Episode 32: A Conversation with Dr. Jerry Vines
Dr. Jerry Vines
In episode 32 of View From the Pulpit, host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Jerry Vines, a figure often credited with "literally writing the book on expository preaching". Dr. Vines recounts his personal journey from topical preaching in his early ministry to embracing expository preaching and how this shift transformed his approach to teaching God's Word. He shares his three-step sermon preparation process—investigation, interpretation, and application—and discusses the importance of "passion-driven preaching" where the preacher's emotion reflects the passage's pathos. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Vines offers profound wisdom for young and seasoned pastors alike, emphasizing the primacy of preaching and the necessity of a strong devotional life.
Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 32: A Conversation with Dr. Jerry Vines.
Episode Theme: Passion Driven Preaching
In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Jerry Vines,
Key Highlights:
The Transformative Shift to Expository Preaching: Dr. Vines vividly describes growing up in an era where most preaching was topical or textual-topical, with very little actual exposition of scripture. He found the constant search for new sermon topics a "misery" early in his ministry. A pivotal moment arrived when he heard Warren Wiersbe at a conference, realizing Wiersbe was "pulling it right out of scripture". This, along with the influence of W.A. Criswell, prompted a dramatic shift to expository preaching, which he believes is the "best way in the world for a congregation of people to really learn the scriptures". He informed his early congregation of this change, and while it was an adjustment that "forced them to bring their Bible", they eventually "fell in love with it and frankly would not be happy with anything else going forward". He notes that while some younger preachers still favor topical approaches, he is encouraged by a growing movement toward the exposition of books, which "bodes well for the future.”
Rigorous Preparation and Passion-Driven Delivery: Dr. Vines outlines a meticulous three-step process for sermon preparation: 1) Investigation: "What does the passage say?" involving extensive reading and consulting various translations and original languages. 2) Interpretation: "What does the passage mean?" through word studies, parallel passages, and understanding Greek/Hebrew words, consulting commentaries only last as a check. He wisely states, "If it's new, it's not true. And if it's true, it's not new". 3) Application: "What does the passage tell me and the people to do?" ensuring the message connects to daily l
Enduring Wisdom for Pastors: Drawing on over 60 years of ministry, Dr. Vines offers timeless advice. He stresses the paramount importance of preaching, stating it is the "primary ministry of the pastor". He encourages pastors to "preach at the place God has put you", emphasizing that the size of the church doesn't matter, as one never knows who they might be influencing. A crucial piece of counsel is to develop a "strong strong devotional life," including daily Bible reading and prayer, as it helps deal with life's challenges. Finally, he advises pastors to "not let the critics bother me". Citing 1 Peter 2:23 and Job 16:19, he says, "Don't defend yourself. Your enemies won't believe it and your friends don't need it". He also humorously suggests not taking oneself "too seriously" and "enjoy the journey" with joy in the Lord.
Join Ben Smith and Dr. Jerry Vines for valuable insights into what expository preaching is and how to develop a preaching ministry that is faithful to the word.
Host: Ben Smith
Guest: Dr. Jerry Vines
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:
All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom
Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod
Dr. Jerry Vines is a native of Carrollton, GA. He was educated at Mercer University (B.A.), New Orleans Theological Seminary (B.D.), and Luther Rice Seminary (Th.D.). His 60+ years of pastoral ministry included pastoring churches in Georgia and Alabama. He served the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida, for twenty-four years. Dr. Vines is an author and a much-sought-after revival preacher. In addition to his pastoral ministry, Dr. Vines has served as president of the Alabama Pastors’ Conference, president of the Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference, and president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
For more information and resources by Dr. Vines, visit: www.jerryvines.com. There you will find Bible preaching and teaching materials that include Books, DVDs, and CDs of expository teaching from God’s Word. There, you will find over 2000 of Dr. Vine’s sermons available.
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.
Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app and never miss an episode.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id##96433489
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead
