Expositors Collective

Leaving Mountaintops and Entering Valleys

In this fun interview between neighbours, Mike speaks with Tadhg O'Connell about lessons that he has learned as a preacher, testimony-giver, camp-speaker, addiction-recovery-activist and community organiser. They speak about neck tattoos, mountain top experiences, caring for the community and more. My name is Tadhg O’Connell, and I have lived all my life in Ballyphehane, a place I am deeply proud to call home. For many years, I was trapped in addiction, living in the bondage of my own sinful desires and feeling completely hopeless, to the point where I did not want to live anymore. In the middle of that darkness, I picked up a Bible and read Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and for the first time I truly understood that I was a sinner in need of salvation. But I also came to see that Christ had done everything necessary for me to have a relationship with God, as Hebrews 10:12 says, “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.” Realising that Jesus had paid the price for my sin changed my life completely. Today I am a member of Douglas Baptist Church, and my heart is especially for those still caught in addiction. I believe God has called me to remain where He saved me, as 1 Corinthians 7:20 says, “Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them,” and so my heart is heavy for the people in disadvantaged communities  who still feel lost and do not know their lives are valued because they are made in the image of God. I now run an addiction group every Monday night at 8pm in Ballyphehane Community Centre, seeking to bring the light of Jesus into this dark world, sharing the hope that rescued me and giving all the glory to Him.  SAVE THE DATE Our next in-person training event will be at Reliance Church in Temecula, California May 15-16th, early bird registration is available now, save your seat as soon as possible!  https://expositorscollective.org/gatherings/ConnectFor information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Read, Reread, and Be Faithful: Sermon Prep Essentials

Dr Roy Collins is the kind of man many churches would love to have in their congregation: a retired pastor and professor who faithfully teaches the adult Sunday school class and serves as a steady, encouraging presence among God’s people. His influence is not loud or flashy, but marked by wisdom, warmth, and a long history of loving the local church.In this episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Dr Collins shares a message on Sermon Prep Essentials, recorded live at an Expositors Collective training event in 2024. Drawing on decades of experience in pastoral ministry and as a professor of Biblical Interpretation at Colorado Christian University, he offers thoughtful, grounded counsel for those tasked with preaching the Scriptures week after week.Throughout the message, Roy reminds preachers that they are called to speak God’s words, not their own. He emphasises the importance of slow, careful reading of the text, encouraging listeners to read and reread Scripture until it has time to settle and shape their thinking. He also highlights the value of humility in sermon preparation, urging preachers to learn from others and to allow their ideas to be refined within the context of the church.At the same time, Dr Collins offers gentle but firm warnings about common dangers in preaching, including the temptation to chase novelty or to elevate “new insights” that have not been tested by the wider church. In a culture that prizes originality and self-expression, he calls preachers back to faithfulness, reminding them that the gospel does not need reinvention, but clear and careful proclamation.Dr Collins is a member of White Fields Community Church, where his ongoing service reflects a lifetime commitment to Scripture, teaching, and encouragement. This episode will be a timely help for pastors, Bible teachers, and anyone seeking to grow in patient study and faithful proclamation of God’s Word.Resources Mentioned: Logos Bible Study Software: https://www.logos.com/ Roy Collins' episode on Theology for the People: https://nickcady.org/2021/08/27/guidelines-for-biblical-interpretation-with-dr-roy-collins/comment-page-1/ConnectFor information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Faithful Preaching in the Modern Church: Youth Ministry, Expressive Individualism, and Planning Ahead

Recorded live in Longmont, Colorado, this panel conversation brings together four seasoned pastors and ministry leaders to reflect on what faithful preaching looks like in today’s cultural moment.Dr Roy Collins, Dr Alan Stoddard, Mike Payne, and Bryan Stupar speak candidly about early preaching mistakes, the discipline of reading Scripture carefully, and the practical realities of preparing sermons alongside the many demands of pastoral ministry.The discussion addresses how expressive individualism shapes both the church and the wider culture, and why historic practices like preaching calendars, shared preparation, and confessional reminders help anchor pastors and congregations alike. The panel also explores realistic rhythms for sermon planning, the challenge of information overload, and the value of planning ahead rather than reacting week to week.In the final portion of the conversation, the focus turns to youth ministry. The speakers offer wise and grounded counsel on mentoring young people, cultivating lasting fruit, and remembering that students are often listening more closely than they appear. Rather than chasing novelty, the panel encourages patient investment, faithful presence, and a long view of spiritual formation.This conversation was recorded at a live Expositors Collective training event in Longmont, Colorado aimed at equipping pastors and Bible teachers to faithfully study and publicly proclaim God’s Word in the modern church.Topics CoveredLessons learned from first sermons and early failuresWhy reading whole books of Scripture mattersPlanning ahead with preaching calendarsManaging information overload in sermon preparationStructuring a realistic ministry weekExpressive individualism and its impact on the churchWhy historic confessions still matterMentoring young people toward spiritual fruitThe quiet but real attentiveness of youthAdditional Listening: Alan Stoddard on Ministry Mentorships: https://goodlion.io/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/passing-on-the-baton-preaching-mentorships-and-ministry-training-with-alan-stoddard Mike Payne on Passing on the Baton:https://goodlion.io/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/the-value-of-preaching-mentorships-michael-payne Bryan Stupar on Character in the Ministry:https://goodlion.io/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/why-character-matters-bryan-stuparConnectFor information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Women Deserve Good Theology - Brenda Leavenworth

In this episode of the Expositors Collective Podcast, we are joined by Brenda Leavenworth for a thoughtful and encouraging conversation about theology, leadership, and faithful service in the local church. Brenda is the founder and Director of When She Leads, a global ministry devoted to equipping women who lead and serve through conferences, leadership cohorts, and a podcast focused on Scripture-shaped ministry.Brenda shares about her own journey of growing in theological confidence and teaching clarity, emphasising that strong theology is not reserved for specialists but is essential for anyone serving God’s people. She reflects on the formative role of careful study, patience, and faithful practice over time, and explains why editing and restraint are acts of love in ministry communication.The conversation also explores the state of women’s ministry today, including the need for biblically grounded leadership and the danger of treating women’s discipleship as an afterthought. Brenda speaks candidly about leadership transitions, age, and the wisdom of building multigenerational teams that strengthen the church rather than centre it on personalities.Throughout the episode, Brenda’s heart for Scripture is clear. Her commitment to verse-by-verse teaching, doctrinal depth, and practical application shapes everything from her writing to the vision behind When She Leads. The result is a conversation that challenges listeners to pursue theological depth, steward influence wisely, and serve Christ’s church with humility and faithfulness.About Brenda LeavenworthBrenda Leavenworth is a Bible teacher, author, and speaker who has written more than thirty Bible studies, including Far Above Rubies and her most recent collaboration, The Ologies. She holds a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Christian Leadership and serves as Department Head of Women’s Ministry and Strategic Leadership at Reliance Church in Temecula, California.She is also a devoted pastor’s wife, mother of three, and grandmother of ten. Brenda’s life and ministry reflect a steady passion to see women rooted in the Word of God, strengthened by sound doctrine, and equipped to lead and serve faithfully in the context God has placed them.Resources MentionedWhen She Leadshttps://whensheleads.orgWSL: Spiritual Gifts https://goodlion.io/podcast/when-she-leads/episode/spiritual-gifts-part-1 WSL : Rachel Neglia https://goodlion.io/podcast/when-she-leads/episode/wsl-ireland-conference-2023-rachel-neglia-insecurity-in-ministryHaddon Robinson, Biblical Preachinghttps://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Preaching-Haddon-Robinson/dp/0310244173Tim Keller, Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Scepticismhttps://www.amazon.com/Preaching-Communicating-Skepticism-Timothy-Keller/dp/1596385537ConnectFor information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Every Sermon Shouldn’t Sound Like the Book of Proverbs

In this episode, Clay and Mike reminisce about their Bible College days with their former Dean of Men, Pastor Sean Houseman. What begins with shared memories quickly develops into an encouraging and challenging conversation about teaching and preaching sacred Scripture with wisdom, patience, and humility.Drawing on years of pastoral experience, Sean reflects on how the Bible actually works as a book, cautioning against flattening all passages into proverb-like statements. Together, they explore how Scripture often unfolds like a treasure map, building its points carefully and leading readers toward conclusions over time, rather than offering instant answers.The conversation also touches on the subtle temptations faced by Bible teachers, including the pressure to appear especially spiritual, and the importance of being who God has actually made us to be rather than performing for others.This episode was originally released in October 2018 and remains a helpful listen for anyone involved in teaching, preaching, or simply wanting to handle God’s word more faithfully.For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective