Explore every episode of the podcast Preaching Coach Podcast with Dr. David Allen

In today’s special guest host episode, Woodlawn Baptist Church Senior Pastor Dr. Lewis Richerson talks with Dr. Tommy Middleton, current director of missions for the Baptist Association of Greater Baton Rouge and the previous senior pastor of Woodlawn Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. This engaging discussion ranges from the importance of theological education, the ways that has changed over the past two decades, and the need for more pastors called of God to carefully exposit the Word of God.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen discusses how to preach Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God,” in Part 2 of a two-part series on this verse, examining the Greek and taking a close look at the proper interpretation of this portion of Scripture.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen discusses how to plan a sermon on the first half of Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” which is part 1 of a 2-part podcast episode. Part 2, examining the phrase, “for theirs is the kingdom of God,” will follow soon.

Learn more about Preaching Coach and find resources to help you prepare sermons and deliver them well at PreachingCoach.com. 

In this episode, Dr. David Allen argues that the public reading of Scripture is often done poorly and should be a Word-centered act of worship. He reflects on his own early tendency to read Scripture perfunctorily, then points to Reformation-era Church of Scotland practices and cites Nehemiah 8 and 1 Timothy 4 in explaining the biblical priority of public reading, exhortation, and teaching. Dr. Allen shares 10 practical keys for reading well, including choosing a reasonable-length text, using oral interpretation, practicing ahead of time, improving mechanics (diction, rate, pitch, volume), projecting, reading naturally, being heard/understood/felt, using good posture, varying eye contact, and not rushing. He demonstrates the difference by reading Luke 19:1–10 in two different styles, illuminating helpful and unhelpful ways to read Scripture. 

In this episode, Dr. David Allen reads a book chapter which could have been a sermon – “Marks of Maturity in the Ministry,” by Warren Wiersbe. Listen to this chapter from “Listening to the Giants,” and ponder the wise words about preaching a sermon versus a message and being a man who acts rather than reacts.

In this episode, Dr. David Allen reads a transcript of Thomas Chalmers’ Sermon, “The Expulsive Power of a New Affection.” This episode is the third installment in a series looking at significant sermons from the past.

In this episode, Dr. David Allen shares a recording of Dr. Roy Metts’ 2004 Founders Day sermon at Criswell College. This episode is the second installment in a series looking at significant sermons from the past. In his sermon, Dr. Metts delivers an expositional message from Colossians 1.

In this episode, Dr. David Allen reads the transcript of a sermon from Bailey Smith, preached in 1980 during a chapel service at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. The sermon, looking at 2 Corinthians 4, is one for which Dr. Allen was present at the time of its delivery and one which has enduring value to pastors, theologians, and students still today.  

In this episode, Dr. David Allen interviews Olivier Melnick, the founder and executive director of Shalom in Messiah Ministries. The son of Holocaust survivors from France, Olivier is an international speaker, an authority on the topic of antisemitism, and the author of seven books. This discussion centers around the root of antisemitism, how it has expanded in recent years, and what Christians can do to help combat it.

In this episode—the second in a two-part series—on the Preaching Coach Podcast, Dr. David Allen interviews Dr. Jim Sibley on the topic of Israel, specifically discussing replacement theology and whether the church has replaced Israel. Dr. Sibley and his wife served as missionaries in Israel for 16 years, and he currently serves as a Research Professor at Israel College of the Bible.

In this episode—the first in a two-part series—on the Preaching Coach Podcast, Dr. David Allen interviews Dr. Jim Sibley on the topic of Israel.  Dr. Sibley and his wife served as missionaries in Israel for 16 years, and he currently serves as a Research Professor at Israel College of the Bible.

In this episode of the Preaching Coach Podcast, Dr. David Allen takes a look back at 2025 and discusses what lies ahead for the ministry in 2026 including events, coaching opportunities, new resources, and more.

In this year’s final episode of the Preaching Coach Podcast, we share the most popular episode from all of 2025, Anatomy of a Sermon. In this episode, Dr. David Allen discusses the various aspects and functions of a sermon, comparing it to the anatomical design and study of the body.

Anatomy is the branch of science that studies the physical structure of the human body. It focuses on the physical arrangement of body parts, including cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Anatomy can be broadly divided into two types: gross anatomy (macroscopic) and microscopic anatomy.

Key aspects of anatomy:
Gross anatomy: Examines structures visible to the naked eye, including bones, muscles, organs, and organ systems.
Microscopic anatomy: Studies the microscopic structures of the body, including cells and tissues, using instruments like microscopes.
Subdivisions of gross anatomy: Include surface anatomy (examining the surface of the body), regional anatomy (focusing on specific regions), and systemic anatomy (studying the body systems). Importance: Anatomy is essential. It provides a foundational understanding of the human body for healthcare professionals, artists, and scientists.
Human Anatomy: Human anatomy involves the study of the physical structure of the human body. It focuses on numerous systems, including circulatory, digestive, endocrine, skeletal, lymphatic, nervous, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and muscular systems.

Sermon Anatomy – Effective Sermons:

1. INTERPRETATION - What is the meaning of the text? Determining textual meaning is the essential first step.
2. TRANSLATION - The job of the preacher is to transfer the meaning of the text to the audience in terms and contexts they understand. This is a kind of “translation,” reproducing textual meaning via the sermon. 
3. ORGANIZATION - In order to accomplish #2, every sermon should be structured for maximum effect. Thus, a sermon should contain the following 7 elements: 
   1. Exposition – Explaining the meaning of the text
   2. Illustration – Elucidating the meaning of the text
   3. Application – Applying the warranted meaning of the text
   4. Imagination – Helping people penetrate reality
   5. Argumentation – Proving the point of the text via its logic
   6. Motivation – Moving the will to obey - (via rhetoric, passion, exhortation, etc.)
   7. Exhortation – Telling them what to believe and practice; to do and not to do 
4. COMMUNICATION - Connecting with people via content and style
5. PASSION - Passion for Christ, the Word, and people expressed in delivery
6. PERSUASION - Preaching to convince people to think & act biblically. Behavior is based on belief. Change how people think, and you will change how they behave. (James 1:22)
7. TRANSFORMATION – Information is not transformation. Life transformation is the goal of preaching. Salvation of the lost; edification of the saved. 

In this episode from the archives, Dr. David Allen shares some helpful tips for preaching during Christmas. Learn how to prepare Christmas sermons from both the Old Testament and the New Testament on the birth of Jesus. 

Book Recommendations:

• Clovis Chappell - Special Day Sermons
• Clarence Macartney - Biblical Characters Books
• W. E. Sangster - Sangster's special-day sermons
• Herbert Lockyer - All the Holy Days and Holidays
• Stephen Olford - The Pulpit and the Christian Calendar: Preaching on Significant Days & The Pulpit and the Christian Calendar Vol. 2
• George Sweeting - Special sermons for special days

In this episode, Dr. David Allen talks with Dr. Jerry Vines about his friendship with Dr. Adrian Rogers.

In this episode, Dr. David Allen talks with Dr. Jack Graham and Dr. O.S. Hawkins about the 60+ years of friendship they have shared throughout their lives and ministries.  

In this episode, Dr. David Allen discusses different types of friendship and the great value true friendship is to anyone serving in ministry.

In this episode from the archives, Dr. David Allen discusses the subject of thanksgiving through the lens of Scripture.

In this episode, Dr. David Allen shares about a new product Preaching Coach will soon be offering – the Preaching Planner. This new planner is a companion resource to Dr. David Allen’s “12 Steps in Sermon Preparation” e-book.

In this episode from the archives, Dr. David Allen shares helpful tips for preaching the Christmas story. Learn how to prepare Christmas sermons from both the Old Testament and the New Testament about the birth of Jesus. 

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen discusses the incarnation, atonement, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and what relation these subjects have with apologetics.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen discusses creation, prophecy, and intelligent design in part 4 of our series on preaching and apologetics.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen discusses 15 biblical aspects of apologetics in the third part of our series on preaching and apologetics.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen discusses the subject of apologetics and what it means to give a defense for your faith in part two of this series on preaching and apologetics.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen discusses the subject of apologetics and what it means to give a defense for your faith.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen discusses the subject of preaching a sermon series on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen talks with Eric Geiger, Senior Pastor of Mariners Church in Southern California, discussing Eric’s experience preaching through difficult topics like sexuality, transgenderism, and masculinity.  

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen talks about preaching through a sermon series, drawing upon decades of experience as a pastor and preaching professor.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen talks about preaching through books of the Bible, pointing out certain books and commentaries not to miss, different strategies to consider in dividing the books into sermons, the process of trading off between the Old and New Testaments, and methods for preaching through specific books.

In today’s episode, recorded live at the 2025 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, Dr. David Allen interviews Dr. Stephen Rummage, who leads the Florida Baptist State Convention as executive director-treasurer.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen discusses how to communicate the Word of God with clarity, confidence, and competence through an exploration of the relationship between preaching and systematic theology.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen interviews Dr. Candi Finch, Associate Professor of Women’s Studies in Theology at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to her role as professor, Dr. Finch also serves as Associate Dean of Mid-America College, Director of Admissions, and Dean of Women. Recorded during the 2025 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas, discussion in this episode ranges from Dr. Finch’s commitment to training women to rightly divide the Word of God to what it looks like for women to serve the Lord in the church context in ways that honor the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.

In this episode, Dr. David Allen discusses preaching and the role biblical theology plays in the proper preparation and delivery of sermons.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen walks through 2 Kings 5, the text for a new sermon he has just written. Join in as Dr. Allen talks about what stands out in the text, what not to miss, and how to craft an excellent and helpful sermon from these verses in Scripture.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen talks with Dr. Michael Spradlin, president of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, at the Preaching Coach exhibit hall booth during the 2025 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen discusses key resources for interpreting and preaching the New Testament. Dr. Allen provides this episode as a help in understanding and navigating teaching through New Testament books. While not exhaustive, this reading list includes several must-have resources for every preacher. 

Key Resources for Interpreting and Preaching the New Testament

•    Lexham Geographic Commentaries (Volumes 1 and 2)
•    Dictionary of Biblical Imagery
•    The Handbook for New Testament Exegesis series
•    Exploring the Bible series (New Testament volumes 1 and 2)
•    Introduction to Biblical Interpretation
•    How to Understand and Apply the New Testament
•    New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and the Abridged Edition of the New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology
•    The Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament
•    An Exegetical Summary series  
•    The Big Greek Idea series
•    Kerux Commentaries
•    Semantic and Structural Analysis Series
•    Analytical Greek New Testament

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen discusses key books written on the subject of interpreting and preaching the Old Testament. As someone who reads through the Bible each year, Dr. Allen provides this episode as a help in understanding names and geographical locations mentioned in the Old Testament. While not exhaustive, this reading list includes several must-have resources for every preacher. 

Zondervan Exegetical Commentaries for the Old Testament 
    

A Basic Guide to Biblical Theology by Alan Thompson      

IVP Bible Background Commentary on the Old Testament   
  
Lexham Geographic Commentaries on Sections of the Old Testament   
  
The Art of Narrative Analogy: Identifying and Interpreting Parallel Passages in the Bible by Seth Postell (Not yet released – Available for pre-order)      

Kregal Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis      

The Pentateuch as Narrative: A Biblical-Theological Commentary by John Sailhamer     
 
A Survey of the Old Testament by Andrew Hill and John Walton      

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: A Comprehensive Bible Commentary on Old Testament Quotations, Allusions & Echoes That Appear from Matthew through Revelation      

Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament      

Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: Exegesis And Interpretation 

Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible 
    
Theological Interpretation of the Old Testament: A Book-by-Book Survey

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen interviews Dr. Robby Gallaty, senior pastor of Long Hollow Church in Hendersonville, Tenn. Recorded during the 2025 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, today’s discussion ranges from Pastor Gallaty’s salvation and journey to overcoming a drug addiction to the deepening of his relationship with God through prayer and a passion for revival.

In today’s episode, Dr. Mac Brunson, senior pastor of Valleydale Church in Birmingham, Ala., talks with Dr. Kyle Walker, senior pastor of Cartersville First Baptist Church in Georgia, focusing on expository preaching and historical Baptist preaching through the ages.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen talks with Dr. Jon Okinaga, assistant professor of biblical counseling and Hope for the Heart chair of biblical counseling at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, about the difference between biblical counseling, secular counseling, and avenues that attempt to integrate the two models. Listen to Dr. Okinaga’s personal story of redemption and his journey to becoming a professor teaching biblical counseling from a perspective of Scripture being fully sufficient for all things including ministry task of biblical counseling.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen talks with Dr. Lewis Richerson, lead pastor of Woodlawn Baptist Church, at the Preaching Coach exhibit hall booth during the 2025 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen discusses how to write articles for journals and the church newsletter.

In today’s episode, Dr. David Allen discusses how to write a book from the writing process to the publishing process.

In today’s episode from the Preaching Coach Podcast archives, Dr. David Allen discusses the subject of preaching to the next generation with special guest Shane Pruitt.

In this edition of the Preaching Coach Podcast, Dr. David L. Allen shares top 10 things to avoid when using sermon illustrations. Drawing on his 45+ years of experience, Dr. Allen emphasizes the importance of well-placed illustrations in preaching while cautioning against common mistakes. Key points include avoiding the failure to use illustrations, not using them excessively, ensuring variety, and making sure illustrations don't overshadow the central message. He highlights the danger of using bland or disconnected illustrations and emphasizes the importance of brevity. Dr. Allen provides practical advice for collecting and effectively employing diverse illustrations in sermons.

In this edition of the Preaching Coach Podcast, Dr. David Allen gives guidance and direction in how to develop effective sermon illustrations.

In this edition of the Preaching Coach Podcast, Dr. David Allen discusses the various aspects and functions of a sermon, comparing it to the anatomical design and study of the body.

Episode notes:

Anatomy is the branch of science that studies the physical structure of the human body. It focuses on the physical arrangement of body parts, including cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Anatomy can be broadly divided into two types: gross anatomy (macroscopic) and microscopic anatomy.
Key aspects of anatomy:

Gross anatomy: Examines structures visible to the naked eye, including bones, muscles, organs, and organ systems.
Microscopic anatomy: Studies the microscopic structures of the body, including cells and tissues, using instruments like microscopes.
Subdivisions of gross anatomy: Include surface anatomy (examining the surface of the body), regional anatomy (focusing on specific regions), and systemic anatomy (studying the body systems). Importance: Anatomy is essential. It provides a foundational understanding of the human body for healthcare professionals, artists, and scientists.

Human Anatomy: Human anatomy involves the study of the physical structure of the human body. It focuses on numerous systems, including circulatory, digestive, endocrine, skeletal, lymphatic, nervous, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and muscular systems.

Sermon Anatomy – Effective Sermons:

1. INTERPRETATION - What is the meaning of the text? Determining textual meaning is the essential first step.
2. TRANSLATION - The job of the preacher is to transfer the meaning of the text to the audience in terms and contexts they understand. This is a kind of “translation,” reproducing textual meaning via the sermon. 
3. ORGANIZATION - In order to accomplish #2, every sermon should be structured for maximum effect. Thus, a sermon should contain the following 7 elements: 
   1. Exposition – Explaining the meaning of the text
   2. Illustration – Elucidating the meaning of the text
   3. Application – Applying the warranted meaning of the text
   4. Imagination – Helping people penetrate reality
   5. Argumentation – Proving the point of the text via its logic
   6. Motivation – Moving the will to obey - (via rhetoric, passion, exhortation, etc.)
   7. Exhortation – Telling them what to believe and practice; to do and not to do 
4. COMMUNICATION - Connecting with people via content and style
5. PASSION - Passion for Christ, the Word, and people expressed in delivery
6. PERSUASION - Preaching to convince people to think & act biblically. Behavior is based on belief. Change how people think, and you will change how they behave. (James 1:22)
7. TRANSFORMATION – Information is not transformation. Life transformation is the goal of preaching. Salvation of the lost; edification of the saved. 

In this edition of the Preaching Coach Podcast, Dr. David Allen discusses both positive actions to take and pitfalls to avoid in the first 100 days of any new ministry assignment.  

In this edition of the Preaching Coach Podcast, Dr. David Allen discusses the best practices and pitfalls in hiring a new pastor. This episode provides relevant discussion for both pastors and church members and gives insight into seeking God’s guidance and direction in moving a church forward in its next chapter.

In this edition of the Preaching Coach Podcast, Dr. David Allen discusses preaching Easter Sunday, helping pastors to primarily place the focus upon God rather than putting the emphasis on the holiday itself.