Preachers in Training with Robert Hatfield artwork

Preachers in Training with Robert Hatfield

338 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★★ - 59 ratings

Encourage. Enlighten. Empower.

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Episodes

“A Conversation with Student Ministers” with Walker Howell and Sawyer Reid (Preachers in Training S19E6)

March 14, 2024 07:00 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, March 14, 2024 Are you considering becoming a preacher? Are you already preaching, but feel that you need your passion for ministry to be reignited? If so, take half an hour to listen to Walker Howell and Sawyer Reid. They are two outstanding Bible majors at Freed-Hardeman University, and […]

“How Churches Can Better Utilize Media” with Michael Bush (Preachers in Training S19E5)

March 07, 2024 08:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, March 7, 2024 The media age in which we live isn’t going away. While many of us had a crash course in social media and marketing during the COVID pandemic, it may be time to take that to the next level and to update our practices in order to […]

“When You Struggle with Your Health” with David Pharr (Preachers in Training S19E4)

February 29, 2024 08:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, February 29, 2024 David Pharr was preparing dinner one minute and, the next thing he knew, he was in the back of an ambulance on the way to the hospital. Today, almost two months past brain surgery, he tells a wonderful story about the love of Jesus expressed through […]

“Evangelism Outside of the Bible Belt” with Robert Young, Sr. (Preachers in Training S19E3)

February 22, 2024 17:40 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, February 22, 2024 Robert Young, Sr. serves as one of the elders for the Long Island church of Christ in New York. He joins Robert today to discuss the differences of evangelism and religious culture in general between the American South and the Northeast. What can we learn from […]

“The Opportunities and Liabilities of New Technologies” with Chad Landman (Preachers in Training S19E2)

February 15, 2024 08:00 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, February 15, 2024 Chad Landman talks about ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence. What potential lies in this technology? How could they be practically and helpfully utilized within the context of ministry? Chad offers some great helps and insights on this episode. Watch the Video We want to hear from you! […]

“Preaching Revelation & FHU Lectureship Preview” with Doug Burleson (Preachers in Training S19E1)

January 25, 2024 08:00 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, January 25, 2024 This year’s theme for the Annual Bible Lectureship at Freed-Hardeman University is “Triumph of the Lamb: the Battle with Evil in Revelation.” Dr. Doug Burleson, professor of Bible at FHU and the director of the Annual Bible Lectureship, joins Robert this week to discuss the challenges […]

“On Establishing an Eldership at a Congregation” with Paul Sain (Preachers in Training S18E12)

December 07, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, December 7, 2023 What should a preacher do if he is at a congregation without elders? If men who are qualified to be shepherds are present, what is the practical process of establishing the eldership, or, as Paul wrote to Titus, setting in order the things that are lacking? […]

“Thanksgiving – To What End?” (Preachers in Training S18E11)

November 23, 2023 08:00 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, November 23, 2023 On this Thanksgiving episode for 2023, Robert shares some thoughts about why thanksgiving is a vital habit for a minister to develop. Watch the Video We want to hear from you! Subscription Links

“2023 Holiday Gift Guide” with Chad Landman (Preachers in Training S18E10)

November 16, 2023 13:16 - 49 minutes - 92.3 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, November 16, 2023 Chad Landman is here with the 2023 Holiday Gift Guide! Chad joins us each year at this time with picks made with ministers in mind. Watch the Video Episode Resources We want to hear from you! Subscription Links

“Tips for Meeting with Elders” with Adam Faughn (Preachers in Training S18E9)

November 09, 2023 08:00 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, November 9, 2023 Adam Faughn is back to offer some tips for meeting with elders. Adam preachers for the Central church of Christ in Paducah, Kentucky. Watch the Video We want to hear from you! Subscription Links

“Ministering to 20- and 30-Year Olds” with Matt Sokoloski (Preachers in Training S18E8)

October 26, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 25.7 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, October 26, 2023 Dr. Matthew Sokoloski, affectionately known as Soko, is an Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Freed-Hardeman University. He also works with the Henderson church of Christ as the campus minister. His academic training plus on-the-job experience in teaching and ministry make him a unique person to […]

“Ministering to Those Who Are Learning to Live with Loss” with Dean Miller (Preachers in Training S18E7)

October 12, 2023 07:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, October 12, 2023 Dean Miller travels the country to help people learn to live with loss, especially the loss of a spouse. His focus on widowhood has been a blessing to so many people. On this episode of Preachers in Training, brother Dean teaches us how to minister with […]

“Talking Productivity” with Chance Hicks (Preachers in Training S18E6)

September 28, 2023 07:00 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, September 28, 2023 One of the biggest challenges for any minister is how to get it all done. For that matter, is the work ever done?? Chance Hicks joins Robert to discuss all things productivity! Watch the Video We want to hear from you! Subscription Links

“Planning Sermons & Congregational Study Plans” (Preachers in Training S18E5)

September 21, 2023 07:00 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, September 21, 2023 David Sproule has been planning congregational themes and coordinating study plans for years at the Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ in West Palm Beach, Florida. On this episode, he discusses how he plans for the year ahead and shares a unique idea that he has […]

“Why You Should Study the Maps in the Back of Your Bible” with John Moore (Preachers in Training S18E4)

September 14, 2023 07:00 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, September 14, 2023 Through his Bible Passages ministry, John Moore helps many Christians come to learn more about the world in which biblical events took place. His passion for biblical cultures and history shines through on this episode, all about why preachers need to study these matters and how […]

“Improving a Preacher’s Prayer Life” with Kevin Rhodes (Preachers in Training S18E3)

September 07, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 57.5 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, September 7, 2023 Preacher, do you struggle with your prayer life? We can relate. Kevin Rhodes, the director of the Brown Train School of Preaching in Bedford, TX, is back to discuss how we can improve our prayer lives. He offers five reasons why this might be a problem, […]

“Ministering to Young Adults” with Dean Thompson (Preachers in Training S18E2)

August 24, 2023 12:21 - 44 minutes - 83.1 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, August 24, 2023 Are young adults interesting in the Bible and Christianity? Dean Thompson says they are! Dean is one of the evangelists for the University church of Christ in Charlotte, North Carolina. He stops by Preachers in Training on this episode to share several practical tips for ministering […]

“Take Heart” (Preachers in Training S18E1)

August 17, 2023 07:00 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, August 17, 2023 Robert kicks off season 18 with a look at the first chapter of both 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy, highlighting reasons Paul gave to Timothy why he could overcome timidity and have courage to face the challenging circumstances that were ahead. Watch the Video [Coming Soon!] […]

“Preaching at Laodicea” with Mike Vestal (Preachers in Training S17E7)

May 04, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, May 4, 2023 How do you know if you are preaching for a lukewarm congregation? And what do you do if you are? Mike Vestal walks through Revelation 3, specifically the letter to the church at Laodicea, and shows us Jesus’ response to the lukewarm. Watch the Video We […]

“Becoming a Better Preacher” with David Pharr (Preachers in Training S17E6)

April 27, 2023 07:00 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, April 27, 2023 David Pharr, pulpit minister for the Concord Street church of Christ in Orlando, Florida, offers seven things we can do to be better preachers. Watch the Video We want to hear from you! Subscription Links

“Preaching for a Bilingual Congregation” with Barton Kizer (Preachers in Training S17E5)

February 16, 2023 08:00 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, February 16, 2023 Barton Kizer helps us learn how to reach people of different cultures, and offers practical next-steps for how to do this on a congregational level. Watch the Video   We want to hear from you! Email: [email protected] Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) Subscription Links  

“Getting Out of a Preaching Rut” with Steve Higginbotham” (Preachers in Training S17E4)

February 09, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 28.7 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, February 9, 2023 If you’ve been preaching for very long, then you know about preaching ruts. What can I do if I feel I’m in one? Steve Higginbotham offers six helpful suggestions. Watch the Video   We want to hear from you! Email: [email protected] Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) Subscription Links […]

“Talking Minister Taxes” with Dale Hubbert (Preachers in Training S17E3)

January 26, 2023 08:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, January 26, 2023 Dale Hubbert is a financial advisor and a friend of ministers! He joins Robert to offer some tips related to a minister’s taxes. Episode Resources [Video] Values Based Investing by Dale Hubbert We want to hear from you! Email: [email protected] Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) Subscription Links  

“A Preview of the 87th FHU Bible Lectureship” with Doug Burleson (Preachers in Training S17E2)

January 19, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 27.6 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, January 19, 2023 Go behind the scenes of the Annual Bible Lectureship at Freed-Hardeman University with lectureship director, Dr. Doug Burleson. Watch the Video Episode Resources [WEBSITE] 2023 FHU Lectureship: For Such a Time as This: Restoring God’s People in Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther We want to hear from you! Email: […]

“Lessons For Preachers From Philippians” with Adam Faughn (Preachers in Training S17E1)

January 12, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 67.2 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, January 12, 2023 During The Light Network’s 10th anniversary Celebrate-a-thon, Adam Faughn joined us to discuss things preachers can take to heart from the wonderful epistle of joy, the book of Philippians. Adam has been a wonderful encourager to Preachers in Training and to all of The Light Network […]

“Re-Baptism?” with David Sproule (Preachers in Training S16E16)

December 15, 2022 08:00 - 37 minutes - 35.2 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, December 15, 2022 David Sproule, one of the preachers for the Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ in West Palm Beach, FL, joins Robert this week to discuss “re-baptism,” per a request from a listener. Watch the Video   We want to hear from you! Email: [email protected] Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT […]

“Ministering to Singles” with Westley Hazel (Preachers in Training S16E15)

December 08, 2022 08:00 - 27 minutes - 26.1 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, December 8, 2022 Whether we mean to or not, sometimes church culture can treat people who are not married as though they are less important or lacking in some way. By contrast, Paul has much to say about the potential singleness offers in service to God. Westley Hazel joins […]

“2022 Holiday Gift Guide” with Chad Landman (Preachers in Training S16E14)

December 02, 2022 23:01 - 46 minutes - 43.5 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, December 1, 2022 Chad Landman is here with the 2022 Holiday Gift Guide! Chad joins us each year at this time with picks made with ministers in mind. Watch the Video Episode Resources Digital Parenting Workshop Chad’s Picks for 2022: Anker Wireless PowerWave Charging Stand [$40] – https://amzn.to/3ASQFCf Anker […]

“Why I’m Thankful to be a Preacher” with PIT Listeners (Preachers in Training S16E13)

November 24, 2022 08:00 - 25 minutes - 24.1 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, November 24, 2022 For Thanksgiving 2022 we are treated to six friends of Preachers in Training who join Robert to offer why they are thankful to be a preacher  Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for your support of The Light Network. To God be the glory!   Have you planned your […]

“Dealing with Difficult Brethren” with Jon Mitchell (Preachers in Training S16E12)

November 17, 2022 08:00 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, November 17, 2022 Jon Mitchell, pulpit minister for the East Main church of Christ in Murfreesboro, TN, joins Robert to discuss this week’s listener-requested topic, “Dealing with Difficult Brethren.” Watch the Video Episode Resource: [PODCAST] “How to Love People Who Don’t Love You” with Steve Higginbotham (Preachers in Training […]

“Premarital Counseling” with Adam Faughn (Preachers in Training S16E11)

November 10, 2022 08:00 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, November 10, 2022 You have been honored by an invitation to officiate a couple’s wedding! Now what?! Adam Faughn stops by this week to discuss his goals for premarital counseling. He shares the “formula” he adapts for each couple, how long he meets with them, and helpful resources he […]

“The Kind of Preaching Godly Elders Want” with Brett Pharr (Preachers in Training S16E10)

November 03, 2022 07:00 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, November 3, 2022 Brett Pharr served as an elder for over 20 years, presently serves on the Board of Trustees for Freed-Hardeman University, and is the CEO of a publicly traded bank. He brings great wisdom and insights – first from Scripture and then from the business / financial […]

“What’s New in Logos 10” with Michael Hite (Preachers in Training S16E9)

October 27, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 82.6 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, October 27, 2022 Michael Hite is back to walk us through some of the new features in Logos 10! Programming note: we have both audio and video available, but the video version will probably be a better experience. We hope you enjoy! Watch the Video Episode Resources Learn more about Logos Bear […]

“The Greatest Preachers I Have Ever Known” with Billy Smith (Preachers in Training S16E8)

September 22, 2022 07:00 - 56 minutes - 51.4 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, September 22, 2022 It’s important for preachers of the present generation to hear about the preachers of previous generations. Dr. Billy Smith, professor emeritus of Bible at Freed-Hardeman University, shares stories and observations about eight of the greatest preachers he has known. You will enjoy hearing brother Billy’s analysis […]

“Why Restoration History Matters” with Sam Hester (Preachers in Training S16E7)

September 15, 2022 07:00 - 52 minutes - 47.9 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, September 15, 2022 An understanding of history can offer both important context for the present and a greater appreciation of the past. Dr. Sam Hester, long-time professor of Bible and Christian history at Freed-Hardeman University, joins Robert on this episode to discuss why restoration history matters. Watch the Video […]

“Why Preachers Need a Good Theological Foundation” with Donnie DeBord (Preachers in Training S16E6)

September 08, 2022 07:00 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, September 8, 2022 Theology is vital to any Christian’s thinking because it relates to every facet of life. This is especially true for preachers because we must communicate the importance of theological thinking to those to whom we preach. On this episode of Preachers in Training, Dr. Donnie DeBord […]

“Ten Reasons Why You Need a Sermon Plan” (Preachers in Training S16E5)

September 01, 2022 07:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, September 1, 2022 Robert has been making sermon plans for the last ten years. Today he shares ten reasons why he believes they are so important to preaching for a congregation, and he shares a resource that has been developed to aid in sermon planning! Watch the Video   […]

“RESTORE: Church Leadership Workshop” with Josh Ketchum (Preachers in Training S16E4)

August 25, 2022 07:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, August 25, 2022 Dr. Josh Ketchum, Bible professor at Freed-Hardeman University, stops by to make us aware of the Church Leadership Workshop sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Spiritual Leadership at FHU. This year’s theme is RESTORE and the entire event is free (including meals and lodging)! Find […]

“Study Techniques in Non-Biblical Sources” with Brad McNutt (Preachers in Training S16E3)

August 18, 2022 07:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, August 18, 2022 Modern ministers have more resources available than ever. From books to podcasts and everything in between, we may wonder how to get the most from various forms of media. Brad McNutt joins Robert on this listener-requested episode of Preachers in Training to discuss how we can […]

“Ministering with and to Your Wife” with Milton Sewell (Preachers in Training S16E2)

August 11, 2022 07:00 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, August 11, 2022 Milton Sewell has been married to sister Laurel for over 50 years. Dr. Sewell has spent his career ministering to students through Christian education at Mars Hill Bible School in Florence, AL and at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN. During that time he has also had […]

“Contemporary Issues” with Matt Sokoloski (Preachers in Training S16E1)

August 04, 2022 07:00 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, August 4, 2022 We have a lot to think about in our time. Not only must preachers determine what they believe about issues like Critical Race Theory or Social Justice, but we also need to know if / how we should address those issues in our preaching and ministry. […]

“Online Evangelism” with Chad Landman (Preachers in Training S15E11)

May 26, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 60.1 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, May 26, 2022 Online evangelism is really a necessity in an age like ours. The pandemic only solidified that. On this episode, Chad Landman discusses the goals of online evangelism and how to accomplish those goals using technology. Watch the Video Episode Resources Branding Adobe Express (iOS and Android) […]

“When You Are Caught in the Middle of Church Strife” with Mike Vestal (Preachers in Training S15E10)

May 12, 2022 14:43 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, May 12, 2022 What should a minister do when he finds himself caught in the middle of contention within the congregation? Mike Vestal says, “Every stressor in ministry out to cause us to become more God-centered.” On this episode, he offers five things you can do for your own […]

“Balancing Boundaries” with Dale Jenkins (Preachers in Training S15E9)

May 05, 2022 07:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, May 5, 2022 Being a minster can often leave us feeling overwhelmed. What do we do in those busy seasons? Dale Jenkins offers six tips to help an overwhelmed minister. Watch the Video Episode Resources The Jenkins Institute We want to hear from you! Email: [email protected] Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) […]

“Ten of My Favorite Episodes So Far” (Preachers in Training S15E8)

March 24, 2022 12:40 - 25 minutes - 23 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, March 24, 2022 This is the 325th episode of Preachers in Training, and next year will mark ten years of this podcast (and of The Light Network)! On this episode, Robert discusses 10 (okay, it’s actually 12) episodes that made a special impact on him and shares some stories behind those […]

“Tips for Initiating Evangelistic Conversations” with Lance Mosher (Preachers in Training S15E7

March 17, 2022 07:00 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, March 17, 2022 Lance Mosher is presently the missionary-in-residence for Freed-Hardeman University. He has spent fifteen years dedicating the majority of his time to personal evangelism, and today he shares some of his experiential training with us. Would you like to be better at initiating evangelistic conversations? What can […]

“ReConnect Marriage Retreat for Ministers” (Preachers in Training S15E6)

March 10, 2022 08:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, March 10, 2022 Josh Ketchum and Adam Faughn join Robert on this episode of “Preachers in Training” to discuss the ReConnect Marriage Retreat. ReConnect is a retreat for ministers and their wives. Watch the Video   Episode Resources Register for ReConnect here: http://www.joshketchum.com/reconnect/ Post from Faughn Family about ReConnect: […]

“Encouraging Missionaries & Foreign Ministers” with Ryan Davis (Preachers in Training S15E5)

February 24, 2022 08:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, February 24, 2022 Ryan Davis, the preaching minister for the Bellevue church of Christ in Nashville, TN, spent considerable time on the mission field of Cusco, Peru. He joins Robert on this episode to discuss what the church in the United States needs to hear about missions and the […]

“Tips for Ministering to a Congregation Without Elders” with Jake Sutton (Preachers in Training S15E4)

February 17, 2022 15:19 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, February 17, 2022 Jake Sutton offers tips for preachers who serve congregations without an eldership. Watch the Video [Coming Soon] Episode Resources Piedy and Pals (Kaio Publications) Edify: For the Servant We want to hear from you! Email: [email protected] Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448) Subscription Links  

“Planned Preaching” with Billy Smith (Preachers in Training S15E3)

January 27, 2022 08:00 - 47 minutes - 44.3 MB

Host: Robert Hatfield  |  Released Thursday, January 27, 2022 Billy Smith, affectionately known to his hundreds of students as brother Billy, joins Robert this week to discuss planned preaching. Bro. Billy’s doctoral dissertation was written on planned preaching and he has spent much of his career studying and teaching about the topic. You will appreciate […]