
Show Notes
In this episode of BCUK's To The Heart podcast, hosts Helen Thorne-Allenson, Steve Midgley, and Andrew McKenna discuss the importance of preaching to the heart. They explore the concept of the heart in biblical terms, the challenges of addressing diverse hearts in a congregation, and the role of community in preaching. The conversation emphasizes the need for preachers to engage the heart throughout the sermon, from the introduction to the conclusion, and highlights the significance of illustrations and sermon structure. The hosts also address the balance between faithful exposition and heart engagement, the impact of preparation on preaching, and the importance of follow-up after sermons. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Preaching to the Heart 02:53 Understanding the Heart in Preaching 05:56 The Challenge of Preaching to Diverse Hearts 08:54 The Role of Community in Preaching 11:40 Engaging the Heart Throughout the Sermon 14:37 The Importance of Illustrations 17:35 Structuring a Sermon to Engage Hearts 20:19 Concluding a Sermon Effectively 23:32 Faithful Exposition vs. Heart Engagement 26:11 The Impact of Preparation on Preaching 29:09 Follow-Up After Preaching
More from The BCUK Podcast
Seminar from the BCUK National Conference 2026 Identity: Conversations Exploring Our Union with Christ What’s wrong with people pleasing? In the Bible we read “each of us should please our neighbours” (Romans 15:2), “look to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4) and “try to please everyone in every way” (1 Corinthians 10:33). So how do we square this with Scripture’s call “not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4)? This seminar considers our need to please the people around us, how this connects to our worship of God, and how, in Christ, we can serve others freely and joyfully.
Seminar from the BCUK National Conference 2026 Identity: Conversations Exploring Our Union with Christ This seminar will explore the personal and communal dynamics of shame and low self-esteem. Together, we will consider how Scripture teaches us to define shame rightly and to address its distorting effects on a person’s sense of self and relationships. Our focus will be on understanding the shared honour we have with Christ through our new identity in him, and on learning how to apply that truth both personally and in our work with others.
Seminar from the BCUK National Conference 2026 Identity: Conversations Exploring Our Union with Christ "I’m only human!" We all know what it is to come face to face with our limits. But how does a theology of our limitations help us to understand and respond to our strengths and weaknesses, abilities and disabilities, and shape how we help others? This seminar will explore our core identity as human beings and its renewal in Christ made flesh.
Session 9 from the BCUK National Conference 2026 Identity: Conversations Exploring Our Union with Christ
Session 8 from the BCUK National Conference 2026 Identity: Conversations Exploring Our Union with Christ