Episode 13: A Conversation with Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson

Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson

Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson (Photo Credit: jimmydalepatterson.com)

Episode 13 of the "View from the Pulpit” podcast, hosted by Ben Smith, engages in an insightful discussion with  Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson, Transitional Pastor of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, Griffin, GA, who shares his journey through various stages of pastoral ministry and how God has developed him as a preacher.

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 13, A Conversation with Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson

Episode Theme: Seasons and Challenges of Preaching

In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson, Transitional Pastor of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, Griffin, GA, about his journey through various stages of pastoral ministry. Dr. Patterson discusses his transition from topical to expository preaching, the impact of his health issues on his ministry, and the importance of genuine and non-performative preaching. The conversation covers practical aspects of sermon preparation, the significance of personal illustrations, and the necessity of maintaining connections with the community outside the church. Ben and Jimmy Dale also discuss the role of criticism from the congregation and one’s spouse in refining one’s preaching and ministry.

Key Highlights:

  • God’s grace: Jimmy Dale shares how God deepened his understanding of the Bible and transformed his preaching from a topical to an exegetical approach. (2:33)

  • Balance of ministry and community involvement: Jimmy Dale talks about how he balanced the demands of ministry with opportunities to connect with the community and share the gospel beyond the church. (12:53)

  • Weekly sermon preparation process: Jimmy Dale describes his sermon preparation process. (23:40)

  • Health Challenges and God’s Grace: Jimmy Dale shares how recent health challenges have impacted his ministry and how God has demonstrated his grace through them. (38:06)

  • Advice for Young Pastors: With remarkable candor, Jimmy Dale shares powerful wisdom for young pastors. (43:27)

Join Ben Smith and Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson for an insightful discussion on preaching, church ministry, and celebrating the grace of God.

Host: Ben Smith

Guest: Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org

Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr

For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/

Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

Dr. Jimmy Dale Patterson is the transitional pastor of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, Griffin, GA, where he has served since 2024. Before his work as a transitional pastor, he served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Newnan, GA. He has served churches in Texas, Florida, and Georgia. Jimmy Dale graduated from Howard Payne University, Brownwood, TX, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX.

A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.

Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.

Ben Smith

Originally from Columbus, GA, pastor Ben Smith has served churches in Texas, South Carolina, and Georgia. Ben and his wife Dana make their home in Waycross, GA, where Ben has pastored Central Baptist Church since 2012.

Pastor Ben preaches each Sunday at Central Baptist. An audio podcast of his sermons is published weekly. Pastor Ben also posts weekly to his blog, Ponderings.

https://bensmithsr.org
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Episode 12: A Conversation with Trey Herweck