In this episode, Robert is joined by Adam Faughn, a seasoned preacher, devoted husband and father, and an avid reader who models what it means to be a lifelong learner in ministry. Together they explore the importance of continual growth for preachers—spiritually, intellectually, and personally.
Ministry can easily become routine, but growth keeps preaching fresh and hearts engaged. Adam shares insights from his own journey of learning, reading habits, and spiritual disciplines that help him stay sharp and spiritually renewed. Whether you’ve been preaching for decades or are just starting out, this conversation will inspire you to never stop learning and growing.
Self-righteousness can quietly creep into our hearts — even among those devoted to doing good. In this episode, Robert Hatfield is joined by David Sproule to talk about the danger of self-righteousness in the life of a preacher and within the church.
Together, they discuss how pride in our own righteousness can undermine grace, distort our message, and damage our relationships with others and with God. David draws on years of experience in ministry to offer practical wisdom for recognizing and resisting this subtle sin.
Every preacher knows the value of relationships in ministry — but how can we move beyond surface-level connections to build real, lasting community within the church? In this episode, Robert sits down with Dean Thompson to talk about fostering deep connections among members, leaders, and ministers.
This week on Preachers in Training, Robert is joined by Melvin Otey—professor of Law at Faulkner University in Montgomery, AL, and a dedicated gospel preacher.
In this conversation, we reflect on brother Otey's blog post, “A Word of Compassion for Preachers”, and discuss the challenges and blessings of ministry life. He shares heartfelt encouragement for those who serve in the pulpit, reminding us of the humanity of preachers, the importance of compassion, and the sustaining grace of God in the midst of pressures and expectations.
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In this episode of Preachers in Training, Robert is joined by Wayne Jones, president of the Bear Valley Bible Institute and host of Authentically Adam here on The Light Network. Wayne brings decades of ministry experience and leadership insight to the conversation as he reflects on the lessons he’s learned beyond the classroom.
While preaching schools and Bible institutes provide excellent foundations in Scripture, theology, and communication, there are some lessons that only real-life ministry can teach. Wayne shares with honesty and wisdom about the realities of preaching that he didn’t fully grasp until he was already in the work.
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🎙️ The Light Network Conference is coming October 3–5, 2025, at the Henderson church of Christ in Henderson, TN! This year’s theme is “The Good Life: A Study of the Beatitudes.” Join hosts from across TLN for a weekend filled with uplifting lessons, great singing, and opportunities to connect with Christians who love God and His Word. Make plans now to be part of this special event! Register online at https://thelightnetwork.tv/conference
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Wayne's Recommended Resources:
Spiritual apathy can creep into the life of any Christian—even ministers. Left unchecked, it robs us of passion for the Lord, weakens our resolve, and hinders our influence. In this episode, Dan Winkler joins Robert to address the dangers of spiritual apathy and share practical ways to prevent it.
In this opening episode of season 22, Robert is joined by longtime gospel preacher Paul Sain. Paul’s wife, LaDon, has recently been placed on hospice care, and he now walks both the path of minister and caregiver. Drawing from Scripture and his own current experience, Paul offers practical and heartfelt guidance on how preachers can minister effectively and compassionately to those who are receiving hospice care — and to their families.
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Interpersonal skills are essential for effective ministry, yet they’re often overlooked in preacher training. In this episode, Robert is joined by longtime preacher and former Freed-Hardeman University Bible professor and dean, Billy Smith, to discuss how ministers can develop stronger people skills.
Is your children’s Bible class program in need of a refresh? In this episode, Robert Hatfield sits down with Jeremy Hall, minister for the Bartlett Woods church of Christ in Bartlett, TN, to discuss the process of revitalizing a Bible class program. Jeremy shares the story of how their congregation reimagined their teaching efforts—from philosophy to logistics—and the powerful results they’re now seeing.
What does it mean to lead like Abraham—with unwavering trust in God, even when the path seems uncertain? In this episode, Matt Guy joins Robert Hatfield to explore biblical leadership through the lens of trust, using Genesis 22 as a foundation.
Matt, a radiologist in Charlotte, NC, serves on the boards of Lads to Leaders and Freed-Hardeman University, and is a deacon for the church of Christ at Gold Hill Road in Fort Mill, SC. He brings a unique perspective as a Christian professional, servant-leader, and encourager of young people in the church.
In this episode of Preachers in Training, Robert Hatfield welcomes Matt Miller, minister for the 109 church of Christ in Lebanon, TN, to discuss the urgent state of personal evangelism. Are our efforts to reach the lost alive and thriving, or are they barely hanging on? Together, Robert and Matt explore the signs that evangelism may be “on life support” in our congregations and individual lives—and what we can do to revive it.
How can ministers and church leaders connect with and invest in the next generation? In this episode, Robert is joined by Craig Evans, the preaching minister for the Mt. Juliet church of Christ in Tennessee, to discuss practical and spiritual ways we can reach and equip Generation Z.
Craig brings wisdom and experience from years of ministry, including mentoring young people, working with families, and encouraging a multigenerational church culture. Together, he and Robert explore the unique opportunities and challenges of ministering to Gen Z — those born roughly between 1997 and 2012.
In this important episode, Robert is joined by Lonnie Jones — a minister, speaker, host of the Keeping Up with Jones podcast, and a licensed professional counselor — to address the critical subject of mental health among ministers. Ministry is rewarding but also uniquely stressful, often leaving preachers vulnerable to burnout, isolation, and emotional fatigue. Lonnie brings his dual perspective as both a counselor and a fellow minister to offer practical guidance, biblical insights, and personal encouragement.
If you are a preacher — or know one — who needs to hear this, don’t skip this episode. It’s okay to not be okay, and help is available.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we work, communicate, and even engage with faith. But what impact does it have on the church? In this episode of Preachers in Training, host Robert Hatfield is joined by Michael Hite, Jason Helton, and Dale Jenkins to explore how AI is shaping ministry, preaching, and Christian outreach.
Our panel of experts discusses the opportunities AI provides for church leaders, the ethical and theological concerns it raises, and how preachers can navigate this new technological landscape with wisdom and discernment.
Special days like Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day often bring unique opportunities and challenges for preachers. How can we approach these occasions faithfully and effectively? In this episode of Preachers in Training, Robert sits down with David Pharr, minister for the Concord Street church of Christ in Orlando, FL, to discuss how preachers can prepare sermons that honor these moments while staying true to Scripture.
Ministry can be challenging, but what keeps preachers motivated and committed for the long haul? In this episode, longtime minister of the gospel, Gary Hampton, joins Robert to share wisdom from his decades of preaching experience. He discusses the keys to maintaining passion, overcoming discouragement, and staying focused on the Lord’s work.
Preachers spend much of their time leading worship, but how can they ensure they are truly worshiping God themselves? In this episode, Jody Apple joins Robert to discuss the balance between leading and personally engaging in worship. They explore practical ways for preachers to maintain a worshipful heart while fulfilling their responsibilities.
In this episode of Preachers in Training, Robert is joined by Ty Rhymes to reflect on the powerful message of 1 Timothy 4:15-16. Together, they explore Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to devote himself to his calling, stay vigilant in his doctrine, and ensure that his life and teaching are a source of salvation for both himself and his listeners.
Logos Bible Software recently made a major shift to a new subscription-model pricing plan. What does this mean for longtime users of the study tool? Should you make the jump, and if so, at what subscription point? Michael Hite is back to share his thoughts and to highlight some of the new features.
In this episode, Robert Hatfield is joined by Kevin Rhodes, minister and director of the Brown Trail School of Preaching, to discuss the current preacher shortage. They discuss whether there actually is a preacher shortage, and then explore the causes, implications, and potential solutions to this critical issue facing the church. From the importance of cultivating young men for ministry to practical ways churches can address this growing concern, this conversation is filled with insights for church leaders and preachers alike.
