Especially the Preaching
On Especially the Preaching we meet preachers of God’s Word and through simple, honest interviews, shine a light on their work—their calling, their struggles, their joys. We aim to encourage preachers, those who wish to preach, and those who want to understand the preacher’s life. This is gospel ministry, not in the high places, but in the quiet corners where Christ’s kingdom grows strong.
Episodes
23 episodes
The Posture of a Teachable Heart
Ben discusses the concepts of meekness and readiness of mind, explaining how these attitudes can transform the way individuals engage with biblical teachings. Includes practical steps to cultivate these qualities, encouraging listeners to appro...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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12:40
Brian Cosby
Brian Cosby shares his journey into ministry, emphasizing the importance of preaching as faithful exposition of biblical texts. He discusses the spiritual elements of sermon preparation, the influence of pastoral care on preaching, and the chal...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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48:11
Pray for the Preaching
In this episode Ben discusses the often-overlooked role of the congregation's prayers in the ministry of preaching. Powerful preaching is not solely dependent on the pastor's skills but also on the active participation of the congregation throu...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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22:34
Derrick Brite
In this conversation, Derrick Brite shares his journey as a pastor and theology professor, discussing the distinctions between preaching and teaching, the role of the Holy Spirit in preaching, and effective sermon preparation techniques. <...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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40:44
Jason Helopoulos
Jason Helopolous shares his journey into ministry, the call to preach, and the essential elements of faithful preaching. He covers the importance of spiritual preparation, the mechanics of sermon preparation, and the need for pastors to guard a...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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39:12
Ryan Biese
Ben sits down with his longtime friend and fellow RTS alum, Rev. Ryan Biese, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. The two discuss the difference between preaching and lecturing, the place of Christ in eve...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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30:01
The Minister’s Work & Message: On Preaching and Preaching Christ
In this roundtable-style episode, Ben is joined by friends Job Dalomba and Stephen Spinnenweber to discuss two weighty themes from Pastoral Theology by Thomas Murphy: Preaching as the Minister’s Chief Calling, and Christ as the Sum and Substanc...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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34:53
Matt Adams
Matt Adams joins Ben to explore the significance of preaching, focusing on Matt's personal journey from a Pentecostal background to becoming a Presbyterian minister. They discuss the philosophy of preaching, emphasizing the importan...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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48:17
Christ Still Speaks
Ben walks through Romans 10:1–15—a passage that not only clarifies how sinners are saved, but how that salvation reaches them: through preaching.Paul gives us a chain of logic that leads to a staggering conclusion: salvation depends on t...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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23:36
Logan Almy
Ben sits down with Logan Almy to explore the heart of a preacher’s calling, the mechanics of sermon preparation, and the necessity of unction in the pulpit. Logan shares his story—from a Southern Baptist upbringing and powerful high scho...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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42:55
Jim McCarthy
Ben Ratliff and Jim McCarthy explore the journey of ministry, focusing on the call to preaching, the tools and practices involved in sermon preparation, and the importance of personal piety in a minister's life. Jim shares his exper...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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49:58
James Logan
Ben Ratliff sits down with James Logan, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. James shares his journey into pastoral ministry—from teaching Bible in private schools to discovering a call to pulpit ministry at RTS Jacks...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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47:06
Scott Davis
In this episode of Especially the Preaching, Ben sits down with Rev. Scott Davis, pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Scott shares how he moved from member to minister in the same congregation, what it’s like t...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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59:54
Cilas Menezes
In this rich and personal conversation, Ben sits down with Cilas Menezes to discuss the call to preaching, the role of pastoral care in sermon preparation, and the nuts and bolts of weekly sermon crafting. Cilas shares his unique journey from l...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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47:16
Zach Byrd
In this episode, Ben sits down with Zach Byrd, a teaching elder in the PCA who pastors two churches in Mississippi. They discuss Zach’s call to ministry, his philosophy of preaching, and the way his pastoral care shapes his pulpit work. Zach sh...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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49:15
Alexander Brown
In this episode of Especially the Preaching, I sit down with Alex Brown, PCA pastor on St. Simons Island, Georgia, to discuss his call to ministry, his preaching philosophy, and the realities of pastoral life. Alex shares his journey from Scotl...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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43:14
Jonas Brock
In this episode of Especially the Preaching, Ben Ratliff welcomes Rev. Jonas Brock to discuss his journey into ministry, his call to preaching, and his approach to sermon preparation. Jonas shares insights from his experiences serving ...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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36:48
Job Dalomba
In this episode of Especially the Preaching, Ben Ratliff interviews Job Dalomba, pastor of Christ Covenant PCA in Woodstock, Georgia. Job shares his journey from journalism to the pastorate, his approach to sermon preparation, and how ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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49:12
Jeremy Byrd
In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Byrd, senior pastor at Christ Church PCA in Trussville, Alabama. We discuss his journey into the PCA, his philosophy of preaching, and the joys and challenges of sermon preparation. <...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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48:31
David Senters
In this episode of Especially the Preaching, Ben sits down with David Senters, pastor of New Covenant PCA in Richmond Hill, Georgia. David shares his remarkable journey from Pentecostalism to the PCA, his philosophy of expository preac...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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46:28