In this episode of the Expositors Collective Podcast, Mike Neglia is joined by Roberto Gazga, a hospice chaplain, lay preacher at Christ the King Reformed Baptist Church in Niles, Illinois, and host of the Urban Puritano podcast. Roberto is the author of Christ's Scope and Scepter: His Word, His World and is currently working on his forthcoming book, How to Preach Like a Puritan. Together, they explore Roberto’s journey into expository preaching, his theological evolution, and the unique perspective he brings to ministry through his work as a hospice chaplain.

Roberto doesn’t hold back when it comes to his concerns about the quadriga, the medieval method of interpreting Scripture in four layers (literal, allegorical, tropological, and anagogical). He finds it to be a confusing and, frankly, unnecessary system that muddies the waters of clear biblical interpretation. Instead, Roberto makes the case for a Christ-centered approach that’s as refreshing as it is practical. He brings up the idea of reading Scripture as a single, unified story where Christ is the star of the show—not buried under a pile of allegorical detours. If you’ve ever wondered how to preach Christ from all of Scripture without feeling like you’re walking on theological tightropes, Roberto’s insights will make you smile, think, and maybe even sigh in relief.

The conversation also highlights Roberto’s wisdom on pastoral care, drawing from his years of experience as a hospice chaplain. He shares practical advice for pastors making hospital visits, encouraging them to approach these situations with preparation, empathy, and the courage to lean into difficult moments. Roberto points out that a listening ear and a compassionate heart often open more doors than any pre-planned script. And when the moment is right, Scripture and prayer can transform even the most challenging conversations into opportunities for gospel hope. He and Mike share stories and insights that will leave you better equipped—and perhaps a bit less intimidated—about stepping into these sacred and sensitive spaces.

Roberto Gazga is a certified hospice chaplain in Chicago, where he earned a BA in theology from Moody Bible Institute. In his spare time, he produces written and podcast content for www.urbanpuritano.com related to the Bible, Reformed theology, preaching, and much more! He is also working on his forthcoming book, How to Preach Like a Puritan.

Christ's Scope and Scepter: His Word, His World:

https://www.amazon.com/Christs-Scope-Scepter-Word-World/dp/B0DL8HGMGQ/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VxpvIhfuh3OLlw9gM4jruauM4bSfZg8MdOum-QXzG8j2il5Ujr8Iu5ScBW9naDEOgMZfrkgwdyFjKaoJtTIJUqR8-hFDiQ926C0re9UkguA.L9uMeVM-RfssiA1RTAyQj_ColyIJ3Ca-UXdogWfDKVk&dib_tag=se&keywords=christs+scope+and+scepter&qid=1737550608&sr=8-1

🎙How To Preach Like a Puritan:

https://share.transistor.fm/s/ace50a4b

🎙 Redemptive Historical Homiletics:

https://share.transistor.fm/s/82422c88

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com

The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

In this episode of the Expositors Collective Podcast, Mike Neglia speaks with Dr. Wayne Baxter, Associate Professor of New Testament and Greek at Heritage College & Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario. With a Ph.D. in Early Christianity from McMaster University and an M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Wayne combines academic expertise with years of pastoral experience, having served churches in Windsor, Ottawa, and Toronto. He’s the author of several books, including Preparing Sermons from the Page to the Pulpit: Exegesis to Exposition in Seven Steps, a practical guide to sermon preparation.

Wayne shares his journey from a non-church background to full-time ministry, reflecting on how his preaching has evolved from being overly technical to more accessible and engaging. He emphasizes the importance of situating Scripture within its broader context (co-text) and how this approach strengthens sermon preparation. Wayne also shares insights into sermon rehearsal, creative illustrations, and connecting Scripture to the daily lives of congregants.

Mike and Wayne discuss the challenges of itinerant preaching, the state of expository preaching today, and how pastors can balance theological depth with relevant application. Wayne’s heartfelt hope is that his book will bridge the gap between biblical study and impactful preaching, equipping pastors and seminarians to proclaim God’s Word faithfully. Whether you’re a seasoned preacher or just beginning your journey, this episode is packed with practical tools and encouragement to help you grow in your craft.

Links:
9 Marks Application Grid: https://simeontrust.org/application-grid-9marks/
30 Day Shred: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/13745-30-day-shred
John Houseman: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002144/
Philip Nation on how to be a good guest preacher: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/how-to-be-a-good-guest-speaker-how-much-you-should-tell-your-kids-about-church-drama-and-so-much-more

Wayne teaches at Heritage College & Seminary https://discoverheritage.ca/

You can find his book (and other Lexham Press authors who have been on the show here: https://lexhampress.com/Expositors

----

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com

The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

This week we have a powerful and practical message from Tim Chaddick, Pastor for Preaching at Reality Ventura and a frequent speaker and mentor with Expositors Collective. Recorded live at a preacher training event in Indianapolis, Indiana, this teaching is concise, impactful, and brimming with honest and insightful wisdom.

Tim encourages preachers to prioritise their reading, plan their rhythms, and practise their rules to cultivate personal spiritual health, relational well-being, and clarity in their public proclamation of God’s Word. He outlines a strategic approach to sermon preparation, beginning with expositional resources to understand the biblical text, then connecting the passage to the broader narrative of Scripture through doctrinal and thematic resources, and finally incorporating cultural resources to address contemporary contexts.

He also provides practical advice on balancing sermon preparation with the demands of pastoral care. From planning sermon series and crafting weekly rhythms to involving others in the feedback process, Tim offers valuable tools to help preachers stay spiritually grounded while effectively fulfilling their calling. Above all, he challenges preachers to preach first to their own hearts, rely on the Holy Spirit, and trust that God’s Word will bear fruit—even in seasons of inadequacy.

Tim’s own journey began in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he pursued music and relationships as the source of his identity. After encountering the gospel of Jesus Christ, he experienced forgiveness and new life, leading to his calling as a pastor. Over the years, Tim has planted and pastored churches in Los Angeles, London, and Ventura, California, with a deep passion for urban church planting and gospel renewal.

This episode is both practical and thought-provoking—a must-listen for anyone seeking wisdom on sustaining a healthy ministry life and preaching with clarity, power, and purpose.

Upcoming Event: Expositors Collective Training in Longmont, Colorado
Don’t miss our next in-person Expositors Collective training event, happening April 4–5, 2025, at White Fields Community Church in Longmont, Colorado. This workshop is designed to equip and encourage new and experienced preachers alike, offering hands-on training, mentoring, and practical tools to help you grow in your preaching ministry.

For more information and to register, visit expositorscollective.com.

Links and Resources:

• Learn more about Expositors Collective events at expositorscollective.com.
• Connect with Tim Chaddick and Reality Ventura at realityventura.com.
• Here is an interview between Becket Cook (the man from the coffee shop in Tim's story at the end of the message) https://youtu.be/r0BYEyyFv4s?si=mq8reAsdZTlSpxB_
• Tim Chaddick Interview from 2019: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/episode-82-three-key-movements-in-the-life-of-a-preacher
• Battling Pride in in the Heart of the Preacher - Panel Discussion with Dominic Done, Clay Worrell, Nick Cady & Tim Chaddick - https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/battling-pride-in-in-the-heart-of-the-preacher-panel-discussion-with-dominic-done-clay-worrell-nick-cady-tim-chaddick

The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Donate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective