Watch Your Life and Doctrine: Why Your Character Matters - Ted Leavenworth

What if the greatest danger to a sermon isn’t a weak outline, but an unexamined preacher?In this Expositors Collective session recorded at Reliance Church in Temecula, California, Pastor Ted Leavenworth considers the character of the person who teaches God’s Word. Drawing on 1 Samuel 16, James 3, and Paul’s counsel to Timothy, he asks why Scripture treats Bible teaching as such a serious responsibility—and why a preacher’s life cannot be separated from their doctrine.Ted explores the temptation to become a “professional Christian”: able to speak about prayer, grace, and obedience while neglecting them personally. He also considers why churches sometimes excuse the conduct of gifted leaders, what hypocrisy communicates about God, and the questions every preacher should ask before teaching others.For pastors, preachers, and Bible teachers, this is a searching invitation to handle Scripture faithfully and to live under its authority.Speaker: Ted Leavenworth of Reliance Church, Temecula, California.Scripture passages discussed: 1 Samuel 16:7; James 3:1; 2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 2:7–8; Romans 2:21–23; 1 Timothy 4:16; Acts 5:1–11; Matthew 6:33.Expositors Collective equips, encourages, and mentors the next generation of Christ-centred preachers through training, conversation, and practical resources:https://expositorscollective.org/Expositors Collective is part of the Calvary Chapel Cooperative, a family of ministries working together to strengthen churches and support faithful leaders:https://calvarychapelcooperative.com/