Transcript

BP2 Season 2 Episode 1 – Great Sermons of the Restoration Movement | Ben Merold · Better Preaching Podcast

Frank Weller: Ben Merold was one of the most beloved ministers in the Independent Christian Church movement, serving congregations across Illinois, Indiana, California, and Missouri for nearly seven decades. Educated at Johnson Bible College and Lincoln Christian College, he served early ministries in Assumption and Villa Grove, Illinois, and Sullivan, Indiana before leading Eastside Christian Church in Fullerton, California for 22 years, growing it from 185 to over 3,000 in attendance. He then came out of retirement to build Harvester Christian Church in St. Charles, Missouri, achieving similar growth. In March 1985, Ben preached at the Lincoln Christian Church Alumni Reunion. He opened 2 Timothy 1 3 through 7 to challenge believers toward fearless, spirit empowered living. Drawing on Paul's charge to Timothy, Merold unpacked three divine gifts a spirit of power that transforms lives. A spirit of love rooted in commitment rather than feeling, and a spirit of self-discipline, what he called a mind that studies the soul against fear, panic, and passion. Merold was known for preaching that was simultaneously accessible and deeply biblical, warm, story-driven, urgent, and impossible to forget. On that spring day, more than forty years ago, Brother Ben used his characteristic warmth and humor to call his audience away from timidity and toward bold, obedient faith in what has become one of the great sermons of the Restoration Movement.