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About

In this season 3 premiere of the Resilient Pastor podcast, host Glenn Packiam is joined by co-hosts Rich Villodas and Sharon Hodde Miller for a transparent conversation about how pastors can read the Bible for delight instead of just sermon prep. The episode features an in-depth interview with Tim Mackie of The Bible Project, exploring the tension between academic study and personal spiritual formation, the role of technology in Bible engagement, and practical ways to help everyday Christians fall in love with Scripture again.

From Disney stories and chaotic family life to monastic rhythms, spiritual direction, and re-enchanting the Bible for modern audiences, this episode delivers honest wisdom on sustainable Bible engagement for pastors and their congregations.

Key Takeaways

• Sermon preparation should primarily be an intimate encounter with God — the message should flow from a heart saturated in the text.
• Pastors must guard against utilitarian Bible reading that only seeks material for others instead of personal communion with God.
• Realistic expectations are essential: the Bible can feel boring or difficult, yet it remains powerfully transformative.
• Small, consistent practices (audio Bibles, praying the Psalms, repeated listening) are more sustainable than rigid monastic rhythms, especially for parents.
• Helping people engage Scripture requires re-enchanting the text — lifting the lid on its beauty and mystery rather than assuming familiarity.
• Spiritual direction and accountable community are vital to ensure intellectual output doesn’t outpace character formation.
• The Bible Project’s mission is to spark delight and curiosity that drives people back to the actual Bible.

Highlights

• “The majority of my sermon preparation is for me… If I can come away captivated, I’m going to do the passage justice.” — Sharon Hodde Miller
• “The Bible is without question one of the most unsatisfying books ever written — until the reader has come to terms with it in a very special way.” — Thomas Merton (quoted by Rich Villodas)
• “My encounter with Scripture has been one of continuing deepening delight from day one.” — Tim Mackie
• “We’re not trying to get something out of it. I’m just excited to learn… and maybe it will overflow into a sermon one day.” — Tim Mackie
• Technology is simply the latest tool in a long history — from oral recitation to scrolls to apps — each with strengths and weaknesses.
• The goal of The Bible Project: ignite that first “Oh, this is not what I thought it was” moment that fuels lifelong curiosity in God’s Word.

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