The Shepherds Sanctuary

What do you do when God calls you beyond what people think you are supposed to be?In this episode of The Shepherd’s Sanctuary, Dr. Jevon Goode sits down with Dr. Cynthia P. McDonald for an honest conversation about calling, identity, leadership, and the realities women often face in ministry.Dr. McDonald shares her journey of being called to preach at 15, navigating expectations as a woman pastor, and learning how to stay aligned with God without constantly trying to prove herself to people. The conversation also moves into administration, obedience, spiritual formation, authenticity, and the difference between performing in ministry and truly shepherding people.This episode is for women in ministry, pastors, emerging leaders, and anyone who has ever had to move beyond the expectations of others to fully walk in what God called them to do.Sometimes the call of God will take you beyond the “supposed to.”

What does it really take to lead people through change when you’re still finding your footing yourself?In Episode 2 of Shepherd Sanctuary, Dr. Jevon Goode sits down with Bishop Matthew Brown for a powerful conversation about pastoral transition, leadership, strategy, and the difference between simply pastoring and truly shepherding.Bishop Brown shares what it was like leaving Buffalo after 15 years and stepping into leadership in Marietta. He talks openly about the fear, grief, family strain, unfamiliar territory, and the reality of leading people who did not yet know or trust him.They also get into why preaching without a plan is not enough, why leaders must model what they expect, how churches can become too performative, and why shepherding requires listening, empathy, patience, and connection.This episode is especially for seasoned pastors, new pastors, transplant pastors, and leaders navigating transition or succession.There’s a lot of wisdom in this one.

In the premiere episode of Shepherd Sanctuary, Dr. Jevon Goode shares the story behind the vision and why this podcast was created. After more than 30 years in ministry and over two decades of pastoring, he reflects on the lessons, challenges, and relationships that have shaped his journey. More importantly, he introduces a burden many leaders carry but rarely talk about: shepherds need a place to be strengthened, encouraged, and challenged by other shepherds. This conversation sets the foundation for what’s ahead as we explore leadership, discipleship, ministry, church culture, and the real issues pastors and leaders face behind the scenes. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or someone who desires to see healthier leaders and stronger churches, this first episode will help you understand the heart of Shepherd Sanctuary and why this space exists.