This is a story of the way that ministry is changing in a new and harsher world painfully different than the one known by our parents and grandparents. It's a story for pastors who face the daunting task of leading their church through necessary but excruciating seasons of transition so that they can move from surviving to thriving. This story is for people who are part of those churches and experiencing the profound loss, painful heartbreak, and intense frustration that always comes with change. This is the story of the revitalization of First Baptist Church—the rise, ruin, and restoration of one of America's great churches.
What Happened at First
Claim This Podcastby Heath Lambert
4.9(31 reviews)
30 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
Podcast Overview
This is a story of the way that ministry is changing in a new and harsher world painfully different than the one known by our parents and grandparents. It's a story for pastors who face the daunting task of leading their church through necessary but excruciating seasons of transition so that they can move from surviving to thriving. This story is for people who are part of those churches and experiencing the profound loss, painful heartbreak, and intense frustration that always comes with change. This is the story of the revitalization of First Baptist Church—the rise, ruin, and restoration of one of America's great churches.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
7/10/2023
4 verified contact emails on file for What Happened at First
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Recent Episodes
October 13, 2025
What Makes a Sermon "Good"? - On Leading Teams - EPISODE 5
<p>In this episode of What Happened at First Baptist, Pastor Heath Lambert and Pastor Spencer Harmon unpack what makes an excellent sermon. Drawing on his article and experience, Pastor Heath outlines five key marks of effective preaching. He pushes back against the notion that “faithful” preaching alone is enough, arguing that communication and connection are also acts of faithfulness. This episode dives deep into sermon prep, structure, and delivery. Thanks for joining us for Season 2 of What Happened at First!</p>
October 6, 2025
Navigating Classic Landmines of Ministry Teams - On Leading Teams - EPISODE 4
<p>In this episode, Spencer Harmon and Heath Lambert discuss the “landmines” ministry leaders face: personal weaknesses, confusing preferences with principles, and the proper use of authority. They explore how pastors can recognize vocational and spiritual weaknesses, discern between incompetence and lack of gifting, and embrace humility. They also emphasize the danger of elevating personal preferences above biblical principles in church life and the importance of stewarding authority with faith in God’s sovereignty. The conversation encourages self-awareness, reliance on Christ, and humility as the foundation for fruitful ministry.</p>
September 29, 2025
The Silent Killer of Ministry Teams - On Leading Teams - EPISODE 3
<p>In this episode of the What Happened at First Baptist podcast, our pastors dive into one of the hardest realities of ministry—broken relationships, bitterness, and gossip. They discuss the surprising presence of enemies in ministry, how leaders can guard their hearts against bitterness, and the role of prayer, forgiveness, and the hope of reconciliation in Christ. They also give practical wisdom on cultivating a culture of reconciliation in the church, addressing gossip in healthy ways, and setting a standard of love and accountability for ministry teams.</p>
30 total episodes available with 4 transcripts
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