Episode 4: A Conversation with Dr. Levi Skipper

Preaching
Written By Ben Smith
Dr. Levi Skipper

Dr. Levi Skipper (Photo Credit: Sagemont Church, Houston, TX)

Episode 4 of the "View from the Pulpit” podcast, hosted by Ben Smith, focuses on the integral role of the ministry of preaching in the church with Dr. Levi Skipper, senior pastor of Sagemont Church, Houston, TX. In this episode, Dr. Skipper shares his sermon preparation process, lessons he has learned about preaching, and other helpful insights into the ministry of preaching.

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 3 A Conversation with Dr. Levi Skipper

Episode Theme: A preacher’s preparation and the role of preaching in the church

In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Levi Skipper, senior pastor of Sagemont Church, Houston, TX, about the process of preparing to preach, the role of preaching in the ministry of the church, and how technology has impacted the ministry of preaching.

Key Highlights:

  • The Details of Sermon Preparation: Dr. Skipper discusses his weekly sermon preparation process, from reading a scripture text to delivering a sermon. Levi discusses using a sermon manuscript and how his pulpit notes have changed over the years.

  • Helpful Criticism: Dr. Skipper advocates for the benefits of developing relationships with those who can give helpful criticism and coaching to help you become a better preacher.

  • The importance of knowing your congregation: Beyond the study and writing of sermons, Dr. Skipper describes how knowing your congregation is a requirement for every preacher.

  • Technology and the church: Online access has impacted how many connect with preaching. Dr. Skipper discusses how God has used technology to advance the reach of the church’s preaching ministry and its limitations.

Join Ben Smith and Dr. Levi Skipper for an honest discussion of the challenges and joys of preaching and how you can be more faithful in the pulpit.

Host: Ben Smith

Guest: Dr. Levi Skipper

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

Dr. Levi Skipper is the senior pastor of Sagemont Church, Houston, TX. He previously served as the Vice President of Church Strengthening for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. Levi has 22 years of ministry experience, of which 17 have been in the role of Senior Pastor. Levi is a graduate of Shorter University, Rome, GA. He went on to receive his Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Ministry from Luther Rice University. Levi has been married to his wife, Christa, for 23 years, and they have four children.

Dr. Skipper was called at the age of 23 as Lead Pastor of Ewing Road Baptist Church in Austell, Georgia. In 2009, from his heart for evangelism and missions and a clear call from God, Levi founded First Day Ministry. At First Day Ministry, Levi has preached at evangelism conferences with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, revivals across the state, and has held numerous evangelistic crusades overseas. He has also been instrumental in founding a theological training school that has equipped over 300 pastors in Ethiopia. In 2010, he returned to the pastorate as Senior Pastor at Concord Baptist Church in Clermont, Georgia. In 2019, he accepted the role of Director of Evangelism for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.

Dr. Skipper is the author of many books and resources that include:

Follow Dr. Skipper on X at https://x.com/drjlskipper

For more information on Sagemont Church, Houston, TX, visit https://www.sagemontchurch.org

You can find video of Dr. Levi Skipper’s preaching at https://www.sagemontchurch.org/media/on-demand/

An audio podcast of Dr. Levi Skipper’s preaching is available on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sagemont-church/id1774323850

A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/.

Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.

Ben Smith

Originally from Columbus, GA, pastor Ben Smith has served churches in Texas, South Carolina, and Georgia. Ben and his wife Dana make their home in Waycross, GA, where Ben has pastored Central Baptist Church since 2012.

Pastor Ben preaches each Sunday at Central Baptist. An audio podcast of his sermons is published weekly. Pastor Ben also posts weekly to his blog, Ponderings.

https://bensmithsr.org
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