Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 10, A Conversation with Dr. Jeremy Morton

Episode Theme: The devotional life of a pastor

In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Jeremy Morton, Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church in Woodstock, GA, about expository preaching, the influence of his childhood pastor, Rev. I.F. Rastus Salter, and the priority of what he calls heart training.

Key Highlights:

The importance of expository preaching: Jeremy gives a historical overview of how expository preaching has grown in prominence among Southern Baptists and the importance of faithful expository preaching for the church.

The blessing of his childhood pastor: Jeremy shares how the preaching and ministry of his childhood pastor, I.F. Rastus Salter, shaped and influenced him in the faith and as a pastor.

Heart training: Jeremy shares how faithful preaching requires that the pastor devote himself to time with the Lord in prayer. Jeremy calls this time heart training.

Join Ben Smith and Dr. Jeremy Morton for an honest discussion on the life of ministry and the holy task of preaching.

Host: Ben Smith

Guest: Dr. Jeremy Morton

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org

Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr

For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/

Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom

Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

Dr. Jeremy Morton is the Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church in Woodstock, GA. His daily devotional podcast, “Reset,” is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. It blends personal stories with insights from the Word. Whether in the church, on the mission field, or at home, his life goal remains the same: to glorify God as a faithful husband, supportive father, loyal friend, and loving leader.

Listen to Reset on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nIC0P0Rs5yVyCIKq5I9ac?si=dd94041ff6b440a2

Listen to Reset on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reset/id1481233650

Dr. Jeremy Morton has been preaching since he was 16 years old. From the beginning, he’s had a heart for serving people and leading the Church. Jeremy has pastored churches across Georgia, planted Cross Point Baptist Church in Perry, served as Senior Pastor at Cartersville First Baptist, and, since 2019, fulfilled God’s call as the Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church Woodstock. In 2022, he earned his Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

For more information on First Baptist Church, Woodstock, GA, visit https://www.fbcw.org/

Podcast of the First Baptist Church, Woodstock preaching ministry: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-baptist-woodstock/id418596094

Video of the First Baptist Church, Woodstock preaching ministry: https://www.fbcw.org/sermons/

Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music. https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 8

Episode Theme: The Power of the Word to Change Lives

In this insightful episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith engages with Dr. Patrick Latham, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville, Georgia, to explore the vital role of preaching in today’s churches. Together, they delve into sermon preparation, the best resources to help your congregation engage with the sermon, and much more.

Key Highlights:

Preaching Style and Preparation: Patrick discusses his three-week preparation process and the value of knowing the sermon so well that you can preach without notes.

Challenges and Growth in Expository Preaching: The conversation addresses the challenges of introducing expository preaching to churches unaccustomed to it.

Prayer and Bible Reading: Patrick encourages pastors to devote their time to prayer and develop the habit of faithful bible reading.

Join Ben Smith and Dr. Patric Latham for a compelling discussion on the transformative power of preaching and its ability to shape and transform church communities.

Host: Ben Smith

Guest: Dr. Patrick Latham

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org.

Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr.

For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/.

Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom

Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

Dr. Patrick Latham was licensed to preach in 2004 and ordained into the ministry in 2005 at Roswell Street Baptist Church in Marietta, GA. He holds degrees from Gordon College, Pensacola Christian College, Georgia Highlands College, and the University of Oklahoma. He earned a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice University and Seminary.

Since 2019, he has been the lead pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church of Cartersville, GA. Before coming to Cartersville, he had pastorates at First Baptist Church, Lawton, Oklahoma, and Second Baptist Church, Cedartown, GA.

Patrick and his wife, Laura, have three children.

For more information about Dr. Latham and his church, visit https://tabernaclebaptist.org/

View Dr. Latham’s sermons at: https://tabernaclebaptist.org/previous-sermons

A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.

Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music. https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 7 A Conversation with Bob Richardson

Episode Theme: The difference between a talk and a sermon

In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Bob Richardson, senior pastor of Altamaha Baptist Church, Jesup, GA, about his preparation process, sermon illustrations, and preaching lessons he has learned.

Key Highlights:

How to make your Bible for preaching: Bob explains how he marks his Bible to assist his preaching.

Sermon Illustrations: Bob talks about his approach to sermon illustrations

Helpful Criticism: Bob advocates for the benefits of developing relationships with those who can give helpful criticism and coaching to help you become a better preacher.

Joys and hardships of preaching: Bob describes the difficult labor of preparing to preach and the great joy of being able to proclaim God’s word to the church.

Challenges of Bi-vocational ministry: Bob served in a bi-vocational role for some of his ministry. He shares some of the difficulties of bi-vocational ministry and how God used this time to discipline his preparation time.

Join Ben Smith and Bob Richardson for a candid discussion of how God has matured and grown their understanding of and approach to preaching.

Host: Ben Smith

Guest: Bob Richardson

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org.

Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr.

For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/.

Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom

Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

Bob Richardson is the senior pastor of Altamaha Baptist Church, Jesup, GA.

Pastor Bob earned a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education from Valdosta State University and served as a bi-vocational pastor and schoolteacher for 10 years.

Prior to his ministry with Altamaha Baptist Church, Bob served as pastor of Sand Hill Baptist in Race Pond, Georgia, Calvary Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia (2006-2013), and First Baptist Church in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Bob earned a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a second Master of Arts degree in Missiology from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has served in various leadership roles in two Baptist associations and the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.

You can find video of Bob Richardson’s preaching at https://altamahabaptistchurch.org/sermons/.

For more information on Altamaha Baptist church, visit https://altamahabaptistchurch.org.

A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.

Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 6

Episode Theme: The Preacher as Pastor

In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Rusty Grace, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Waycross, Georgia, about the vital role of preaching and pastoral ministry in today’s churches. Together, they discuss sermon preparation, a little church history, and the challenges of sermon illustrations.

Key Highlights:

Preaching and Worship Planning: Rusty discusses how he plans the worship service in relation to the text he will preach.

Preaching Illustrations: Rusty discusses the dangers and blessings of sermon illustration.

Join Ben Smith and pastor Rusty Grace for a helpful discussion on the importance of preaching and its relationship to the church’s worship and ministry.

Host: Ben Smith

Guest: Rusty Grace

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org.

Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr.

For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/.

Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom

Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

Rusty Grace is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Waycross, GA, where he has served since 2019. He and his wife, Lauren Grace, currently have five children and anticipate soon the adoption finalization of their sixth. For more information about pastor Grace and his church, visit https://fpcwaycross.com/.

A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.

Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 5: A Conversation with Freddie Smith

Episode Theme: A lifetime of faithfulness

In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with retired Freddie Smith about his 63 years of pastoral ministry and the insights he has gained.

Key Highlights:

Importance of exhortation: Freddie Smith talks about the importance of exhortation in preaching.

Importance of Calling: Freddie Smith explains how the call of God in his life has encouraged him and helped him remain faithful to preaching the gospel.

Fear of God vs Fear of Man: Freddie Smith and Pastor Smith discuss how the fear of man will hinder faithful preaching and the importance of a healthy fear of God to compel a man to faithfully preach God’s word.

Changes in church culture: Pastor Ben and Freddie Smith discuss the importance of approaching the pulpit with a sense of holiness and respect.

Join Ben Smith and Freddie Smith for a helpful discussion of drawing on the wisdom gained from 63 years of pastoral ministry.

Host: Ben Smith

Guest: Freddie Smith

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org.

Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr.

For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/.

Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom

Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

Freddie Smith has been preaching for over 63 years. He has served churches in Florida and Georgia, including First Baptist Church, Naples, FL; Central Baptist Church, Sanford, FL; and Sweat Memorial Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. He is the author of Revival Our Survival. Though retired from full-time ministry, Freddie continues to preach regularly.

A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.

Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 3

Episode Theme: Transformative Preaching in a Changing Congregations

In this insightful episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith engages with Jarrod Everson, the pastor of Deenwood Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia, to explore the vital role of preaching in today’s churches. Together, they delve into the church’s transformation from a predominantly senior congregation to a diverse community, catalyzed by neighborhood changes over the past 15 years.

Key Highlights:

Preaching Style and Preparation: Jarrod emphasizes the importance of an expository preaching approach. He shares his preparation routine.

Challenges and Growth in Expository Preaching: The conversation addresses the initial resistance faced when introducing expository preaching to a congregation unfamiliar with the method. Jarrod reflects on overcoming these challenges, leading to deeper scriptural engagement among members and his personal growth as a preacher, inspired by his father’s expository preaching.

Cultural Shifts and Church Dynamics: Jarrod notes the decline of cultural Christianity in South Georgia and its impact on church dynamics. This shift has fostered a more committed group of believers who prioritize biblical preaching and discipleship.

Long-term Ministry and Preaching Impact: The episode underscores the importance of long-term ministry commitment and the transformative power of preaching God’s Word despite initial resistance. Jarrod highlights the need to balance structured worship with spontaneity and cautions against neglecting deeper issues in favor of trivial matters.

Join Ben Smith and Jarrod Everson for a compelling discussion on the enduring significance of preaching and its ability to shape and transform church communities.

Host: Ben Smith

Guest: Jarrod Everson

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org

Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr.

For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/

Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom

Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

Jarrod Everson is the pastor of Deenwood Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

For more information about Pastor Everson and his church, visit http://deenwoodbaptist.org/.

Listen to Pastor Everson’s sermons at: https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-xaykw-5706b7

A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.

Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.