John Sweetman

Many younger leaders (and some older ones) are regularly listening to podcasts of sermons. Local churches are now producing podcasts of the weekly sermons, but lots of sermons we listen to come from the USA.

I have a friend who shared with me that he was struggling spiritually. His passion for God was diminishing and he was losing interest in church. He works from home and listens to the radio a lot while he is working, so (among other things) I suggested that he try listening to preaching podcasts while he worked. To help I suggested some preachers who I thought may be helpful (including Tony Campolo, Mark Driscoll, and Erwin McManus).

He spoke to me a month later and said that his spiritual life had been transformed. He didn’t agree with everything that he heard. For example, he (a political conservative) found Tony Campolo a stretch on some social/political issues. But he said that he was enjoying it immensely and was really growing spiritually. His relationship with God had come alive. He said that he now had to fight to limit himself to three podcasts a day.

Over the next couple of weeks I want to reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of listening to sermon podcasts, but for now I’m interested in what you are listening to. Below is a list of some popular podcasts in Australia which might stir your thinking.

It would be great if you could share any other preachers that you listen to regularly with a brief sentence on each to explain why you listen to these particular preachers. We’ll eventually check out these podcasts, compile a list of recommendations, and put it on our site.

PODCASTS WORTH CHECKING OUT

>>> From Australia

CityLife Church Melbourne – Mark Conner
Mark Conner is the pastor of the 2nd largest church in Australia. He might be described as a conservative, culturally-relevant pentecostal.

Hillsong Sydney – Brian Houston
The most influential church in Australia and one of the most influential churches in the world.

St Andrews Sydney – Phillip Jenson
Phillip Jenson is a Bible teacher and a strong leader within the Sydney Anglican movement.

>>> From the U.K.

Holy Trinity Brompton – Nicky Gumbel
Nicky Gumbel is the author of the Alpha Course. He is an extremely intelligent, english, and down to earth.

>>> From the U.S.

Northpoint Community Church – Andy Stanley
Andy Stanley leads a church of 20,000, with a median age of 30. He is extremely practical, and explains the gospel very clearly.

Mars Hill Church – Mark Driscoll
Mark Driscoll is pretty controversial. He usually speaks for about an hour. He particularly appeals to men.

Mosaic Church – Erwin McManus
Erwin McManus is author of ‘The Barbarian Way’ and ‘Soul Cravings’. He is arty and post-modern, whilst at the same time being faithful to the gospel and the scriptures.

Cornerstone Church – Francis Chan
Frances Chan is regular speaker at Passion, author of ‘Crazy Love’

Gateway Church – John Burke
John Burke is the author of ‘No Perfect People Allowed’. Originally from Willow Creek, he is reaching out to a new generation. His church is effective in the kinds of people who would normally never come to church.

Passion – Louie Giglio
Louie Giglio leads Passion, a university student movement which is focused on God and bringing him glory.

Insight for Living – Chuck Swindoll
Chuck Swindoll often gets rated by pastors as the best preacher in the U.S. He is very practical and focuses much on the gospel of God’s amazing grace.

Free Chapel – Jentzen Franklin
Jentzen Franklin is very good at encouraging people who feel like giving up. He speaks very much to people who need faith.

>>> Leadership Podcasts

Andy Stanley’s Leadership Podcast – Andy Stanley
Andy Stanley is pastor of North Point Community Church

Practically Speaking – Andy Stanley
The 7 core practices behind Northpoint Community Church

Catalyst Podcast – Various Leaders
Catalyst interviews emerging leaders

Preaching Christ in a Postmodern World – Tim Keller
Tim Keller is author of New York Times Best Seller ‘The Reason for God’

Resurgence – Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler, John Piper, etc
Focus on Mission, Church Planting and the Gospel