View From the Pulpit Podcast

Conversations about
expository preaching.

Conversations with pastors about faithful preaching, sermon preparation, and life in the local church. For those behind the pulpit and those in the pew.

View From the Pulpit with Ben Smith podcast cover

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Why a Podcast about Preaching?

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Episode 28: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Akin

In this episode of "View From the Pulpit," host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Danny Akin, President and Professor of Preaching and Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Akin shares his journey and conviction for expository preaching, defining it as text-driven, where "the text of scripture sets the agenda both in terms of the structure of your sermon and the substance of your sermon". The conversation covers the historical shift towards expository preaching in pulpits and seminaries, Dr. Akin's meticulous sermon preparation process, and valuable advice for both preachers and congregations.

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Preaching, Expository Preaching Ben Smith Preaching, Expository Preaching Ben Smith

Episode 26: A Conversation with Brian Carroll

In this episode of “View From the Pulpit”, host Ben Smith talks with Pastor Brian Carroll, Pastor of Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church in Flintstone, GA, about expository preaching and the challenges and rewards of long-term pastoral ministry. Pastor Carroll explains his commitment to faithful biblical exposition, his sermon preparation process, and the importance of loving and knowing one's congregation.

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Episode 25: A Conversation with Dr. Robert Smith

In episode 25 of The View From the Pulpit, host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Robert Smith, Distinguished Professor of Divinity and preaching at Beeson Divinity School, in Birmingham, AL. Dr. Smith describes his approach as an "exegetical weaver," interweaving explanation and application throughout the sermon. A notable aspect of his delivery is preaching without notes, relying on "internalization not memorization," which allows for improvisational, Spirit-guided expression. Dr. Smith emphasizes that "what counts is content," not just style, and teaches a 10-step Christocentric method that heavily focuses on deep textual study, including reading the text "50 times". He advocates for the sermon's form to reflect the text's genre, distinguishing between deductive and inductive approaches. Dr. Smith stresses the importance of unity in diversity within the church, encouraging preachers to learn from various cultural preaching traditions and for congregations to value faithfulness to the text over performative dynamics, warning against "emotionalism" that overshadows exegesis.

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Episode 24: A Conversation with John Roland

In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Pastor John Roland, Pastor of Beulah Baptist Church in Sterrett, AL, about the unique blessings and challenges of balancing secular employment with pastoral ministry, highlighting the importance of efficient study methods and relying on the Holy Spirit.

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Episode 17: A Conversation with Dr. Bart Barber

In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Pastor Dr. Bart Barber, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Farmersville, TX, about how to integrate systematic theology with Biblical theology through expositional preaching, effectively utilize original language study in preaching, and his unique method of sermon preparation process.

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