Expositors Collective

Gospel Sanity in a World Gone Mad – This is what Ray Ortlund Jr. aims to offer to the next generation of pastors and leaders. In this conversation with Mike, he discusses the profound value of remembering his own mortality, the importance of gathering and "gospelling" young men, and the encouragement that Christ Himself is preaching through us as we exposit the Word.

Ray also shares insights from his latest book, co-authored with Sam Allberry, You're Not Crazy - Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches. In this practical guide, seasoned pastors Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture into every aspect of their churches. They emphasize that while healthy doctrine is crucial, failing to nurture a healthy culture can lead to frustration, division, and even unbiblical practices. The book provides Scripture-focused advice on honesty, honour, preaching, leadership, and mission, helping leaders regain a beautiful, Christ-centered vision for their ministries.

This episode, originally released earlier this year, was the most downloaded episode of 2024. We’re re-releasing it this December to celebrate its impact and ensure even more people benefit from Ray’s wisdom and encouragement. 

Resources Mentioned: 

Dr Alan Stoddard explores the creation of an exegetical sermon outline and its transformation into a preaching outline, offering key insights to enrich your personal study and public speaking. His message includes valuable lessons from his time at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary under the late Haddon Robinson, along with effective strategies for introductions and applications. This recording was made at our 2023 training event hosted at The Creek Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.

 Alan has a passion for disciple-making. He has been a pastor for 34 years. He knows the difference between church growth and disciple-making. His passion for disciple making encompasses three things:

1. Good preaching.
2. Intentional disciple-making.
3. Sermon based small-groups.

Alan is a graduate of Southwestern Seminary as well as Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He teaches online as a adjoint professor for the Calvary Chapel, Bible College, and for Rockbridge Seminary.

Alan has been married to Jeana for 37 years. They met her a blind date. Through her he came to know Christ. Alan is the father of Briana who is 23 years old and is about to graduate with a four-year degree debt-free. He is so proud of her.

In this episode, Mike Neglia sits down with Calvin Whittman, the pastor of Green Valley Baptist Church in Henderson, Nevada, to discuss his unique journey to the pulpit and his approach to gospel-centred preaching. Calvin reflects on how his diverse experiences—from serving in the Navy to working as a television and radio news anchor—shaped his communication skills and informed his preaching style.

They explore Calvin's emphasis on expository preaching, his disciplined preparation process, and the importance of connecting every sermon to the gospel. Calvin shares practical insights on crafting sermons that are both theologically rich and engaging, including the role of conciseness, transitions, and structure in maintaining audience attention. He also speaks candidly about allowing the Word of God to convict him personally before delivering it to others.

Throughout the conversation, Calvin highlights the centrality of the Bible in his preaching, reading full passages to allow Scripture's power to shine through. Whether you're a preacher or someone interested in learning how to communicate with clarity and purpose, this episode is filled with wisdom and encouragement.

Bio for Calvin Whittman

Calvin Whittman is the pastor of Green Valley Baptist Church in Henderson, Nevada, where he is known for his clear, gospel-centred preaching and his commitment to expository teaching. Calvin felt called to preach at the age of 12, but his journey to the pulpit took him through diverse experiences, including serving in the Navy and working as a television and radio news anchor. His time in broadcast media sharpened his skills in communication, conciseness, and audience engagement—qualities that now define his preaching style.

At Green Valley Baptist, Calvin preaches through books of the Bible sequentially, focusing on exposing the truth of the text, connecting it to the gospel, and applying it to contemporary life. His sermons combine thoughtful exegesis, theological depth, and practical application, with a strong emphasis on Christological connections. A disciplined writer, Calvin prepares detailed sermon manuscripts, carefully structuring his messages to ensure clarity and flow.

With over 25 years of preaching experience, Calvin continues to grow in his craft, blending theological conviction with engaging delivery. He is passionate about helping others see the power of God’s Word to transform lives, always pointing to the ultimate provision of salvation in Jesus Christ.

In a culture addicted to fast food and instant gratification, are we falling into the same trap when it comes to sermons? In this episode, Pastor Mike Chaddick draws a fascinating parallel between the shallow nourishment of fast food and the modern demand for quick, easy-to-digest preaching. Recorded live at the Expositors Collective preacher training event in Indianapolis, Indiana, Mike challenges us to dig deeper into Scripture using the inductive Bible study method—a three-step process of observation, interpretation, and application.  

Discover how studying the Bible through the lens of language, grammar, historical context, and genre can lead to sermons that nourish and transform. Mike also highlights the value of consulting multiple Bible translations and offers practical tips for interpreting Scripture through a gospel-centered, doctrinally sound lens. Whether you’re a seasoned expositor or just starting out, this session is packed with insights to help you teach the Word with depth, clarity, and life-changing impact.  

Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode as we continue to share sessions from our October 2023 event in the Hoosier State.  

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About  Mike Chaddick  

Pastor Mike Chaddick is the senior pastor of Image Church in San Juan Capistrano, CA, and a regular contributor to the live radio show *Pastors Perspective* on KWAVE 107.9FM. Raised as a pastor’s kid in the Calvary Chapel movement, Mike had a powerful conversion experience after years of drifting from his faith. With ministerial degrees from Vanguard University, Veritas Evangelical Seminary, and Fuller Theological Seminary, he brings a wealth of theological training and practical experience to his ministry. Mike is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree and is passionate about writing, fitness, and spending time with his wife, Beth, and their six children.

Recommended Episodes: 

In this episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Mike Neglia interviews David Jackman about his preaching journey and insights from his book Proclaiming the Word. Jackman recounts his early preaching experiences and the influence of mentors like J.I. Packer and Alec Motyer. He emphasizes the balance of hard work and dependence on the Holy Spirit, stressing the importance of thorough sermon preparation. Drawing on the impact of influential figures like John Stott and Chuck Smith, Jackman discusses the growth and challenges of expository preaching and the need for biblically centered sermons.

David Jackman shares practical insights on staying "on the line of the text," ensuring that Scripture remains central, and contrasts this approach with preaching styles that either add to or subtract from the Bible. The discussion also touches on Chuck Smith's and Stott’s commitment to letting the Bible speak for itself. Jackman discusses the global spread of expository preaching and its ongoing relevance in addressing cultural challenges.

Biography:
David Jackman, born in 1942, studied at Downing College, Cambridge, and completed theological training under J.I. Packer and Alec Motyer at Trinity College, Bristol. He served as senior minister at Above Bar Church in Southampton before founding the Cornhill Training Course in 1991 under Dick Lucas, training evangelical preachers in exegesis and communication. Jackman has also written several expository works and served as president of The Proclamation Trust. He currently teaches at Oak Hill Theological College and continues to contribute to evangelical preaching through books and conferences.

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