Can a sermon be both theologically rich and crystal clear?

In this episode, Elevate host Brandon Abbott sits down with Senior Pastor Jay Strother and Harpeth Heights Campus Pastor Brandon Hayes to explore one of the most common tensions in preaching: depth vs. accessibility.

Whether you’re teaching brand-new believers, seasoned saints, or everyone in between, this episode is packed with real stories, practical tools, and a reminder of why we preach in the first place—to engage the whole person with the whole gospel of Jesus Christ, anywhere, anytime, with anybody.

From sermon prep tips to common mistakes young pastors make, you’ll walk away with new clarity and encouragement for crafting messages that actually land—and lead to life change.

Episode Guests:

• Brandon Abbott: Host, Groups Minister at Brentwood Baptist
• Jay Strother: Senior Pastor, Brentwood Baptist Church
• Brandon Hayes: Campus Pastor, Harpeth Heights

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Why this conversation matters
• 03:00 – Learning your people and their needs
• 06:45 – “Exegete the text—and the congregation”
• 10:00 – Gospel clarity in every sermon
• 16:30 – Tips for sermon prep that starts with Scripture
• 23:00 – The power of personal connection in preaching
• 28:45 – When you go too deep (or too light)
• 34:30 – Finding the right balance of illustration and depth
• 40:15 – Advice for newer preachers and young pastors
• 47:00 – Preaching to a perse congregation
• 53:30 – The bell curve of biblical literacy
• 59:00 – Preaching that creates hunger—not just heat