Planning a Preaching Calendar [The Everyday Pastor - Ep. 54]

If you're ready to go deeper in If you're ready to go deeper in theology, Southern Seminary's PhD theology, Southern Seminary's PhD theology, Southern Seminary's PhD programs were built for you. With programs were built for you. With programs were built for you. With flexible formats from fully online to flexible formats from fully online to flexible formats from fully online to modular to in-person, Southern makes modular to in-person, Southern makes modular to in-person, Southern makes serious doctoral level theological serious doctoral level theological serious doctoral level theological training accessible to the pastor called training accessible to the pastor called training accessible to the pastor called to bring the depth of God's word to to bring the depth of God's word to to bring the depth of God's word to God's people. Study with faculty God's people. Study with faculty God's people. Study with faculty committed to strengthening the church committed to strengthening the church committed to strengthening the church and bring that depth back to the people and bring that depth back to the people and bring that depth back to the people you lead. Visit sbts.edu/ edu/phd you lead. Visit sbts.edu/ edu/phd you lead. Visit sbts.edu/ edu/phd to learn more. Cuz some might say, well, isn't that Cuz some might say, well, isn't that quenching the spirit uh [music] to plan quenching the spirit uh [music] to plan quenching the spirit uh [music] to plan ahead like that? Well, I think you and I ahead like that? Well, I think you and I ahead like that? Well, I think you and I would share the conviction that would share the conviction that would share the conviction that the spirit is just as present in the the spirit is just as present in the the spirit is just as present in the planning as he is in the delivering. planning as he is in the delivering. planning as he is in the delivering. [music] Welcome friends to the Everyday Pastor, Welcome friends to the Everyday Pastor, a [music] podcast from the Gospel a [music] podcast from the Gospel a [music] podcast from the Gospel Coalition on the nuts and bolts of Coalition on the nuts and bolts of Coalition on the nuts and bolts of ministry. My name is Matt Smiths. I'm a ministry. My name is Matt Smiths. I'm a ministry. My name is Matt Smiths. I'm a pastor in Richmond, Virginia. And I'm L pastor in Richmond, Virginia. And I'm L pastor in Richmond, Virginia. And I'm L Duncan at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Duncan at Reformed Theological Seminary. Duncan at Reformed Theological Seminary. >> And for many years, he was the senior >> And for many years, he was the senior >> And for many years, he was the senior minister of First Pres, Mississippi. So, minister of First Pres, Mississippi. So, minister of First Pres, Mississippi. So, you have a lot of experience with you have a lot of experience with you have a lot of experience with preparing to preach God's word week in preparing to preach God's word week in preparing to preach God's word week in and week out. And that's what I want to and week out. And that's what I want to and week out. And that's what I want to talk about uh with you for the next few talk about uh with you for the next few talk about uh with you for the next few minutes. So, we've done an episode on minutes. So, we've done an episode on minutes. So, we've done an episode on preparing sermons. We've done an episode preparing sermons. We've done an episode preparing sermons. We've done an episode on delivering sermons. But we've heard on delivering sermons. But we've heard on delivering sermons. But we've heard from a lot of folks that they love more from a lot of folks that they love more from a lot of folks that they love more material on preaching. And one of the material on preaching. And one of the material on preaching. And one of the things that often comes up is how to things that often comes up is how to things that often comes up is how to plan a preaching schedule, a preaching plan a preaching schedule, a preaching plan a preaching schedule, a preaching calendar. So, let's just start with calendar. So, let's just start with calendar. So, let's just start with establishing what is the pastoral aim of establishing what is the pastoral aim of establishing what is the pastoral aim of planning a preaching calendar. planning a preaching calendar. planning a preaching calendar. When when I came to First Press, the When when I came to First Press, the When when I came to First Press, the congregation was used to expository congregation was used to expository congregation was used to expository preaching that was mostly textual, preaching that was mostly textual, preaching that was mostly textual, occasionally topical, and then a little occasionally topical, and then a little occasionally topical, and then a little bit less frequently short book studies. bit less frequently short book studies. bit less frequently short book studies. and the folks that were on the pulpit and the folks that were on the pulpit and the folks that were on the pulpit committee and I think many of the elders committee and I think many of the elders committee and I think many of the elders at the church as well I think wanted to at the church as well I think wanted to at the church as well I think wanted to see us move more in a expositional see us move more in a expositional see us move more in a expositional through Bible books sort of approach to through Bible books sort of approach to through Bible books sort of approach to preaching that that's a that was a preaching that that's a that was a preaching that that's a that was a common shift in the old southern common shift in the old southern common shift in the old southern Presbyterian church in the 1940s50s60s Presbyterian church in the 1940s50s60s Presbyterian church in the 1940s50s60s even into the 70s even into the 70s even into the 70s um a lot of the expository preaching by um a lot of the expository preaching by um a lot of the expository preaching by evangelicals was more textual so you you evangelicals was more textual so you you evangelicals was more textual so you you would pick a text you wouldn't would pick a text you wouldn't would pick a text you wouldn't necessarily be working through a book of necessarily be working through a book of necessarily be working through a book of the Bible. So when I came I knew that

the Bible. So when I came I knew that the Bible. So when I came I knew that there was a desire that we did Bible there was a desire that we did Bible there was a desire that we did Bible books. I wanted to do Bible books. I had books. I wanted to do Bible books. I had books. I wanted to do Bible books. I had been influenced by my homalytics been influenced by my homalytics been influenced by my homalytics professor Robert uh Raburn who was a professor Robert uh Raburn who was a professor Robert uh Raburn who was a very good preacher and who encouraged us very good preacher and who encouraged us very good preacher and who encouraged us to preach through Bible books. I'd been to preach through Bible books. I'd been to preach through Bible books. I'd been influenced by the Stillite circles in influenced by the Stillite circles in influenced by the Stillite circles in Scotland. Mr. William Still at Gilamston Scotland. Mr. William Still at Gilamston Scotland. Mr. William Still at Gilamston Church in Aberdine, a very famous Church in Aberdine, a very famous Church in Aberdine, a very famous Scottish evangelical had really Scottish evangelical had really Scottish evangelical had really encouraged evangelical pastors in encouraged evangelical pastors in encouraged evangelical pastors in Scotland to preach through Bible books. Scotland to preach through Bible books. Scotland to preach through Bible books. They had sort of in the course of They had sort of in the course of They had sort of in the course of thinking about how to do ministry. They thinking about how to do ministry. They thinking about how to do ministry. They had been uh influenced by looking at the had been uh influenced by looking at the had been uh influenced by looking at the 16th century reformers and you know 16th century reformers and you know 16th century reformers and you know Zwingley uh you know picks up with the Zwingley uh you know picks up with the Zwingley uh you know picks up with the gospel of Matthew in Zurich and it's a gospel of Matthew in Zurich and it's a gospel of Matthew in Zurich and it's a you know it's a it's a rousing success. you know it's a it's a rousing success. you know it's a it's a rousing success. People are just riveted. They'd never People are just riveted. They'd never People are just riveted. They'd never heard the Bible preached through before. heard the Bible preached through before. heard the Bible preached through before. And you so you get a lot of the 16th And you so you get a lot of the 16th And you so you get a lot of the 16th century reformers doing things. century reformers doing things. century reformers doing things. >> By the way, William Still has a book >> By the way, William Still has a book >> By the way, William Still has a book called The Work of the Pastor, which I called The Work of the Pastor, which I called The Work of the Pastor, which I read a few years ago. read a few years ago. read a few years ago. >> Well worth people's time. Mr. Still was >> Well worth people's time. Mr. Still was >> Well worth people's time. Mr. Still was eccentric. He was a he was a bachelor.

eccentric. He was a he was a bachelor. eccentric. He was a he was a bachelor. Um, and you know, he had his quirks, but Um, and you know, he had his quirks, but Um, and you know, he had his quirks, but man, did he have tremendous influence man, did he have tremendous influence man, did he have tremendous influence for good on the Scottish evangelical for good on the Scottish evangelical for good on the Scottish evangelical movement and has a lot of thoughts about movement and has a lot of thoughts about movement and has a lot of thoughts about the rhythms of pastoral ministry, what the rhythms of pastoral ministry, what the rhythms of pastoral ministry, what the focus of pastoral ministry ought to the focus of pastoral ministry ought to the focus of pastoral ministry ought to be. A lot of wisdom to be learned from be. A lot of wisdom to be learned from be. A lot of wisdom to be learned from Mr. Still. By the way, there's a fesh Mr. Still. By the way, there's a fesh Mr. Still. By the way, there's a fesh rift for Mr. Still rift for Mr. Still rift for Mr. Still calls something a fancy word for a calls something a fancy word for a calls something a fancy word for a volume in honor of someone. volume in honor of someone. volume in honor of someone. >> That's true. um called Dying to Live um >> That's true. um called Dying to Live um >> That's true. um called Dying to Live um which is also well worth it. It's got which is also well worth it. It's got which is also well worth it. It's got it's got contributions from people like it's got contributions from people like it's got contributions from people like Sincler Ferguson who was very much Sincler Ferguson who was very much Sincler Ferguson who was very much influenced by Mr. Still in his um in his influenced by Mr. Still in his um in his influenced by Mr. Still in his um in his early days. And so all of that to say, early days. And so all of that to say, early days. And so all of that to say, Matt, that impacted me. I wanted to Matt, that impacted me. I wanted to Matt, that impacted me. I wanted to preach through Bible books. I had preach through Bible books. I had preach through Bible books. I had already done that uh as an assistant already done that uh as an assistant already done that uh as an assistant pastor and then as an interim pastor. I pastor and then as an interim pastor. I pastor and then as an interim pastor. I had preached through Bible books. And so had preached through Bible books. And so had preached through Bible books. And so when I came to First Press, I wanted to when I came to First Press, I wanted to when I came to First Press, I wanted to preach through Bible books. And I'm not preach through Bible books. And I'm not preach through Bible books. And I'm not sure this is the most scientific way to sure this is the most scientific way to sure this is the most scientific way to do it, but I thought, okay, if they're do it, but I thought, okay, if they're do it, but I thought, okay, if they're not used to long series through a Bible not used to long series through a Bible not used to long series through a Bible book, maybe I ought to pick a short book, maybe I ought to pick a short book, maybe I ought to pick a short Bible book and preach through that and Bible book and preach through that and Bible book and preach through that and let them know, okay, this is not going let them know, okay, this is not going let them know, okay, this is not going to kill you to work all the way through to kill you to work all the way through to kill you to work all the way through a Bible book. So, I picked Colossians.

a Bible book. So, I picked Colossians. a Bible book. So, I picked Colossians. And I I just, okay, it's fairly short. And I I just, okay, it's fairly short. And I I just, okay, it's fairly short. Um, it mirrors a lot of the material in Um, it mirrors a lot of the material in Um, it mirrors a lot of the material in Ephesians, but it's shorter than Ephesians, but it's shorter than Ephesians, but it's shorter than Ephesians. Um, it'll get I I let me Ephesians. Um, it'll get I I let me Ephesians. Um, it'll get I I let me think, had I ever preached through an think, had I ever preached through an think, had I ever preached through an epistle to that point? I'm not sure I'd epistle to that point? I'm not sure I'd epistle to that point? I'm not sure I'd ever preached all the way through an ever preached all the way through an ever preached all the way through an epistle. And so, it gave me the epistle. And so, it gave me the epistle. And so, it gave me the opportunity as a young pastor to preach. opportunity as a young pastor to preach. opportunity as a young pastor to preach. No, I I had preached through Jude for No, I I had preached through Jude for No, I I had preached through Jude for sure, but that's even shorter, right? sure, but that's even shorter, right? sure, but that's even shorter, right? You can you can be fairly detailed and You can you can be fairly detailed and You can you can be fairly detailed and preach through Jude in four weeks. preach through Jude in four weeks. preach through Jude in four weeks. >> Yeah. Jude was actually the first book I >> Yeah. Jude was actually the first book I >> Yeah. Jude was actually the first book I preached. preached. preached. >> Oh, really? >> Oh, really? >> Oh, really? >> I mean, interestingly, I preached >> I mean, interestingly, I preached >> I mean, interestingly, I preached through Jude at first press before I was through Jude at first press before I was through Jude at first press before I was the pastor because I had been asked to the pastor because I had been asked to the pastor because I had been asked to come in and fill the pulpit for four come in and fill the pulpit for four come in and fill the pulpit for four weeks and I thought, I've got four weeks and I thought, I've got four weeks and I thought, I've got four weeks, I guess I'll preach through Jude. weeks, I guess I'll preach through Jude. weeks, I guess I'll preach through Jude. I later came back and and did it again I later came back and and did it again I later came back and and did it again and then I've participated in some some and then I've participated in some some and then I've participated in some some series on Jude with other people. But um series on Jude with other people. But um series on Jude with other people. But um so anyway, I picked I picked Colossians so anyway, I picked I picked Colossians so anyway, I picked I picked Colossians for the morning services. We had three for the morning services. We had three for the morning services. We had three main preaching times every week at first main preaching times every week at first main preaching times every week at first press. And this is again something that press. And this is again something that press. And this is again something that would have been common 50 years ago that would have been common 50 years ago that would have been common 50 years ago that is not common now. So we had Sunday is not common now. So we had Sunday is not common now. So we had Sunday morning, we had a separate Sunday morning, we had a separate Sunday morning, we had a separate Sunday evening service and then we had a evening service and then we had a evening service and then we had a Wednesday night prayer meeting that Wednesday night prayer meeting that Wednesday night prayer meeting that really had an exposition and then about really had an exposition and then about really had an exposition and then about 30 minutes. Yeah. So, I picked 30 minutes. Yeah. So, I picked 30 minutes. Yeah. So, I picked Colossians for Sunday morning, the first Colossians for Sunday morning, the first Colossians for Sunday morning, the first book of the Psalms for Sunday evening, book of the Psalms for Sunday evening, book of the Psalms for Sunday evening, and then let me see what I picked for and then let me see what I picked for and then let me see what I picked for I've got my my list here. Oh, and we

I've got my my list here. Oh, and we I've got my my list here. Oh, and we started through the shorter catechism on started through the shorter catechism on started through the shorter catechism on Wednesday nights. And I so that gave me Wednesday nights. And I so that gave me Wednesday nights. And I so that gave me something that was more topical and something that was more topical and something that was more topical and theological to do. And um I you know, I theological to do. And um I you know, I theological to do. And um I you know, I didn't have many things in my bag. I had didn't have many things in my bag. I had didn't have many things in my bag. I had I'm I'm I am thinking back now. I had I'm I'm I am thinking back now. I had I'm I'm I am thinking back now. I had preached through Hebrews. I had preached preached through Hebrews. I had preached preached through Hebrews. I had preached through Jude before I came to first through Jude before I came to first through Jude before I came to first press. I had preached through the book press. I had preached through the book press. I had preached through the book of Revelation, believe it or not, uh, in of Revelation, believe it or not, uh, in of Revelation, believe it or not, uh, in Yazu City before I came. But it was a Yazu City before I came. But it was a Yazu City before I came. But it was a one chapter a week series. It very very one chapter a week series. It very very one chapter a week series. It very very hit the high points kind of thing of hit the high points kind of thing of hit the high points kind of thing of Revelation. So, I didn't have many Revelation. So, I didn't have many Revelation. So, I didn't have many things in my bag to pull from. I was things in my bag to pull from. I was things in my bag to pull from. I was going to have to prepare as I went on, going to have to prepare as I went on, going to have to prepare as I went on, which I loved because I learned a lot of which I loved because I learned a lot of which I loved because I learned a lot of Bible. You know, I'd read the Bible a Bible. You know, I'd read the Bible a Bible. You know, I'd read the Bible a lot. I'd studied the Bible, was teaching lot. I'd studied the Bible, was teaching lot. I'd studied the Bible, was teaching seminary students the Bible, but I seminary students the Bible, but I seminary students the Bible, but I learned a lot of Bible fire so that's learned a lot of Bible fire so that's learned a lot of Bible fire so that's how I did it. And I'm that wasn't very how I did it. And I'm that wasn't very how I did it. And I'm that wasn't very scientific, Matt. But I I think it was scientific, Matt. But I I think it was scientific, Matt. But I I think it was good to start with a shorter series on good to start with a shorter series on good to start with a shorter series on Sunday morning. Our Sunday evening crowd Sunday morning. Our Sunday evening crowd Sunday morning. Our Sunday evening crowd were sort of the they're they're the were sort of the they're they're the were sort of the they're they're the true blue. They they wanted you to to true blue. They they wanted you to to true blue. They they wanted you to to preach the Bible. Not everybody that was preach the Bible. Not everybody that was preach the Bible. Not everybody that was there on Sunday morning necessarily there on Sunday morning necessarily there on Sunday morning necessarily wanted a deep exposition. And so you had wanted a deep exposition. And so you had wanted a deep exposition. And so you had to win more people over on Sunday to win more people over on Sunday to win more people over on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, you could they morning, Sunday evening, you could they morning, Sunday evening, you could they wanted meat. So throw throw the meat to wanted meat. So throw throw the meat to wanted meat. So throw throw the meat to them and they were they were coming back them and they were they were coming back them and they were they were coming back because they wanted meat. H how did you because they wanted meat. H how did you because they wanted meat. H how did you think about that when you started think about that when you started think about that when you started preaching? What did you start preaching preaching? What did you start preaching preaching? What did you start preaching through here when you first came? Yeah.

through here when you first came? Yeah. through here when you first came? Yeah. Well, I'm only four years in as a Well, I'm only four years in as a Well, I'm only four years in as a primary preaching pastor and I just want primary preaching pastor and I just want primary preaching pastor and I just want to commend my congregation. They love to commend my congregation. They love to commend my congregation. They love God's word. In fact, I I would say God's word. In fact, I I would say God's word. In fact, I I would say that's the number one thing in that's the number one thing in that's the number one thing in membership interviews and other membership interviews and other membership interviews and other conversations when we say, "What's conversations when we say, "What's conversations when we say, "What's drawing you to River City Baptist?" It drawing you to River City Baptist?" It drawing you to River City Baptist?" It tends to be expositional preaching. Um, tends to be expositional preaching. Um, tends to be expositional preaching. Um, and I have people tell me more often and I have people tell me more often and I have people tell me more often they wish I would preach longer than they wish I would preach longer than they wish I would preach longer than shorter, which just shows the caliber of shorter, which just shows the caliber of shorter, which just shows the caliber of the kind of uh people we have. So, I the kind of uh people we have. So, I the kind of uh people we have. So, I love the fact that and I have guest love the fact that and I have guest love the fact that and I have guest preachers come and other members and preachers come and other members and preachers come and other members and elders in the church preach from time to elders in the church preach from time to elders in the church preach from time to time as a way of trying to build the time as a way of trying to build the time as a way of trying to build the ministry of the church, not into me, ministry of the church, not into me, ministry of the church, not into me, >> but into the word of God and around the >> but into the word of God and around the >> but into the word of God and around the word of God. Um, I started with the word of God. Um, I started with the word of God. Um, I started with the gospel according to Mark. Um, I I broke gospel according to Mark. Um, I I broke gospel according to Mark. Um, I I broke it up. So, I did the first eight it up. So, I did the first eight it up. So, I did the first eight chapters, uh, you know, who Jesus is, chapters, uh, you know, who Jesus is, chapters, uh, you know, who Jesus is, and then I did a couple little series in and then I did a couple little series in and then I did a couple little series in Ruth, Philippians, and then I came back Ruth, Philippians, and then I came back Ruth, Philippians, and then I came back and did Mark 9-16, what Jesus has come and did Mark 9-16, what Jesus has come and did Mark 9-16, what Jesus has come to do. I've also done Judges. So, I did to do. I've also done Judges. So, I did to do. I've also done Judges. So, I did that in the fall of 2024, that in the fall of 2024, that in the fall of 2024, which was a presidential election cycle.

which was a presidential election cycle. which was a presidential election cycle. And I just thought, hey, it would be a And I just thought, hey, it would be a And I just thought, hey, it would be a good thing for us to be reminded week in good thing for us to be reminded week in good thing for us to be reminded week in and week out that no human deliverer and week out that no human deliverer and week out that no human deliverer ultimately can satisfy or save. And then ultimately can satisfy or save. And then ultimately can satisfy or save. And then in uh the spring of 2025, I did First in uh the spring of 2025, I did First in uh the spring of 2025, I did First Peter again because I was thinking we're Peter again because I was thinking we're Peter again because I was thinking we're going to have a new presidential going to have a new presidential going to have a new presidential administration. When I planned it, I administration. When I planned it, I administration. When I planned it, I didn't know who that would be. Um but I didn't know who that would be. Um but I didn't know who that would be. Um but I just thought, hey, good reminder that we just thought, hey, good reminder that we just thought, hey, good reminder that we want to be the best possible citizens we want to be the best possible citizens we want to be the best possible citizens we can be on this earth. Um but we also can be on this earth. Um but we also can be on this earth. Um but we also want to remember where our ultimate want to remember where our ultimate want to remember where our ultimate citizenship is and what it means to live citizenship is and what it means to live citizenship is and what it means to live in in exile. U a church in exile is not in in exile. U a church in exile is not in in exile. U a church in exile is not a church in retreat. Um, and so wanting a church in retreat. Um, and so wanting a church in retreat. Um, and so wanting to think about how we will to think about how we will to think about how we will simultaneously be offensive and simultaneously be offensive and simultaneously be offensive and attractive to the watching world if attractive to the watching world if attractive to the watching world if we're faithful to Christ. And uh, I we're faithful to Christ. And uh, I we're faithful to Christ. And uh, I preached through Malachi and uh, did a preached through Malachi and uh, did a preached through Malachi and uh, did a little topical series and then am now little topical series and then am now little topical series and then am now starting in in Acts. So that's yeah, starting in in Acts. So that's yeah, starting in in Acts. So that's yeah, I've tried to vary up the genres, vary I've tried to vary up the genres, vary I've tried to vary up the genres, vary up the testaments, uh, and think up the testaments, uh, and think up the testaments, uh, and think pastorally, not just about, okay, what pastorally, not just about, okay, what pastorally, not just about, okay, what are going to make for good kind of are going to make for good kind of are going to make for good kind of conference messages, but what are what's conference messages, but what are what's conference messages, but what are what's going to actually be helpful for going to actually be helpful for going to actually be helpful for shephering, feeding, discipling my shephering, feeding, discipling my shephering, feeding, discipling my people. And that's really the burden people. And that's really the burden people. And that's really the burden behind this podcast episode. Um, I think behind this podcast episode. Um, I think behind this podcast episode. Um, I think the the value in planning a preaching the the value in planning a preaching the the value in planning a preaching calendar is to cuz some might say, well, calendar is to cuz some might say, well, calendar is to cuz some might say, well, isn't that quenching the spirit? Uh, to isn't that quenching the spirit? Uh, to isn't that quenching the spirit? Uh, to plan ahead like that. Well, I think you plan ahead like that. Well, I think you plan ahead like that. Well, I think you and I would share the conviction that and I would share the conviction that and I would share the conviction that the spirit is just as present in the

the spirit is just as present in the the spirit is just as present in the planning as he is in the delivering. And planning as he is in the delivering. And planning as he is in the delivering. And so, we want to be uh we want to always so, we want to be uh we want to always so, we want to be uh we want to always be open to the spirit's leading if we be open to the spirit's leading if we be open to the spirit's leading if we need to course correct. But planning need to course correct. But planning need to course correct. But planning ahead as a way to serve your ahead as a way to serve your ahead as a way to serve your congregation so that they know what's congregation so that they know what's congregation so that they know what's coming and can be reading it reading coming and can be reading it reading coming and can be reading it reading ahead. I mean, one of the things that ahead. I mean, one of the things that ahead. I mean, one of the things that just warmed my heart, Lig, was um to see just warmed my heart, Lig, was um to see just warmed my heart, Lig, was um to see some members of the church on their own some members of the church on their own some members of the church on their own initiative before this series I'm doing initiative before this series I'm doing initiative before this series I'm doing in Acts. Plan some Acts readthroughs the in Acts. Plan some Acts readthroughs the in Acts. Plan some Acts readthroughs the night before the first sermon. nothing night before the first sermon. nothing night before the first sermon. nothing that I it wasn't my idea, but they're that I it wasn't my idea, but they're that I it wasn't my idea, but they're just I'm getting photos from living just I'm getting photos from living just I'm getting photos from living rooms of church members of member rooms of church members of member rooms of church members of member initiative reading through to wet their initiative reading through to wet their initiative reading through to wet their appetite. And I am seeing more and more appetite. And I am seeing more and more appetite. And I am seeing more and more churches post their sermon texts and churches post their sermon texts and churches post their sermon texts and titles on their websites ahead of time titles on their websites ahead of time titles on their websites ahead of time or blast them out to the congregation on or blast them out to the congregation on or blast them out to the congregation on text or email or put the bulletin on, text or email or put the bulletin on, text or email or put the bulletin on, you know, before the service to to let you know, before the service to to let you know, before the service to to let people know, hey, this is what we're people know, hey, this is what we're people know, hey, this is what we're going to be reading. and this is what going to be reading. and this is what going to be reading. and this is what we're going to be preaching. Use that in we're going to be preaching. Use that in we're going to be preaching. Use that in your family. Use that in your private your family. Use that in your private your family. Use that in your private devotional time to prepare to hear what devotional time to prepare to hear what devotional time to prepare to hear what you're going to hear on the Lord's day.

you're going to hear on the Lord's day. you're going to hear on the Lord's day. >> And we did an episode on how to prepare >> And we did an episode on how to prepare >> And we did an episode on how to prepare your people for Sundays to get the most your people for Sundays to get the most your people for Sundays to get the most out of Sundays. And so listeners can can out of Sundays. And so listeners can can out of Sundays. And so listeners can can check that out. Um so yeah, so the point check that out. Um so yeah, so the point check that out. Um so yeah, so the point of a of a preaching calendar and and of a of a preaching calendar and and of a of a preaching calendar and and expositional preaching in general is the expositional preaching in general is the expositional preaching in general is the primary diet is faithful feeding over primary diet is faithful feeding over primary diet is faithful feeding over time. You're wanting to shape your time. You're wanting to shape your time. You're wanting to shape your congregation's instincts, not merely congregation's instincts, not merely congregation's instincts, not merely fill Sundays. I often say to my people, fill Sundays. I often say to my people, fill Sundays. I often say to my people, you know, we don't remember 99% of the you know, we don't remember 99% of the you know, we don't remember 99% of the meals we've eaten in our life, but meals we've eaten in our life, but meals we've eaten in our life, but they've kept us alive. And and God uses they've kept us alive. And and God uses they've kept us alive. And and God uses faithful, forgettable sermons to faithful, forgettable sermons to faithful, forgettable sermons to beautify his bride. to to hop on your beautify his bride. to to hop on your beautify his bride. to to hop on your theme of not quenching the spirit by theme of not quenching the spirit by theme of not quenching the spirit by planning. I I and I would not in any way planning. I I and I would not in any way planning. I I and I would not in any way want to uh denigrate a pastor pausing want to uh denigrate a pastor pausing want to uh denigrate a pastor pausing because of some event that has occurred because of some event that has occurred because of some event that has occurred and addressing it through the text of and addressing it through the text of and addressing it through the text of scripture, whatever that I'm not scripture, whatever that I'm not scripture, whatever that I'm not criticizing that at all or even textual criticizing that at all or even textual criticizing that at all or even textual preaching. I'm not I I I would I think preaching. I'm not I I I would I think preaching. I'm not I I I would I think as certainly as a younger man I wouldn't as certainly as a younger man I wouldn't as certainly as a younger man I wouldn't have trusted myself to do textual have trusted myself to do textual have trusted myself to do textual preaching because I might have leaned preaching because I might have leaned preaching because I might have leaned into Can you define that? Cuz when I I into Can you define that? Cuz when I I into Can you define that? Cuz when I I think of textual and expositional as the think of textual and expositional as the think of textual and expositional as the same thing, but I think you're same thing, but I think you're same thing, but I think you're distinguishing.

distinguishing. distinguishing. >> Well, I mean it can be right. I mean if >> Well, I mean it can be right. I mean if >> Well, I mean it can be right. I mean if if you've got a te let's say you decide if you've got a te let's say you decide if you've got a te let's say you decide you're going to preach on John 3:16 and you're going to preach on John 3:16 and you're going to preach on John 3:16 and but it's not part of a series through but it's not part of a series through but it's not part of a series through the Gospel of John. you just want to the Gospel of John. you just want to the Gospel of John. you just want to preach on John 3:16 and you can expound preach on John 3:16 and you can expound preach on John 3:16 and you can expound that text faithfully. But if I do that that text faithfully. But if I do that that text faithfully. But if I do that and then next week I do Romans 8:32 and and then next week I do Romans 8:32 and and then next week I do Romans 8:32 and then the next week I do what Spurgeon then the next week I do what Spurgeon then the next week I do what Spurgeon did. Exactly. And I think Spurgeon was a did. Exactly. And I think Spurgeon was a did. Exactly. And I think Spurgeon was a lot more spiritually mature than I was lot more spiritually mature than I was lot more spiritually mature than I was at the age of at the age of 19. He was at the age of at the age of 19. He was at the age of at the age of 19. He was more spiritually mature than I am now. more spiritually mature than I am now. more spiritually mature than I am now. And so I would trust Spurgeon to make And so I would trust Spurgeon to make And so I would trust Spurgeon to make those choices in ways that I didn't those choices in ways that I didn't those choices in ways that I didn't trust myself. And so what I would say is trust myself. And so what I would say is trust myself. And so what I would say is remember because the spirit is the remember because the spirit is the remember because the spirit is the inspirer of the word he is choosing what inspirer of the word he is choosing what inspirer of the word he is choosing what the congregation is hearing if you the congregation is hearing if you the congregation is hearing if you preach through Bible books because he preach through Bible books because he preach through Bible books because he inspired the Bible books. So pl all of inspired the Bible books. So pl all of inspired the Bible books. So pl all of us are going to have some kind of a us are going to have some kind of a us are going to have some kind of a planning you know whether we're picking planning you know whether we're picking planning you know whether we're picking texts that we're going to work through texts that we're going to work through texts that we're going to work through or there are themes that we're working or there are themes that we're working or there are themes that we're working through through through >> and Bible what I like about Bible books >> and Bible what I like about Bible books >> and Bible what I like about Bible books is it's really clear to is it's really clear to is it's really clear to preaching through Bible books preaching through Bible books preaching through Bible books >> it's really clear to the congregation >> it's really clear to the congregation >> it's really clear to the congregation I'm not on my hobby horse. I'm I am I'm I'm not on my hobby horse. I'm I am I'm I'm not on my hobby horse. I'm I am I'm just when when we get to that just when when we get to that just when when we get to that uncomfortable passage that they think uncomfortable passage that they think uncomfortable passage that they think the pastor's stepping on my toes. I I the pastor's stepping on my toes. I I the pastor's stepping on my toes. I I didn't pick that. That's just where we didn't pick that. That's just where we didn't pick that. That's just where we are. It's where we are in the text. I'm are. It's where we are in the text. I'm are. It's where we are in the text. I'm not I I wasn't, oh, I'm going to get you

not I I wasn't, oh, I'm going to get you not I I wasn't, oh, I'm going to get you on on this. It's just we're there in the on on this. It's just we're there in the on on this. It's just we're there in the text as we work through the book. And text as we work through the book. And text as we work through the book. And especially if you're doing a tough book especially if you're doing a tough book especially if you're doing a tough book like First Corinthians, like First Corinthians, like First Corinthians, it's really nice for your congregation it's really nice for your congregation it's really nice for your congregation to know I I I haven't been planning to to know I I I haven't been planning to to know I I I haven't been planning to stick my finger in your chest and and stick my finger in your chest and and stick my finger in your chest and and pick on you about something. It's just pick on you about something. It's just pick on you about something. It's just we're working through the book together. we're working through the book together. we're working through the book together. And yes, Paul is going to address all And yes, Paul is going to address all And yes, Paul is going to address all manner of uncomfortable issues, but it's manner of uncomfortable issues, but it's manner of uncomfortable issues, but it's the Holy Spirit setting the table by my the Holy Spirit setting the table by my the Holy Spirit setting the table by my preaching through a Bible book. And I preaching through a Bible book. And I preaching through a Bible book. And I like I like that for me for one because like I like that for me for one because like I like that for me for one because I learned things that I didn't know I learned things that I didn't know I learned things that I didn't know before I started my preparation for the before I started my preparation for the before I started my preparation for the passage. And um and I must say I the the passage. And um and I must say I the the passage. And um and I must say I the the book I've preached through most over the book I've preached through most over the book I've preached through most over the course of my ministry is the book of course of my ministry is the book of course of my ministry is the book of Hebrews. I'm still learning stuff as I Hebrews. I'm still learning stuff as I Hebrews. I'm still learning stuff as I preach through Hebrews, having preached preach through Hebrews, having preached preach through Hebrews, having preached through it four times now. And so through it four times now. And so through it four times now. And so pastors are going to learn things. Even pastors are going to learn things. Even pastors are going to learn things. Even if they repeat repeat repeat Bible if they repeat repeat repeat Bible if they repeat repeat repeat Bible books, you I know pastors that have books, you I know pastors that have books, you I know pastors that have preached through Romans three times, preached through Romans three times, preached through Romans three times, they're still learning stuff. If they're they're still learning stuff. If they're they're still learning stuff. If they're faithful ministers, they're learning faithful ministers, they're learning faithful ministers, they're learning stuff. And there's an excitement about stuff. And there's an excitement about stuff. And there's an excitement about that that I think helps you as you that that I think helps you as you that that I think helps you as you preach to a congregation. I I'll tell I preach to a congregation. I I'll tell I preach to a congregation. I I'll tell I tell people the main thing that I have tell people the main thing that I have tell people the main thing that I have going for me in preaching is I have a going for me in preaching is I have a going for me in preaching is I have a voice that's loud enough for everybody voice that's loud enough for everybody voice that's loud enough for everybody to hear, even the people that are hard to hear, even the people that are hard to hear, even the people that are hard to hear heart of hearing. and I'm to hear heart of hearing. and I'm to hear heart of hearing. and I'm excited about what I'm talking about excited about what I'm talking about excited about what I'm talking about because I'm learning. And I I think that

because I'm learning. And I I think that because I'm learning. And I I think that helps a pastor, especi Bible book series. And I think one of Bible book series. And I think one of the things that gives you that energy is the things that gives you that energy is the things that gives you that energy is the excitement about what you're the excitement about what you're the excitement about what you're learning from God's word and conveying learning from God's word and conveying learning from God's word and conveying that to the people. I just want to that to the people. I just want to that to the people. I just want to commend you and and mention that your commend you and and mention that your commend you and and mention that your humility in this regard is an example to humility in this regard is an example to humility in this regard is an example to me. So, even within the last week, I me. So, even within the last week, I me. So, even within the last week, I asked you to preach Psalm 88 at our asked you to preach Psalm 88 at our asked you to preach Psalm 88 at our church here in Richmond. That's a church here in Richmond. That's a church here in Richmond. That's a classic sermon of yours. In fact, it was classic sermon of yours. In fact, it was classic sermon of yours. In fact, it was even put into a book. It's called When even put into a book. It's called When even put into a book. It's called When Pain Is Real and God Seems Silent. Pain Is Real and God Seems Silent. Pain Is Real and God Seems Silent. Excellent sermon, excellent book. Excellent sermon, excellent book. Excellent sermon, excellent book. >> And yet, you told me you were working >> And yet, you told me you were working >> And yet, you told me you were working hard on that passage. You know, you hard on that passage. You know, you hard on that passage. You know, you weren't just going to microwave what you weren't just going to microwave what you weren't just going to microwave what you had done before. You kind of had a new had done before. You kind of had a new had done before. You kind of had a new and improved version. I thought to and improved version. I thought to and improved version. I thought to myself, did he come up with a way to myself, did he come up with a way to myself, did he come up with a way to give Psalm 88 a happy ending? [laughter] give Psalm 88 a happy ending? [laughter] give Psalm 88 a happy ending? [laughter] But I asked you I asked you what it is But I asked you I asked you what it is But I asked you I asked you what it is you were changing and you said, "I you were changing and you said, "I you were changing and you said, "I wanted the application to be richer and wanted the application to be richer and wanted the application to be richer and deeper."

deeper." deeper." >> Um, and yeah, that just speaks to I >> Um, and yeah, that just speaks to I >> Um, and yeah, that just speaks to I think your insatiable desire to continue think your insatiable desire to continue think your insatiable desire to continue learning God's word even when it's a learning God's word even when it's a learning God's word even when it's a passage that some might think, "Oh, he's passage that some might think, "Oh, he's passage that some might think, "Oh, he's mastered that. That's one of his canned mastered that. That's one of his canned mastered that. That's one of his canned sermons." sermons." sermons." >> Right. I And I really do. And especially >> Right. I And I really do. And especially >> Right. I And I really do. And especially now, Matt, when I have to go around now, Matt, when I have to go around now, Matt, when I have to go around preaching one-off sermons. I mean, preaching one-off sermons. I mean, preaching one-off sermons. I mean, that's one of the things I really miss that's one of the things I really miss that's one of the things I really miss as a pastor of being able to preach as a pastor of being able to preach as a pastor of being able to preach through Bible books. And I'm so so wish through Bible books. And I'm so so wish through Bible books. And I'm so so wish I could do that. I'm I've been trying to I could do that. I'm I've been trying to I could do that. I'm I've been trying to think, how could I get back into doing think, how could I get back into doing think, how could I get back into doing more of that now, but what I do try to more of that now, but what I do try to more of that now, but what I do try to do is not just preach can messages. Even do is not just preach can messages. Even do is not just preach can messages. Even if it's a passage I've preached several if it's a passage I've preached several if it's a passage I've preached several times before, I try to learn something times before, I try to learn something times before, I try to learn something new. I try to study. I try to improve new. I try to study. I try to improve new. I try to study. I try to improve the outline, the application, the the outline, the application, the the outline, the application, the transitions. I the the introductions, transitions. I the the introductions, transitions. I the the introductions, the illustrations. I I I try to monkey the illustrations. I I I try to monkey the illustrations. I I I try to monkey with something with something with something references references references >> depending on where I am. Uh >> depending on where I am. Uh >> depending on where I am. Uh >> update some of those. [laughter] >> update some of those. [laughter] >> update some of those. [laughter] >> Exactly. Right. Yeah. The young people >> Exactly. Right. Yeah. The young people >> Exactly. Right. Yeah. The young people are going, "What the who? I never heard are going, "What the who? I never heard are going, "What the who? I never heard of them. Is that an oldie group?" Yeah.

of them. Is that an oldie group?" Yeah. of them. Is that an oldie group?" Yeah. So, uh and that's edifying to me. And so So, uh and that's edifying to me. And so So, uh and that's edifying to me. And so this this last week I I was looking at this this last week I I was looking at this this last week I I was looking at Spurgeon on Psalm 88. And you know, you Spurgeon on Psalm 88. And you know, you Spurgeon on Psalm 88. And you know, you I don't always have time if I'm on a I don't always have time if I'm on a I don't always have time if I'm on a psalm to read through all that Spurgeon psalm to read through all that Spurgeon psalm to read through all that Spurgeon has in Treasury of David because he has has in Treasury of David because he has has in Treasury of David because he has mounds of quotations and outlines and mounds of quotations and outlines and mounds of quotations and outlines and commentary. And so it's usually one of commentary. And so it's usually one of commentary. And so it's usually one of the last things that I get to read. So I the last things that I get to read. So I the last things that I get to read. So I had never read through Spurgeon Treasury had never read through Spurgeon Treasury had never read through Spurgeon Treasury of David on Psalm 88. and I started of David on Psalm 88. and I started of David on Psalm 88. and I started looking through it and it was amazing. looking through it and it was amazing. looking through it and it was amazing. And so that that I even shared a couple And so that that I even shared a couple And so that that I even shared a couple of quotes with you that I had come up of quotes with you that I had come up of quotes with you that I had come up with and um so I I love that and that we with and um so I I love that and that we with and um so I I love that and that we we all get to do that when we're we all get to do that when we're we all get to do that when we're preparing sermons and um and it's that's preparing sermons and um and it's that's preparing sermons and um and it's that's just that's good for all of us to do. just that's good for all of us to do. just that's good for all of us to do. >> Yeah. I think the ultimate answer to the >> Yeah. I think the ultimate answer to the >> Yeah. I think the ultimate answer to the question why expository preaching is question why expository preaching is question why expository preaching is because God knows what your people need because God knows what your people need because God knows what your people need more than you do. And I love that you more than you do. And I love that you more than you do. And I love that you mentioned that when we just pick and mentioned that when we just pick and mentioned that when we just pick and choose texts that uh we're most excited choose texts that uh we're most excited choose texts that uh we're most excited about or familiar about. The problem about or familiar about. The problem about or familiar about. The problem with that among other things is that it with that among other things is that it with that among other things is that it makes the current knowledge of the makes the current knowledge of the makes the current knowledge of the preacher the ceiling for the church.

preacher the ceiling for the church. preacher the ceiling for the church. >> That's right. But trust me, I've had to >> That's right. But trust me, I've had to >> That's right. But trust me, I've had to study many texts. Even in my short four study many texts. Even in my short four study many texts. Even in my short four years as a lead pastor, I've had to years as a lead pastor, I've had to years as a lead pastor, I've had to study many texts that I otherwise study many texts that I otherwise study many texts that I otherwise wouldn't have chosen to study. Uh I wouldn't have chosen to study. Uh I wouldn't have chosen to study. Uh I mean, Mark Mark is a simple in in many mean, Mark Mark is a simple in in many mean, Mark Mark is a simple in in many ways straightforward gospel. But three ways straightforward gospel. But three ways straightforward gospel. But three weeks in a row in Mark chapters 9 and weeks in a row in Mark chapters 9 and weeks in a row in Mark chapters 9 and 10, you're dealing with hell, divorce, 10, you're dealing with hell, divorce, 10, you're dealing with hell, divorce, and money. Welcome to expository and money. Welcome to expository and money. Welcome to expository preaching. Uh or Acts, which I just preaching. Uh or Acts, which I just preaching. Uh or Acts, which I just started the first two sermons in Acts. started the first two sermons in Acts. started the first two sermons in Acts. The first one is this kind of line drive The first one is this kind of line drive The first one is this kind of line drive down the middle of the plate passage down the middle of the plate passage down the middle of the plate passage about uh taking the gospel from about uh taking the gospel from about uh taking the gospel from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth and the ascension and ends of the earth and the ascension and ends of the earth and the ascension and enthronement of the risen Christ. And enthronement of the risen Christ. And enthronement of the risen Christ. And then the very next week, the defection then the very next week, the defection then the very next week, the defection of Judas and casting lots. Welcome to of Judas and casting lots. Welcome to of Judas and casting lots. Welcome to expository preaching. But we trust God expository preaching. But we trust God expository preaching. But we trust God knows better than we do what our people knows better than we do what our people knows better than we do what our people need. So let's talk about as we're need. So let's talk about as we're need. So let's talk about as we're planning a preaching calendar. First planning a preaching calendar. First planning a preaching calendar. First question is how long is too long for a question is how long is too long for a question is how long is too long for a given series? And I I you know I'll tell given series? And I I you know I'll tell given series? And I I you know I'll tell a story on myself. After I did a story on myself. After I did a story on myself. After I did Colossians, I think the next Let me just Colossians, I think the next Let me just Colossians, I think the next Let me just look on the list. Yeah, the next the look on the list. Yeah, the next the look on the list. Yeah, the next the next book that I did was Matthew. And it next book that I did was Matthew. And it next book that I did was Matthew. And it took me took me took me about about about two and a half, three years to get two and a half, three years to get two and a half, three years to get through Matthew. And I had people And through Matthew. And I had people And through Matthew. And I had people And you went from start to finish. I did you went from start to finish. I did you went from start to finish. I did from Yeah. from start to finish on from Yeah. from start to finish on from Yeah. from start to finish on Sunday mornings in Matthew. And we had Sunday mornings in Matthew. And we had Sunday mornings in Matthew. And we had people joining the church and instead of people joining the church and instead of people joining the church and instead of saying, "Oh, I, you know, I joined in

saying, "Oh, I, you know, I joined in saying, "Oh, I, you know, I joined in March of, you know, 1997, or I I joined March of, you know, 1997, or I I joined March of, you know, 1997, or I I joined in June of 1998," they were saying, in June of 1998," they were saying, in June of 1998," they were saying, "Yeah, I joined in Matthew 4." Oh, I "Yeah, I joined in Matthew 4." Oh, I "Yeah, I joined in Matthew 4." Oh, I joined in Matthew 10. Well, I joined in joined in Matthew 10. Well, I joined in joined in Matthew 10. Well, I joined in Matthew 15. And I I kind of, you know, Matthew 15. And I I kind of, you know, Matthew 15. And I I kind of, you know, I'm not sure that's the best thing, but I'm not sure that's the best thing, but I'm not sure that's the best thing, but my people persevered with me through it. my people persevered with me through it. my people persevered with me through it. Now, I think that was the first time I Now, I think that was the first time I Now, I think that was the first time I had ever preached through a gospel, and had ever preached through a gospel, and had ever preached through a gospel, and it was exhilarating to do. And and the it was exhilarating to do. And and the it was exhilarating to do. And and the the content is varied enough that people the content is varied enough that people the content is varied enough that people don't feel like it's the same old thing don't feel like it's the same old thing don't feel like it's the same old thing every week. It's it's refreshingly every week. It's it's refreshingly every week. It's it's refreshingly different every week when you're working different every week when you're working different every week when you're working through the Gospel of Matthew. But, you through the Gospel of Matthew. But, you through the Gospel of Matthew. But, you know, I wonder if I went too long. I had know, I wonder if I went too long. I had know, I wonder if I went too long. I had I was in a place in Jackson, Mississippi I was in a place in Jackson, Mississippi I was in a place in Jackson, Mississippi where the congregation doesn't turn over where the congregation doesn't turn over where the congregation doesn't turn over as quickly as it does in other places. as quickly as it does in other places. as quickly as it does in other places. Now, even so, after 10 years, I think Now, even so, after 10 years, I think Now, even so, after 10 years, I think maybe 50% of my congregation had had maybe 50% of my congregation had had maybe 50% of my congregation had had turned over. So, people more than half turned over. So, people more than half turned over. So, people more than half of the people who would have heard me of the people who would have heard me of the people who would have heard me preach Colossians 10 years later weren't preach Colossians 10 years later weren't preach Colossians 10 years later weren't there. And so you had a lot of people there. And so you had a lot of people there. And so you had a lot of people who had not heard me do those who had not heard me do those who had not heard me do those expositions. And I do think a minister expositions. And I do think a minister expositions. And I do think a minister needs to think through how long am I needs to think through how long am I needs to think through how long am I going to have people? You know, I think going to have people? You know, I think going to have people? You know, I think of our friend Mark. Mark has people of our friend Mark. Mark has people of our friend Mark. Mark has people cycling through uh Capitol Hill Baptist cycling through uh Capitol Hill Baptist cycling through uh Capitol Hill Baptist Church at a pretty frequent rate because Church at a pretty frequent rate because Church at a pretty frequent rate because you're in DC and people are there for you're in DC and people are there for you're in DC and people are there for the government and then they're gone or the government and then they're gone or the government and then they're gone or they're there for an NGO and then

they're there for an NGO and then they're there for an NGO and then they're gone or they're, you know, they're gone or they're, you know, they're gone or they're, you know, whatever. All of us, I think, need to whatever. All of us, I think, need to whatever. All of us, I think, need to keep an eye on how quickly is my keep an eye on how quickly is my keep an eye on how quickly is my congregation turning over? How much of congregation turning over? How much of congregation turning over? How much of the Bible am I covering for a reasonably the Bible am I covering for a reasonably the Bible am I covering for a reasonably large group of my people? Because if you large group of my people? Because if you large group of my people? Because if you do like who who is the Puritan who do like who who is the Puritan who do like who who is the Puritan who preached for 20 years on Job, you know, preached for 20 years on Job, you know, preached for 20 years on Job, you know, if you do that, all your people is ever if you do that, all your people is ever if you do that, all your people is ever that's all they're ever going to hear is that's all they're ever going to hear is that's all they're ever going to hear is Job. So you have to think about, yeah, Job. So you have to think about, yeah, Job. So you have to think about, yeah, I'm expounding the Bible, but they're I'm expounding the Bible, but they're I'm expounding the Bible, but they're only getting a tiny slice of the Bible. only getting a tiny slice of the Bible. only getting a tiny slice of the Bible. So I wanted I wanted us to be in the New So I wanted I wanted us to be in the New So I wanted I wanted us to be in the New Testament and in the Old Testament, I Testament and in the Old Testament, I Testament and in the Old Testament, I wanted to make sure that we were in the wanted to make sure that we were in the wanted to make sure that we were in the Gospels somewhere. So one of the things Gospels somewhere. So one of the things Gospels somewhere. So one of the things we did, Matt, Derek and I, especially we did, Matt, Derek and I, especially we did, Matt, Derek and I, especially after Derek came, we sat down together after Derek came, we sat down together after Derek came, we sat down together and we tried to plot out what we wanted and we tried to plot out what we wanted and we tried to plot out what we wanted to try and preach through and what we to try and preach through and what we to try and preach through and what we wanted to try and read through. So we we wanted to try and read through. So we we wanted to try and read through. So we we had we had a plan for our scripture had we had a plan for our scripture had we had a plan for our scripture reading as well as a plan for the reading as well as a plan for the reading as well as a plan for the preaching so that books that we knew preaching so that books that we knew preaching so that books that we knew that we weren't going to get to preach that we weren't going to get to preach that we weren't going to get to preach through at least we could read through through at least we could read through through at least we could read through them and there would be some short them and there would be some short them and there would be some short really short introductory comments to really short introductory comments to really short introductory comments to those readings to help people get into those readings to help people get into those readings to help people get into the word that way. So we had a plan for the word that way. So we had a plan for the word that way. So we had a plan for reading and a plan for preaching and I reading and a plan for preaching and I reading and a plan for preaching and I liked that. I'm not sure I've ever liked that. I'm not sure I've ever liked that. I'm not sure I've ever gotten the right answer on what's the gotten the right answer on what's the gotten the right answer on what's the right length of a sermon series. You right length of a sermon series. You right length of a sermon series. You know, there's no question I know Matthew

know, there's no question I know Matthew know, there's no question I know Matthew a ton better now than I would have known a ton better now than I would have known a ton better now than I would have known it if I had never preached through it. it if I had never preached through it. it if I had never preached through it. You know, like you started off with, we You know, like you started off with, we You know, like you started off with, we preach forgettable sermons. My guess is preach forgettable sermons. My guess is preach forgettable sermons. My guess is not a lot of my people remember that not a lot of my people remember that not a lot of my people remember that Matthew series, but hopefully it was Matthew series, but hopefully it was Matthew series, but hopefully it was edifying to their souls and it, you edifying to their souls and it, you edifying to their souls and it, you know, it got down into their into their know, it got down into their into their know, it got down into their into their bones, even if they don't don't have bones, even if they don't don't have bones, even if they don't don't have specific memories of it. So, it that specific memories of it. So, it that specific memories of it. So, it that that's a judgment call. What are what that's a judgment call. What are what that's a judgment call. What are what are your thoughts on length? I mean, as are your thoughts on length? I mean, as are your thoughts on length? I mean, as you look at your congregation, my guess you look at your congregation, my guess you look at your congregation, my guess is your congregation is more mobile than is your congregation is more mobile than is your congregation is more mobile than my congregation was back in the 1990s. my congregation was back in the 1990s. my congregation was back in the 1990s. By the way, I think First Press Jackson By the way, I think First Press Jackson By the way, I think First Press Jackson is now much more there's more movement is now much more there's more movement is now much more there's more movement in and out of the congregation in 2026 in and out of the congregation in 2026 in and out of the congregation in 2026 than there was in 1996. What's your feel than there was in 1996. What's your feel than there was in 1996. What's your feel for that with your congregation and how for that with your congregation and how for that with your congregation and how do you approach length? do you approach length? do you approach length? >> Mhm. I typically take it one paricopy, >> Mhm. I typically take it one paricopy, >> Mhm. I typically take it one paricopy, one thought unit at a time, but I also one thought unit at a time, but I also one thought unit at a time, but I also think that there is value to slowing think that there is value to slowing think that there is value to slowing down and lingering, but also kind of down and lingering, but also kind of down and lingering, but also kind of speeding up and doing larger chunks speeding up and doing larger chunks speeding up and doing larger chunks because the reality is because the reality is because the reality is both are serving different purposes. So both are serving different purposes. So both are serving different purposes. So here in Richmond, Virginia, you can here in Richmond, Virginia, you can here in Richmond, Virginia, you can learn things about Richmond from the air learn things about Richmond from the air learn things about Richmond from the air looking down at the whole city that you looking down at the whole city that you looking down at the whole city that you can't learn from walking down Broad can't learn from walking down Broad can't learn from walking down Broad Street. But you can also learn things Street. But you can also learn things Street. But you can also learn things about Richmond from walking down Broad about Richmond from walking down Broad about Richmond from walking down Broad Street that you can't learn from an Street that you can't learn from an Street that you can't learn from an airplane. And I think it it's a it's a airplane. And I think it it's a it's a airplane. And I think it it's a it's a it not only builds muscles in the

it not only builds muscles in the it not only builds muscles in the preacher. Um but it's also good for the preacher. Um but it's also good for the preacher. Um but it's also good for the congregation to have the pace varied. congregation to have the pace varied. congregation to have the pace varied. And how do you make that call? Well, And how do you make that call? Well, And how do you make that call? Well, some of that's going to be based on uh some of that's going to be based on uh some of that's going to be based on uh the life of your congregation in a the life of your congregation in a the life of your congregation in a particular season. Some of it's going to particular season. Some of it's going to particular season. Some of it's going to just be based on what book of the Bible just be based on what book of the Bible just be based on what book of the Bible you're looking at and letting the text you're looking at and letting the text you're looking at and letting the text as it were set the pace. Um, but like as it were set the pace. Um, but like as it were set the pace. Um, but like you, I loved preaching through a gospel. you, I loved preaching through a gospel. you, I loved preaching through a gospel. So, the gospel of Mark and I I found it So, the gospel of Mark and I I found it So, the gospel of Mark and I I found it so exhilarating to preach the gospel so exhilarating to preach the gospel so exhilarating to preach the gospel from the Gospels. Uh, and to see how from the Gospels. Uh, and to see how from the Gospels. Uh, and to see how much actually Paul is just echoing Jesus much actually Paul is just echoing Jesus much actually Paul is just echoing Jesus in the way that he unfolds doctrines in the way that he unfolds doctrines in the way that he unfolds doctrines like justification by faith alone. It's like justification by faith alone. It's like justification by faith alone. It's all there um in the Gospels themselves. all there um in the Gospels themselves. all there um in the Gospels themselves. Uh any other advice for preachers as Uh any other advice for preachers as Uh any other advice for preachers as they're trying to think through what to they're trying to think through what to they're trying to think through what to preach over the course of the coming preach over the course of the coming preach over the course of the coming year? Um any kind of lessons learned? year? Um any kind of lessons learned? year? Um any kind of lessons learned? >> Well, you know, my guess is because it >> Well, you know, my guess is because it >> Well, you know, my guess is because it the the stats that I've seen e even in the the stats that I've seen e even in the the stats that I've seen e even in my sort of theological neck of the woods my sort of theological neck of the woods my sort of theological neck of the woods for churches that have two separate for churches that have two separate for churches that have two separate services or there that's pretty that's services or there that's pretty that's services or there that's pretty that's increasingly rare. So, it's probably 15 increasingly rare. So, it's probably 15 increasingly rare. So, it's probably 15 20% of PCA churches have separate 20% of PCA churches have separate 20% of PCA churches have separate services on Sunday morning, Sunday services on Sunday morning, Sunday services on Sunday morning, Sunday evening. So, you're going to have to evening. So, you're going to have to evening. So, you're going to have to most of you are going to have to plan most of you are going to have to plan most of you are going to have to plan for what am I going to do on the Lord's for what am I going to do on the Lord's for what am I going to do on the Lord's day morning is going to be typically the day morning is going to be typically the day morning is going to be typically the time that you do that. Again, I do think time that you do that. Again, I do think time that you do that. Again, I do think a balance of Old Testament and New a balance of Old Testament and New a balance of Old Testament and New Testament. My guess is if you only have

Testament. My guess is if you only have Testament. My guess is if you only have one sermon a week to your people, you one sermon a week to your people, you one sermon a week to your people, you probably ought to slightly favor shorter probably ought to slightly favor shorter probably ought to slightly favor shorter series than longer series so that you series than longer series so that you series than longer series so that you can cover a little more ground for the can cover a little more ground for the can cover a little more ground for the people that you have there. Get them people that you have there. Get them people that you have there. Get them into more parts of the Bible. So true. into more parts of the Bible. So true. into more parts of the Bible. So true. Can I just give an example of that? So Can I just give an example of that? So Can I just give an example of that? So take Ephesians, six chapters. The first take Ephesians, six chapters. The first take Ephesians, six chapters. The first imperative doesn't show up until chapter imperative doesn't show up until chapter imperative doesn't show up until chapter 4. So if you're going too slowly, then 4. So if you're going too slowly, then 4. So if you're going too slowly, then you could be only hearing indicatives you could be only hearing indicatives you could be only hearing indicatives from the Apostle Paul for months, if not from the Apostle Paul for months, if not from the Apostle Paul for months, if not years on end. years on end. years on end. >> I'm trying to see how long I did and >> I'm trying to see how long I did and >> I'm trying to see how long I did and then only imperatives. Um, and so I do then only imperatives. Um, and so I do then only imperatives. Um, and so I do think, yeah, we we should let in many think, yeah, we we should let in many think, yeah, we we should let in many ways the text itself dictate the speed. ways the text itself dictate the speed. ways the text itself dictate the speed. >> Yeah, I can't I can't find ex Oh, there >> Yeah, I can't I can't find ex Oh, there >> Yeah, I can't I can't find ex Oh, there it is. Okay. It it it was fall 200 it is. Okay. It it it was fall 200 it is. Okay. It it it was fall 200 five five five and then part of 2006. So I don't know and then part of 2006. So I don't know and then part of 2006. So I don't know how long that ended up being. Not super how long that ended up being. Not super how long that ended up being. Not super long. Uh certainly compared to my long. Uh certainly compared to my long. Uh certainly compared to my Matthew series. Now after Matthew, I did Matthew series. Now after Matthew, I did Matthew series. Now after Matthew, I did Romans for a long time. You could say Romans for a long time. You could say Romans for a long time. You could say something similar about Romans because something similar about Romans because something similar about Romans because certainly the first 11 chapters are certainly the first 11 chapters are certainly the first 11 chapters are heavy on indicatives and you don't heavy on indicatives and you don't heavy on indicatives and you don't really get into the imperatives until uh really get into the imperatives until uh really get into the imperatives until uh 12 to 15. And I don't want to imply that 12 to 15. And I don't want to imply that 12 to 15. And I don't want to imply that each book has one correct speed. I mean, each book has one correct speed. I mean, each book has one correct speed. I mean, one thing our our friend Mark De did is one thing our our friend Mark De did is one thing our our friend Mark De did is he started by preaching one sermon that

he started by preaching one sermon that he started by preaching one sermon that was an overview of the entire book was an overview of the entire book was an overview of the entire book >> and then over the course of his >> and then over the course of his >> and then over the course of his ministry, he's come back to many books ministry, he's come back to many books ministry, he's come back to many books and preached it relatively quickly in and preached it relatively quickly in and preached it relatively quickly in large chunks. And then large chunks. And then large chunks. And then >> he comes back a third time if if the >> he comes back a third time if if the >> he comes back a third time if if the Lord allows and he preaches it really Lord allows and he preaches it really Lord allows and he preaches it really slowly. slowly. slowly. >> Yeah. And I by the way that that series >> Yeah. And I by the way that that series >> Yeah. And I by the way that that series that he did through the whole Bible has that he did through the whole Bible has that he did through the whole Bible has now been bound in one volume by crossway now been bound in one volume by crossway now been bound in one volume by crossway and I can't is what is it still the and I can't is what is it still the and I can't is what is it still the message of message of message of >> promises made promises of the old >> promises made promises of the old >> promises made promises of the old testament message of the new something testament message of the new something testament message of the new something like that. like that. like that. >> So it's all bound together now and then >> So it's all bound together now and then >> So it's all bound together now and then he did an introductory message on the he did an introductory message on the he did an introductory message on the whole Old Testament and an introductory whole Old Testament and an introductory whole Old Testament and an introductory message message message >> on the whole New Testament. And when >> on the whole New Testament. And when >> on the whole New Testament. And when Mark did that, I heard him do at least Mark did that, I heard him do at least Mark did that, I heard him do at least one of those sermons in person. And I one of those sermons in person. And I one of those sermons in person. And I tried I tried to do it myself and I was tried I tried to do it myself and I was tried I tried to do it myself and I was just not good at it like Mark. Mark has just not good at it like Mark. Mark has just not good at it like Mark. Mark has a real gift for overviewing and summing a real gift for overviewing and summing a real gift for overviewing and summing up. And so um and just to be clear with up. And so um and just to be clear with up. And so um and just to be clear with for listeners, what we're talking about for listeners, what we're talking about for listeners, what we're talking about is Mark Dver preached 66 sermons, one is Mark Dver preached 66 sermons, one is Mark Dver preached 66 sermons, one overview sermon on every book of the overview sermon on every book of the overview sermon on every book of the Bible. though when you're starting a Bible. though when you're starting a Bible. though when you're starting a sermon series, it would be good just for sermon series, it would be good just for sermon series, it would be good just for your own study to read his overview your own study to read his overview your own study to read his overview sermon on that book of the Bible. And I sermon on that book of the Bible. And I sermon on that book of the Bible. And I did I did that in Sunday school as a did I did that in Sunday school as a did I did that in Sunday school as a youth director. And I think I did a youth director. And I think I did a youth director. And I think I did a decent job of it. But it's one thing to decent job of it. But it's one thing to decent job of it. But it's one thing to teach a lesson, it's another thing to teach a lesson, it's another thing to teach a lesson, it's another thing to preach a sermon. And I think Mark just

preach a sermon. And I think Mark just preach a sermon. And I think Mark just had a gift for that. So, I do think had a gift for that. So, I do think had a gift for that. So, I do think pastors need to give their give pastors need to give their give pastors need to give their give themselves permission not to be the best themselves permission not to be the best themselves permission not to be the best guy to do every different style of of guy to do every different style of of guy to do every different style of of preaching or delivery that you can do. preaching or delivery that you can do. preaching or delivery that you can do. Be Yeah. Be who you are. And I just Be Yeah. Be who you are. And I just Be Yeah. Be who you are. And I just decided this is a really good idea. I decided this is a really good idea. I decided this is a really good idea. I want to point my congregation to reading want to point my congregation to reading want to point my congregation to reading Mark's sermons. You know, we sold tons Mark's sermons. You know, we sold tons Mark's sermons. You know, we sold tons of copies of those books when they were of copies of those books when they were of copies of those books when they were in two volumes and commended those to in two volumes and commended those to in two volumes and commended those to people, but I was not great at doing people, but I was not great at doing people, but I was not great at doing that at at first pres. And maybe even that at at first pres. And maybe even that at at first pres. And maybe even our structure I my sermons were usually our structure I my sermons were usually our structure I my sermons were usually closer to 35 minutes than to 50 or 60 closer to 35 minutes than to 50 or 60 closer to 35 minutes than to 50 or 60 minutes. So Mark had a little more room minutes. So Mark had a little more room minutes. So Mark had a little more room at Capitol Hill Baptist to do that than at Capitol Hill Baptist to do that than at Capitol Hill Baptist to do that than I would have had at First Press. And um I would have had at First Press. And um I would have had at First Press. And um so it made it harder for me to do a good so it made it harder for me to do a good so it made it harder for me to do a good job of that. I really liked doing that job of that. I really liked doing that job of that. I really liked doing that in the Sunday school context. And I my in the Sunday school context. And I my in the Sunday school context. And I my my agenda in a Sunday school context my agenda in a Sunday school context my agenda in a Sunday school context again was I wanted all of my senior again was I wanted all of my senior again was I wanted all of my senior highs to have a good overview of the highs to have a good overview of the highs to have a good overview of the Bible before they went off to university Bible before they went off to university Bible before they went off to university and sat in a religion course and had and sat in a religion course and had and sat in a religion course and had somebody poking at the Bible or trying somebody poking at the Bible or trying somebody poking at the Bible or trying to show contradictions or problems or to show contradictions or problems or to show contradictions or problems or whatever else. I wanted them to be aware whatever else. I wanted them to be aware whatever else. I wanted them to be aware of kind of the content of every Bible of kind of the content of every Bible of kind of the content of every Bible book. Now, another trick now, uh, Matt, book. Now, another trick now, uh, Matt, book. Now, another trick now, uh, Matt, that I think we have to factor into that I think we have to factor into that I think we have to factor into sermon planning is sermon planning is sermon planning is members, even committed members are members, even committed members are members, even committed members are going to church less frequently than

going to church less frequently than going to church less frequently than they were 30 years ago. So, I could they were 30 years ago. So, I could they were 30 years ago. So, I could count on count on count on a significant majority of my a significant majority of my a significant majority of my congregation being in church almost congregation being in church almost congregation being in church almost every Sunday 30 years ago. every Sunday 30 years ago. every Sunday 30 years ago. Um, and now I'm told the average in Um, and now I'm told the average in Um, and now I'm told the average in evangelical context is about two Sundays evangelical context is about two Sundays evangelical context is about two Sundays out of the month. And so I think we we out of the month. And so I think we we out of the month. And so I think we we do have to factor that into sermon do have to factor that into sermon do have to factor that into sermon planning as well. If you only have one planning as well. If you only have one planning as well. If you only have one shot a week and your people are coming shot a week and your people are coming shot a week and your people are coming two or three times a month, you you need two or three times a month, you you need two or three times a month, you you need to think through that for planning as to think through that for planning as to think through that for planning as well. And so I I love that I had the well. And so I I love that I had the well. And so I I love that I had the luxury of a lot of people coming on luxury of a lot of people coming on luxury of a lot of people coming on Sunday night. You I had I had maybe when Sunday night. You I had I had maybe when Sunday night. You I had I had maybe when I started at the church I I had maybe I started at the church I I had maybe I started at the church I I had maybe three and a half thousand people on the three and a half thousand people on the three and a half thousand people on the rolls, rolls, rolls, maybe I don't know maybe 1,600 people actually I don't know maybe 1,600 people actually coming every week and then maybe 500 on coming every week and then maybe 500 on coming every week and then maybe 500 on Sunday evenings. And gradually the roles Sunday evenings. And gradually the roles Sunday evenings. And gradually the roles came down, the attendance went up. We came down, the attendance went up. We came down, the attendance went up. We never I I we my goal was to get to the never I I we my goal was to get to the never I I we my goal was to get to the point where attendance was slightly point where attendance was slightly point where attendance was slightly larger than membership. So my members larger than membership. So my members larger than membership. So my members are pretty frequent and then we're are pretty frequent and then we're are pretty frequent and then we're having visitors as well. Never quite got having visitors as well. Never quite got having visitors as well. Never quite got there. And then Sunday night attendance there. And then Sunday night attendance there. And then Sunday night attendance went up, but went up, but went up, but uh you can't assume that today in the uh you can't assume that today in the uh you can't assume that today in the healthiest of churches. So I do think healthiest of churches. So I do think healthiest of churches. So I do think people need to factor that in in sermon

people need to factor that in in sermon people need to factor that in in sermon planning. planning. planning. >> Yeah, absolutely. And that's a good word >> Yeah, absolutely. And that's a good word >> Yeah, absolutely. And that's a good word as a reality check. I think we would as a reality check. I think we would as a reality check. I think we would also both agree that's also a point of also both agree that's also a point of also both agree that's also a point of teaching and disciplehip uh with travel teaching and disciplehip uh with travel teaching and disciplehip uh with travel sports and all the rest. I mean I think sports and all the rest. I mean I think sports and all the rest. I mean I think we want to be very clear with people on we want to be very clear with people on we want to be very clear with people on the front end when they're considering the front end when they're considering the front end when they're considering membership that that regular attendance membership that that regular attendance membership that that regular attendance on Sunday mornings is required. The the on Sunday mornings is required. The the on Sunday mornings is required. The the way we say it is Sunday morning is way we say it is Sunday morning is way we say it is Sunday morning is required. Sunday evening which is our required. Sunday evening which is our required. Sunday evening which is our prayer service is expected. Yeah. and prayer service is expected. Yeah. and prayer service is expected. Yeah. and other stuff such as home groups, Sunday other stuff such as home groups, Sunday other stuff such as home groups, Sunday school, one-on-one discipling school, one-on-one discipling school, one-on-one discipling relationships, that's encouraged. Um, relationships, that's encouraged. Um, relationships, that's encouraged. Um, but that's why we have enshrined in our but that's why we have enshrined in our but that's why we have enshrined in our church covenant, we will commit to the church covenant, we will commit to the church covenant, we will commit to the ministry of attendance, regularly ministry of attendance, regularly ministry of attendance, regularly gathering with the whole church for gathering with the whole church for gathering with the whole church for worship and fellowship because no one worship and fellowship because no one worship and fellowship because no one can faithfully follow Jesus alone. can faithfully follow Jesus alone. can faithfully follow Jesus alone. Right? And I that's good. And and I let Right? And I that's good. And and I let Right? And I that's good. And and I let me amen that lest what I just said seem me amen that lest what I just said seem me amen that lest what I just said seem like I'm sort of completely conceding to like I'm sort of completely conceding to like I'm sort of completely conceding to that. I think in in the churches that that. I think in in the churches that that. I think in in the churches that are represented probably in the circles are represented probably in the circles are represented probably in the circles that are listening to the everyday that are listening to the everyday that are listening to the everyday pastor, we we want our people to be more pastor, we we want our people to be more pastor, we we want our people to be more frequent than maybe the general frequent than maybe the general frequent than maybe the general population of evangelicals.

population of evangelicals. population of evangelicals. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> Would be. And we want to find ways to >> Would be. And we want to find ways to >> Would be. And we want to find ways to encourage them in that area. And by the encourage them in that area. And by the encourage them in that area. And by the way, good expository series are one of way, good expository series are one of way, good expository series are one of the ways to encourage them to do that the ways to encourage them to do that the ways to encourage them to do that >> because you're on a journey together. >> because you're on a journey together. >> because you're on a journey together. >> You are. and you that you want them to, >> You are. and you that you want them to, >> You are. and you that you want them to, oh, I want to know what's coming next oh, I want to know what's coming next oh, I want to know what's coming next week because we're excited about the week because we're excited about the week because we're excited about the truth. We're learning from God's word. truth. We're learning from God's word. truth. We're learning from God's word. He's setting the table for us and we He's setting the table for us and we He's setting the table for us and we want them to be desirous of hearing what want them to be desirous of hearing what want them to be desirous of hearing what he has to say next. I certainly have had he has to say next. I certainly have had he has to say next. I certainly have had that experience where, oh, I can't wait that experience where, oh, I can't wait that experience where, oh, I can't wait to hear what the pastor is going to do to hear what the pastor is going to do to hear what the pastor is going to do with that passage next week because with that passage next week because with that passage next week because that's a great passage. I can't wait to that's a great passage. I can't wait to that's a great passage. I can't wait to hear what God has to say to me through hear what God has to say to me through hear what God has to say to me through his word as the minister brings that his word as the minister brings that his word as the minister brings that word. And of course, I got that word. And of course, I got that word. And of course, I got that experience because I had Derek was experience because I had Derek was experience because I had Derek was preaching regularly. And so, you know, preaching regularly. And so, you know, preaching regularly. And so, you know, if we're in Mark, I mean, Derek preached if we're in Mark, I mean, Derek preached if we're in Mark, I mean, Derek preached through the Gospel of Mark just like you through the Gospel of Mark just like you through the Gospel of Mark just like you did. And, you know, oh, I can't wait to did. And, you know, oh, I can't wait to did. And, you know, oh, I can't wait to hear what he does with Mark 9, you know, hear what he does with Mark 9, you know, hear what he does with Mark 9, you know, when we get there. And so, I got to have when we get there. And so, I got to have when we get there. And so, I got to have that experience along with the that experience along with the that experience along with the congregation. And that's one of the congregation. And that's one of the congregation. And that's one of the things that can help nudge people into things that can help nudge people into things that can help nudge people into greater regularity that maybe don't greater regularity that maybe don't greater regularity that maybe don't bring that habit with them to your bring that habit with them to your bring that habit with them to your church and dealing with those tough church and dealing with those tough church and dealing with those tough texts. We've said this before on the texts. We've said this before on the texts. We've said this before on the podcast, but it's a way of teaching podcast, but it's a way of teaching podcast, but it's a way of teaching people how to read their own Bibles people how to read their own Bibles people how to read their own Bibles well. It's a way of serving them. And well. It's a way of serving them. And well. It's a way of serving them. And so, I just think to sum up this so, I just think to sum up this so, I just think to sum up this conversation, thoughtful planning is an conversation, thoughtful planning is an conversation, thoughtful planning is an act of pastoral love.

act of pastoral love. act of pastoral love. >> Yeah. is an act of helping your people, >> Yeah. is an act of helping your people, >> Yeah. is an act of helping your people, not just providing good sermons in the not just providing good sermons in the not just providing good sermons in the moment, but hopefully wetting their moment, but hopefully wetting their moment, but hopefully wetting their appetite so that they're looking forward appetite so that they're looking forward appetite so that they're looking forward to and anticipating what God has for to and anticipating what God has for to and anticipating what God has for them on a given Sunday. That's good. We them on a given Sunday. That's good. We them on a given Sunday. That's good. We hope this conversation of the everyday hope this conversation of the everyday hope this conversation of the everyday pastor has been encouraging to you. Uh pastor has been encouraging to you. Uh pastor has been encouraging to you. Uh please share it with a friend or leave a please share it with a friend or leave a please share it with a friend or leave a review so that we can help others and review so that we can help others and review so that we can help others and particularly pastors [music] find fresh particularly pastors [music] find fresh particularly pastors [music] find fresh joy in the work of ministry.