Podcast: Preaching to Uncle Bob: Evangelistic Preaching in a Post-Christian World with John Dickson

In this episode, Ridley College Faculty member, Tim Johnson, sits down with the John Dickson — historian, author, podcaster, and public Christian — ahead of the annual Ridley Preachers Conference. 

Their conversation centres on one of the most important and underestimated skills in ministry: evangelistic preaching. Not the Billy Graham crusade kind — but the kind that happens every Sunday in local churches around the country, where real doubters are sitting in real pews. 

John makes a compelling case that the local church is still the most powerful evangelistic tool we have, and that any preacher — not just the gifted evangelist — can learn to preach in a way that has something for the doubter in the room. 

They explore the difference between evangelistic preaching and evangelism, the common missteps that lose sceptical listeners, how to handle questions about Christianity's goodness and reputation, what Aristotle's three elements of persuasion have to do with the pulpit, and John's one piece of advice for anyone preparing an evangelistic sermon this Sunday. 

Whether you're a seasoned preacher or just starting out, this is a conversation that will change the way you think about your next sermon.

You can listen to this podcast here

Book: Apply the Word

Every preacher wants to see God’s Word impact their congregation. 

We wrestle with meaning, check the original Greek, and consult commentaries to make sure we’re faithful, articulate, and gospel-driven . But what if, in our diligence, we’re neglecting application, leaving our listeners informed rather than transformed?

Richard Coekin is passionate about application and candidly shares his own mistakes and growth in preaching over the past thirty years. Writing for both new and experienced preachers, Coekin lays out what good application is, what it’s not, and how to develop in this vital area so congregations don’t just hear the Word, but are equipped to put it into practice.

Key Points 

• The Problem with Expository Preaching: Why accurate textual exposition often neglects clear, practical application, leaving congregations informed but unchanged.
• Defining True Application: What faithful, text-driven application looks like (and distinguishing it from legalism, moralism, or subjective opinion).
• Application to the Heart: Shepherding listeners across different life situations—addressing tired parents, anxious believers, proud leaders, and skeptical guests.
• Nuts and Bolts of Sermon Preparation: Practical techniques and structural tools for incorporating clear application directly into sermon outlines and delivery.

Available on Amazon

Worship and Study resource: Creation in Christ Day

Creation in Christ or Feast of Creation has been introduced into the liturgical calendar to be celebrated on 1 September or the nearest following Sunday.  

Grounded in the ancient liturgical tradition of the Orthodox Church, “Creation in Christ” (or “Feast of Creation”) celebrates God as Creator and ponders the great mystery that everything was created through Christ. And, as a result, it also inspires us to care for the gift of the created world. Although the rich theme of Christ’s activity in creation abounds throughout the liturgical year, setting aside this day brings an important focus to this mystery.

Resources 

Creation in Christ Web site

LWF  information

Consultation on Common Texts - recommended texts and rationale

ELCA - Year A worship resources

2026 August Lutheran Fellowship Gatherings weekly resource

 

AUGUST weekly resources

Click on the weekly links below  to access the weekly resources

August week 1:   Pentecost 10 Proper 13 Matthew 14:13-21

August week 2:  Pentecost 11 Proper 14 Matthew 14:22-33

August week 3:  Pentecost 12  Proper 15 Matthew 15:10-28

August week 4:  Pentecost 13 Proper 16 Matthew 16:13-20 

DONATE HERE

 

The Lutheran Fellowship Gathering weekly resource is for small groups or small worshipping communities to help them connect with God and each other focussing on the Gospel reading of the Revised Common Lectionary  

I have made this resource available is to support people who wish to gather around God’s Word, focus on Jesus and to grow as part of God’s church.  

You may want to use it to help you start a small group in your church community, or to gather people in a community where a Lutheran church currently is not present.  

This resource is offered free of charge to non-commercial situations, on the understanding that you will not charge for copies or its use.   

This resource has been developed by Pastor Richard Schwedes, richardschwedes@gmail.com 

If you have feedback, suggestions or improvements feel free to email me

Study: Lutheran Hermeneutics - The Bible in the life of the Lutheran communion

For Lutherans the Bible is the word of God 

The Bible is also read in hugely diverse cultural, political, economic and religious contexts. 

The Bible in the life of the Lutheran Communion engages with the question how Lutheran churches in such varied contexts can reach a shared and mutual understanding regarding their reading and interpretation of biblical texts. 

Chapters

1. Introduction:  The Lutheran churches’ focus on the Bible and its interpretation 
2. What does sola scriptura mean?  
3. Challenges of interpreting the Bible today
4. Opportunities for reading and understanding the Bible in the twenty-first century 

Download a copy of The Bible in the life of the Lutheran Communion here