View From the Pulpit: Exploring the Heart of Expository Preaching
Discover why expository preaching is central to the life and health of every church with Pastor Ben Smith. Each episode features conversations with pastors, church leaders, and members, exploring the role of expository preaching, the work of preparing and delivering sermons, and the impact of faithful preaching on the congregation.
This podcast is about preaching—but it’s not just for preachers. Whether you sit behind the pulpit or in the pew, View From the Pulpit will help you understand why expository preaching is vital to the church and how it strengthens the faith of every believer.
Episode 34 of the "View from the Pulpit” podcast, hosted by Ben Smith, with guest Dr. Danny Cochran. In this episode of View From the Pulpit, Pastor Ben Smith sits with Dr. Danny Cochran, a pastor, teacher, and mentor with over 45 years in ministry, and continues to have an undiminished passion for ministry even after retirement, which Dr. Cochran affirmed is a lifetime calling.
Dr. Cochran's approach to ministry is deeply rooted in his commitment to expository preaching, which he views as a "teaching endeavor" aimed at helping people understand and apply God's Word. Dr. Cochran advises younger ministers and students of the Bible to start with repetitive reading of the text itself and to prioritize fidelity to the text. He emphasizes that ministry should be about the people, demonstrating love and genuine care through actions, and that effective preaching engages the "entire rational and emotional being," involving the mind, spirit, and heart.
6 Oct 2025
Episode 33: A Conversation with Dr. Gerald Harris
Episode 33 of the "View from the Pulpit” podcast, hosted by Ben Smith, with guest Dr. Gerald Harris. In this episode of View From the Pulpit, Pastor Ben Smith sits down with Dr. Gerald Harris, longtime pastor, author, and former editor of The Christian Index. Together, they reflect on Dr. Harris’s decades of ministry, the lessons learned along the way, and the challenges facing churches today.
From his early call to ministry to his leadership in preaching, writing, and denominational life, Dr. Harris shares wisdom, encouragement, and a pastor’s heart for serving God’s people faithfully. He also offers a perspective on how pastors can navigate cultural change while staying anchored in biblical truth.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
• Dr. Harris’s journey into ministry and leadership.
• Reflections on his years as editor of The Christian Index.
• Encouragement for pastors serving in today’s world.
• The importance of faithfulness over success in ministry.
• Insights on preaching, discipleship, and church health.
This conversation is rich with encouragement for pastors, church leaders, and anyone seeking to remain steadfast in their walk with Christ.
29 Sept 2025
Episode 32: A Conversation with Dr. Jerry Vines
In episode 32 of View From the Pulpit, host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Jerry Vines, a figure often credited with "literally writing the book on expository preaching". Dr. Vines recounts his personal journey from topical preaching in his early ministry to embracing expository preaching and how this shift transformed his approach to teaching God's Word. He shares his three-step sermon preparation process—investigation, interpretation, and application—and discusses the importance of "passion-driven preaching" where the preacher's emotion reflects the passage's pathos. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Vines offers profound wisdom for young and seasoned pastors alike, emphasizing the primacy of preaching and the necessity of a strong devotional life.
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