Ben Ratliff and Jim McCarthy explore the journey of ministry, focusing on the call to preaching, the tools and practices involved in sermon preparation, and the importance of personal piety in a minister's life. Jim shares his experiences from his early days in ministry, the growth of his preaching style, and the challenges he faces in balancing sermon preparation with other pastoral responsibilities. The discussion emphasizes the significance of being grounded in faith and the necessity of prayer in the life of a preacher. They discuss the necessity of private worship, the importance of learning from older ministers, and the value of teachability in ministry. McCarthy emphasizes the need for ministers to have a clear conscience and to genuinely cherish Christ in their own lives to effectively preach to their congregations. The conversation also highlights the significance of mentorship and the impact of older brothers in faith, culminating in the joy and privilege of proclaiming the Word of God.Send me a text!Support the show
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49:58
James Logan
Ben Ratliff sits down with James Logan, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. James shares his journey into pastoral ministry—from teaching Bible in private schools to discovering a call to pulpit ministry at RTS Jackson—and how that call has taken root in the rhythms of small-town church life.Together, they discuss the heart of preaching as proclaiming Christ for the salvation of sinners and the sanctification of saints, the weekly grind and joy of sermon prep, and the irreplaceable role of pastoral presence in the community. James offers reflections on how soul care, congregation visits, and even youth group Bible studies bleed into his pulpit work—and how visiting shut-ins has become an unexpected proving ground for sermon clarity.Send me a text!Support the show
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47:06
Wilson Van Hooser
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56:48
Scott Davis
In this episode of Especially the Preaching, Ben sits down with Rev. Scott Davis, pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Scott shares how he moved from member to minister in the same congregation, what it’s like to serve bivocationally as both pastor and professional magician, and how preaching became the centerpiece of his calling. The conversation covers sermon preparation, preaching philosophy, difficult texts, and the ordinary realities of preaching in season and out of season.Send me a text!Support the show
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59:54
Cilas Menezes
In this rich and personal conversation, Ben sits down with Cilas Menezes to discuss the call to preaching, the role of pastoral care in sermon preparation, and the nuts and bolts of weekly sermon crafting. Cilas shares his unique journey from law practice in Brazil to pastoral ministry in the PCA, reflecting on how God drew him to Himself and eventually into gospel ministry.What makes Cilas’s method especially compelling is his blend of rigorous exegesis—nourished by daily Greek and Hebrew devotional reading—and heartfelt, prayerful application shaped by the lives of his congregation. From writing full manuscripts to praying specifically for his people as part of sermon development, Cilas gives us a window into a preaching process rooted in love, theology, and pastoral presence.Send me a text!Support the show
On Especially the Preaching we meet preachers of God’s Word and through simple, honest interviews, shine a light on their work—their calling, their struggles, their joys. We aim to encourage preachers, those who wish to preach, and those who want to understand the preacher’s life. This is gospel ministry, not in the high places, but in the quiet corners where Christ’s kingdom grows strong.
Brasil