins Robert to share wisdom from his decades of preaching experience. He discusses the keys to maintaining passion, overcoming discouragement, and staying focused on the Lord’s work.