About Us

Our Goal

Gospel preaching is the greatest work in the world!

Whether one works full-time or “makes tents” on the side, he is always searching for resources and wisdom. Polishing the Pulpit began as an effort to assist preachers in practical ways to better do God’s work. Outstanding men like Wendell Winkler, V.P. Black, Curtis Cates, Johnny Ramsey, Tom Holland, William Woodson, George Bailey, and many others came to PTP to teach Scripture, give advice, and make suggestions that have helped us grow. These men have gradually come to be known as the “legends of PTP.”

With the benefit of experience, we have steadily built on the foundation they gave us. Many who now attend PTP were not around in its early years and missed the opportunity to sit at the feet of these great men. We contemplated how best to pass on what we learned from them to a new generation. We decided a series of bite-size daily blogs would be the most beneficial. So, use this material to the glory of God!

The Editors

Neal PollardDenver, CO

Born in Mississippi. Baptized by his father, Gary, in Cairo, GA. Married to the former Kathy Gillaspie. They have three sons (Gary III, Dale, and Carl). Educated at Faulkner U., Freed-Hardeman, and Bear Valley Bible Institute (B.A., M.B.S.). Local work in Alabama, Virginia, and Colorado. Has preached in meeting work, seminars, etc., in 25 states, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cameroon, France, New Zealand, Tanzania, Thailand, and Ukraine. Directs Bear Valley Lectures, Denver Future Preachers Training Camp, speaks on the Getting To Know Your Bible program with Billy Lambert and David Shannon, and has authored one book. Part-time instructor in the Bear Valley Bible Institute.

Allen WebsterJacksonville, AL

Allen was born in Anniston, Alabama and graduated from Alexandria High. Baptized in 1978. Married to Melissa and they have four children, Rosa, Daniel, David, and Lois. He received degrees/diplomas from Freed-Hardeman University (Master of Ministry); Faulkner University (B.A. in Biblical Studies); and Memphis School of Preaching. Preached for the Jacksonville (AL) Church of Christ Alabama since 1995, after serving churches inTiplersville, Mississippi, Oxford, Alabama, and Somerville, Tennessee. Class books: All the Devil’s Apples Have Worms; Why No Be a Prodigal?, Seven Things a Loving God Hates; Bible Correspondence Courses: A General Introduction to the Bible; God’s Plan of Salvation; Finding the Right Church; Tracts: 300 titles; Editor, Glad Tidings of Good Things (circulation 27,000), House to House/Heart to Heart (a cooperative evangelism effort with more than a 1000 churches reaching over two million families each issue). Co-director: Polishing the Pulpit, attended annually by more than 3,500 church members. Director of “The Great Smoky Mountain Marriage Retreat” held each February in Pigoen Forge, Tennessee. Mission work in Scotland, Great Britain; Aruba, Dutch Caribbean; Guyana, South America; New Zealand, Tasmania; Tanzania, Africa.

Chuck WebsterBirmingham, AL

Chuck is married to Melony, and they are blessed to be the parents of Bailey, Grant, Logan, and Griffin. He has been preaching at the Hoover Church of Christ since 2004, and previously served the Sixth Avenue church in Jasper, Alabama, and the Cottondale church in Cottondale, Alabama. Chuck graduated from Freed-Hardeman University (1993, B.S., Math), Memphis School of Preaching (1995), the University of Alabama (2003, M.A., Speech), and Beeson Divinity School (2013, M.Div.). He is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry at Beeson with an emphasis in homiletics. He has done short-term mission work in Myanmar, Guyana, and Tanzania, and serves as an adjunct instructor of Bible for Faulkner University.

Mark HowellJasper, AL

Mark has served as the pulpit minister for the Midway church of Christ in Jasper, Alabama since January 2009. Prior to that he preached for the Atwood church of Christ in Atwood, Tennessee for 19 years. He has also served as the local preacher for the Appleton church of Christ near Brewton, Alabama and the Hillcrest church of Christ near Winfield, Alabama. He also serves as one of the co-directors of Polishing the Pulpit.

Mark has been married to Marlene since 1984. They have two children, Daniel and Rachel. Daniel is the Director of Information Technology at Southeast Institute of Biblical Studies in Knoxville, Tennessee and preacher for the Sweetwater church of Christ. He is married to Martha and they have two children, Jenaleigh and Hayden, and another (Lorelei) due in September. Rachel is married to Brandon Woolard. They live in Enville, Tennessee. Rachel is a stay-at-home mom to their son, Enoch and soon to be born Elijah who is due in October.

David BarkerTrinity, AL

– gospel preacher
– Midway church of Christ, Trinity, Alabama
– preacher for 25 years +
– Graduate, Faulkner University, 1989

Eddy GilpinSalem, VA

Eddy Gilpin is a native of Fayette, Alabama. He is a 1985 graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching (2009 Alumnus of the Year). He has been married since 1982 to the former Jeanny McCracken of Fayette, Alabama. They have two sons- Kyle (who is married to Kellee) and Kirk (who is married to Kacy), three grandchildren (Brody, Karlee, Connor) and a fourth due in December. Eddy has worked with congregations in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Alabama. He and his family were engaged in mission work in Tanzania, East Africa (1991-94). He is a co-founder and one of the directors of Polishing the Pulpit, and the originator of “Making Marriage More Meaningful,” a two-day marriage enrichment seminar presented (along with Jeanny) in numerous places around the country (since 2004). He is the author of one book (The Bible and The Baptist
Manual), several tracts, numerous articles for brotherhood publications, and manuscripts for various lectureships. Eddy is currently preaching for the West Side Church of Christ in Salem, Virginia (since August 1997), where he also serves as an elder (since January 2005).