A sermon can be carefully structured, biblically researched—and still fall flat. What gives faithful preaching life?
In this episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Pilgrim Benham speaks on the art of preaching at our training weekend at Reliance Church in Temecula, California. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 12, he asks preachers to think beyond the mechanics of sermon preparation without neglecting them. How do study and lived obedience give a preacher confidence? What makes biblical truth clear to ordinary listeners? How can a preacher speak courageously while caring for the people in the room?
Pilgrim also presses into the difference between informing a congregation and calling them to respond to God’s Word. His message is a lively, pastoral challenge to prepare diligently, speak plainly, and depend on the Holy Spirit rather than technique alone.
Pilgrim Benham is the Dean of Students at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Bradenton, Florida, where he also teaches on campus and online. He has planted churches and pastored since 2002, serves on the pastoral team at WestChurch, and coaches preachers.
Calvary Chapel Bible College:
https://calvarychapelbiblecollege.com/
Listen to Pilgrim’s earlier Expositors Collective appearances:
How to Help New Preachers Grow in Confidence and Clarity — Pilgrim Benham (on preaching mentorship)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-help-new-preachers-grow-in-confidence-and/id1397572249?i=1000758363921
AI, ChatGPT, and the Ethics of Sermon Preparation — a panel featuring Pilgrim Benham
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-chatgpt-and-the-ethics-of-sermon-preparation/id1397572249?i=1000771816636
Expositors Collective equips, encourages, and mentors the next generation of Christ-centred preachers through training, conversation, and practical resources:
https://expositorscollective.org/
Expositors Collective is part of the Calvary Chapel Cooperative, a family of ministries working together to strengthen churches and support faithful leaders:
https://calvarychapelcooperative.com/
