Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 27: A Conversation with Noah Oldham.

Episode Theme: Cultivating a church culture that deeply values God's word.

In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Noah Oldham, Executive Director of Send Network about establishing the central place of preaching in new churches, the critical role of biblical, expositional preaching, training the next generation of preachers, and cultivating a church culture that deeply values God's word.

Key Highlights:

Preaching is Central to Church Planting: Noah emphasizes that church planting is about engaging the city with the gospel and making disciples. Central to this is the declaration of God's word. Strong biblical expositional preaching is considered "everything" in the early years of a church plant for growth, unity, and vision.

Biblically Shaped Culture: Noah shares how building a church culture that is hungry for God's word requires intentionality in the worship service. Practices like beginning services with scripture reading to indicate God has the first word and centering the service around preaching shape people's understanding of what is important. Allotting a significant amount of time to preaching communicates its value. Join Ben Smith and Noah Oldham for valuable insights into establishing the central place of preaching in new churches, the critical role of biblical, expositional preaching, training the next generation of preachers, and cultivating a church culture that deeply values God's word.

Host: Ben Smith

Guest: Noah Oldham

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

For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org.

Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr.

For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/.

Other podcasts by Ben Smith:

All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom

Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod

Noah Oldham is the Executive Director of Send Network. He served as the founding and lead pastor of August Gate Church for 15 years and the Send City Missionary to St. Louis for almost 10 years. In both roles, he led his church and dozens of others in planting churches throughout the St. Louis region and beyond. He holds a master’s degree in Biblical Studies and Christian Leadership from Liberty University and an undergraduate degree from McKendree University. He writes, speaks, and trains in the area of church planting and the local church. Noah and his wife Heather have been married since 2005 and have five children.

For more information and resources from Noah Oldham, visit:

Follow Noah on X: www.x.com/noaholdham

Find articles and podcasts at www.newchurches.com

Find sermons at www.augustgate.com

Find sermons and teaching at www.sojournwoodstock.com

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.

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id2796433489

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead

Help Me Wrap Up This Season of the Podcast — I’d Love to Hear from You

As this season of View for the Pulpit nears its end, I’ve been reflecting on the conversations we’ve had—and the impact they’ve made on me personally. When I started this podcast, my goal was to offer a resource to the church that would renew our appreciation for faithful preaching and highlight why it is vital to the health and life of the church.

From the beginning, I’ve intentionally invited guests who are committed to—or growing in—expository preaching. Each conversation has stretched me, encouraged me, and given me practical insight. I’ve learned so much by hearing how different men approach the preparation and delivery of their sermons. It’s been a joy to see how God uniquely equips each one to bless the church.

But what’s been just as meaningful? Hearing from you.

Your messages, emails, and conversations about the episodes have been incredibly encouraging. And that got me thinking: why not wrap up this season with you?

A Roundtable Wrap-Up Episode — Featuring Listeners

To close out the season, I’d like to record a special roundtable-style episode featuring listeners like you—pastors, laypeople, men and women, younger and older voices. I want to hear what you’ve learned, what’s helped you most, and how God has used the podcast in your own walk with Christ.

It doesn’t matter where you live—we can connect remotely. The only requirement is that you’ve listened to the podcast and are willing to share your thoughts.

Want to Join the Conversation?

If you'd like to participate, please sign up at:
👉 www.vftppod.com/talk

I’m aiming to wrap up this season in October, and I’d love to release these listener conversations in early November.

Whether you’ve listened to every episode or just a few, your voice matters. I’d be honored to have you be part of this final conversation.