The Shepherds Network Podcast

In this episode recorded live during our Shepherds Network Connect event, Pastors John Carter and Pastor Willie George of Church on the Move in Tulsa, OK explore what it really takes to build momentum in ministry—not just for a season, but for the long haul. From setting measurable goals to strengthening your faith walk, we talk about the practical and the personal. You’ll hear how to overcome common roadblocks, disciple with purpose, lead with heart, and create a ministry culture that’s both fruitful and sustainable. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to reignite the fire, this conversation will help you lead with vision and build a ministry that lasts.

In the last part of this two-part episode, Pastors John and Lisa Carter continue to unpack Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13:47–48. What does it look like when the Kingdom net brings in “fish of every kind”? How can pastors and leaders prepare their hearts, teams, and churches to welcome, disciple, and lead people who don’t all look the same or come from the same background? This conversation is all about embracing diversity with wisdom, grace, and gospel clarity.

In the first part of this two-part episode, Pastors John and Lisa Carter unpack Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13:47–48 and what it means for pastors leading in today’s diverse and ever-changing culture. This conversation is all about embracing diversity with wisdom, grace, and gospel clarity.

Before the sermon is spoken, something deeper must happen—the heart of the shepherd must be aligned with the heart of God. In this episode, Pastor John Carter and longtime ministry friends, Pastors Kelly and Gina Lynnes explore how prayer is more than a pre-sermon ritual—it’s the spiritual preparation that fuels power, clarity, and compassion from the pulpit. Join us as we talk with pastors about how prayer softens the heart, sharpens the message, and invites the Holy Spirit to move through every word spoken. 

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Dr. Brandi Ginty dive into what it really means to preach beyond Sunday. Together, they explore how pastors can craft and communicate messages that don’t just inspire in the moment—but build lasting, life-giving community throughout the week. From sermon design to practical follow-through, this conversation will help you take your preaching from pulpit to people, sparking real transformation in the lives of those you lead.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter talks with Pastor Rich Longden of East Coast Believers Church in Lake Nona, FL who successfully built a 2-year Bible college program designed to equip and launch ministry leaders right from within the local church. Rooted in Ephesians 4:11–12, this conversation unpacks the vision, strategy, and practical steps for developing a leadership pipeline that prepares people for real ministry work. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a training program or strengthening the one you have, this episode is full of insight and encouragement to help you raise up the next generation of church leaders.

In this episode, Pastor Ken Chapman and Mark Haywood of Marvelous Way, Int. take a fresh look at the changing face of global missions. As culture shifts and technology closes the gap between nations, missionaries are being called to do more than deliver food, water, and supplies—they’re also stepping into the work of emotional healing and soul care. Join us as we explore what it means to reimagine missions in today’s world, and how leaders can be equipped to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of a rapidly evolving global community.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Decarto Draper of Tucker Missionary Baptist Church discuss the relationship between pastors serving in the same community. It is important to appreciate both the similarities and differences within the local church and learn how to work together to better serve the community they are called to reach for the Kingdom of God.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastors Steve and Rachel Mawston of Soul Church UK explore how to activate and guide the use of spiritual gifts in the church body as pastors.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Tim Ross, founder of the popular podcast The Basement—a nationally acclaimed podcast with over 350,000 followers—discuss the lessons and challenges with transition in ministry. Their discussion highlights the importance of serving with humility, navigating leadership changes with integrity, and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Lee Wilson of Lee Wilson Ministries discuss the interesting and fragile balance of transitioning staff members well into their next season of life and ministry.

In the second part of this two-part episode, Pastor John Carter and his long-time friend, Pastor Gina Lynnes of Lynnes Ministries, discuss how to build a culture of prayer in our churches.

In the first part of this two-part episode, Pastor John Carter and his long-time friend, Pastor Gina Lynnes of Lynnes Ministries, discuss the power of prayer in the shepherds' lives.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Chris Folwell, founder of Love + Lead, discuss the practical and personal strategies that help shepherds to both choose and become better executive pastors.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Chad Aukland of INJOY Stewardship Solutions discuss how pastors can strategically and successfully raise resources for vision as they lead their congregations through seasons of change.

Live Q & A during Shepherd's Network Conference.

In this two-part episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Wayne Francis, lead pastor of The Life Church's New York City location and co-founder of the podcast Leadership in Black and White, discuss the challenges of living in a culture that often opposes Christian faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. Together, they share practical ways to navigate these cultural pressures, create environments where the Spirit can move, and offer advice on staying grounded in biblical truth.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Dr. Brandi Ginty of Inkible discuss the spiritual disciplines that every shepherd needs to prioritize in their personal and professional lives. The Bible is very clear that neglecting our spiritual disciplines has a negative ripple effect in our lives. This episode focuses on knowing what those spiritual disciplines are and how to maintain them.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor David Winston, pastor of Go Hard for Christ Youth Ministry at Living Word Christian Center, director of Bill Winston Ministries, of Living Word Christian Center in Forrest Park, IL, and best-selling author of the book, Authentic, discuss how pastors practice healthy vulnerability as they seek to live their lives authentically as the shepherds God has called them to be.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and his oldest son, Pastor Jordan Carter, discuss what it is like to raise your kids in ministry and later navigate the transition to doing ministry together alongside them.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Dr. Brandi Ginty discuss how to have cross-cultural conversations as shepherds, in a world where it feels like everyone is shouting to be heard. How do we as pastors engage in constructive conversations over cultural issues, especially when we may not agree with the person across the table from us?

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Dr. Brandi Ginty discuss why pastors need pastors. In this day and age, it is incredibly important that every shepherd can identify a leader in their life who serves as their Pastor - someone they are accountable to, someone they can call when they have questions, and someone they can turn to when they need help.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter talks with his wife, Pastor Lisa Carter, co-founder and senior Pastor at Abundant Life Church. Together, they discuss the realities that face shepherds who do life together in marriage and in ministry. The unique relationship that exists between shepherds and their spouses and the demands that they face can create complications and challenges that affect the balance of the marriage. Learning how to navigate these realities with openness, humility, and grace are necessary skills for maintaining both a thriving ministry and a thriving marriage.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Rev. Dr. Wanda Walborn discuss the cultural debate around women in ministry. As a longtime female minister and teacher, Dr. Walborn brings a unique perspective to the ongoing discussion regarding the role of women as biblical teachers, ministers, and shepherds. Her own story regarding the challenges she faced and the changes she experienced personally as she navigated this long-standing dispute are eye-opening and inspiring for all shepherds leading churches and ministries.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Dawn Baldwin, Lead Strategist and Founder of Mavericks, discuss the intersection between media and ministry that has so many pastors lost in translation. As shepherds, we live in an unavoidable world fueled by technology and social media. Learning how to navigate the demands and complications of that world with grace and truth is the key to ensuring that churches today are walking the talk, in person and online.

In this two-part episode, Pastor John Carter and Dr. A.R. Bernard of Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY discuss how to address the grey matters present in culture when crafting messaging. While it is important to craft relevant and relatable messages, it is more important to ensure that what we are teaching in our pulpits is grounded in the integrity, longevity, and truth of the Bible.

In this two-part episode, Pastor John Carter and Dr. A.R. Bernard of Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY discuss how to address the grey matters present in culture when crafting messaging. While it is important to craft relevant and relatable messages, it is more important to ensure that what we are teaching in our pulpits is grounded in the integrity, longevity, and truth of the Bible.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Lee Wilson discuss how to minister to the next generation with relevant, cultural, and biblical impact.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Dr. David Ireland, Pastor of Christ Church, discuss some troubling cultural trends impacting the church today and how to pastor people through division over race, politics, and culture in the body of Christ. We will discuss how we, as shepherds, should respond to these cultural issues lovingly and truthfully while honoring God's standards we find in the Bible. 

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Leon Timbo discuss how to protect and disciple worship teams in order to create spirit-led, powerful worship environments in the church.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Rick Renner discuss how Pastor Rick ministers God's word to today's culture as a spirit-filled, apostolic pastor who relocated internationall to commit his life to a global ministry.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Chris Folwell discuss feeling lonely as a minister and how to create relationships, not associated with your church, that will benefit you and help you to grow and feel safe, and not feel isolated.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Brandi Ginty talk about your prayer life being scriptural and having a personal relationship with Jesus and His Word, so that you can hear from Him and the Holy Spirit about the things that you feel that God wants you to deliver.

In this insightful podcast episode, Pastor John and co-host Brandi Ginty delve into the critical role of Scripture in Christian faith and pastoral ministry. They discuss the distinction between intellectual belief and heartfelt revelation, emphasizing the need for pastors to articulate faith grounded in biblical truth. Highlighting challenges in contemporary pastoral training and sermon crafting, they offer encouragement for pastors to prioritize a deep understanding of Scripture, equipping both themselves and their congregations to live transformative lives rooted in God's Word. Join them for a thought-provoking discussion on the vital importance of the Bible in today's ministry landscape.Key Highlights:Understanding Belief: Genuine faith is not merely intellectual knowledge but a heart revelation in God, emphasizing the importance of articulating faith with both conviction and biblical grounding.The Role of Scripture: The Bible is emphasized as the sole reliable source of information about Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and other foundational aspects of faith, with its transformative power highlighted when internalized and applied.Challenges in Pastoral Training: Concerns are raised about the trend in some pastoral training institutions where biblical education takes a back seat to practical ministry skills, urging pastors to prioritize a deep understanding of Scripture in their ministry.Crafting Faithful Messages: Discussion centers on the shift in sermon content towards topical messages that often avoid challenging or confrontational scriptures, encouraging pastors to craft messages that faithfully teach the whole counsel of God.Additional Resources:https://theshepherdsnetwork.com/episodes/preaching-in-todays-culture

Join Pastor Pascale and Pastor John as they delve into the intricacies of communication dynamics within ministry teams. Exploring the roles of shepherds and sheep, they highlight the importance of clear communication, mutual understanding, and vulnerability in fostering supportive relationships. From interpreting communication cues to adapting to different roles, this insightful discussion offers valuable insights for navigating the complexities of pastoral leadership.Key Highlights:Understanding Communication Dynamics: Pastor Pascal emphasizes the importance of accurately interpreting communication cues within ministry teams, highlighting how mutual understanding and awareness of each other's communication styles facilitate effective collaboration.Embracing Shepherd-Sheep Relationships: Pastor John highlights the dual roles of shepherding and being a sheep in ministry, emphasizing that supportive ministers should prioritize viewing their senior pastor as their shepherd before their employer or supervisor.Utilizing Clear Communication: Pastor Pascal underscores the significance of clear communication in expressing needs within ministry relationships, advocating for the use of specific language to enable pastors to understand and respond appropriately to the spiritual and pastoral needs of their team members.Adapting to Different Roles: Pastor John discusses the concept of "switching hats" within ministry relationships, explaining how identifying and communicating specific roles fosters deeper connections and understanding between pastors and supportive ministers.Interpreting Communication Cues: Pastor Pascal and Pastor John explore the nuances of interpreting communication cues within ministry relationships, highlighting the importance of clarity and understanding in navigating communication dynamics effectively.Embracing Vulnerability and Mutual Support: Pastor Pascal and Pastor John discuss the significance of vulnerability and mutual support within pastoral leadership, emphasizing the creation of safe spaces for open communication to foster transparent and supportive relationships within ministry teams.Additional Resources:https://theshepherdsnetwork.com/episodes/what-if-i-am-a-pastor-but-im-not-the-senior-pastor

Join Pastor Lee and Pastor John in this insightful podcast episode as they delve into the often overlooked topic of mental health in ministry. Through personal anecdotes and candid conversations, they shed light on the stigma surrounding mental health challenges among pastors and ministry leaders. From discussing the importance of vulnerability and seeking support to integrating faith with mental health practices, Pastor Lee and Pastor John provide valuable insights and practical advice for pastors navigating the complexities of their mental and emotional well-being. Tune in to discover how prioritizing mental health can lead to greater resilience, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling ministry journey.Key Highlights:Stigma in Ministry: Pastor Lee and Pastor John discuss the stigma surrounding mental health in ministry, emphasizing the need for openness and support.Vulnerability and Support: They highlight the importance of vulnerability and seeking support in addressing mental health challenges, encouraging pastors to prioritize self-care.Community and Relationships: Pastor Lee and Pastor John stress the significance of building supportive relationships beyond one's relationship with God, drawing parallels to biblical examples.Integrating Faith and Mental Health: They advocate for integrating faith with mental health support, approaching the journey with faith rather than fear.Additional Resources:https://theshepherdsnetwork.com/episodes/its-ok-not-to-be-ok

Join Pastor John and Dr. Kelly in a thought-provoking conversation on mindset dynamics and their profound influence on human behavior. Delving into the roles of the child, teen, and adult mindsets, they offer practical insights for self-awareness and emotional regulation. Pastoral leaders will find valuable strategies for supporting others while maintaining their own mental well-being. Dive into this insightful discussion to unlock the power of mindsets for personal growth and healing.Key Highlights:Understanding Mindset Dynamics: Explore the child, teen, and adult mindsets and how they influence behavior, emotions, and decision-making.Manifestation of Mindsets: Learn how these mindsets manifest in various situations, particularly in response to stress and vulnerability.Insights into Emotional Defense: Discover how anger and fear serve as defense mechanisms, often masking deeper emotions like sadness or shame.Addiction as Coping Mechanism: Understand how addictions develop as coping mechanisms to manage overwhelming emotions and stress.The Development of Adult Mindset: Recognize that the adult mindset, characterized by self-awareness and emotional regulation, may not fully develop until later in life.Practical Strategies: Gain practical strategies for developing awareness, self-compassion, validation, and integration of the different mindsets.Additional Resources:https://theshepherdsnetwork.com/episodes/explaining-the-importance-of-mental-health

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Lee Wilson delve into the current events unfolding in Israel and the significance of understanding prophetic scriptures concerning the nation. They explore the importance of praying for Israel and provide insights into interpreting biblical prophecies in relation to contemporary developments. Pastors are encouraged to prioritize blessing Israel, combatting hatred, exercising political caution, and fulfilling their pastoral responsibility through prayer and education. The emphasis is on promoting a balanced, compassionate, and prayerful approach that aligns with biblical principles and fosters spiritual growth and understanding among congregants.Key Highlights:Blessing Israel: Pastor John emphasizes the biblical mandate to bless Israel and avoid speaking negatively about the Jewish people.Combatting Hatred: Identifying contemporary anti-Semitic sentiments as demonic in origin and emphasizing the need for Christians to reject hatred and pray for the salvation and well-being of both Jews and Arabs.Political Caution: Encouraging pastors to refrain from overly politicizing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to focus instead on prayer, compassion, and trust in God's sovereign plan.Pastoral Responsibility: Highlighting the importance of pastors addressing Israel-related topics through corporate prayer and occasional teaching, while providing resources for deeper study and understanding.Additional Resources:https://theshepherdsnetwork.com/episodes/what-about-israel-episode-2-season-two

This podcast episode delves into the dynamic interplay between practicality and spirituality in ministry leadership. Pastor John Carter and Pastor Josh Finley engage in a rich dialogue, drawing parallels from biblical narratives and personal experiences to explore how leaders can effectively balance structure and spontaneity in church ministry. They discuss the importance of following the leading of the Holy Spirit, the necessity of pruning for greater fruitfulness, and the significance of embracing diverse personalities in ministry. Throughout the conversation, they challenge leaders to teach the whole counsel of Scripture and to trust the Holy Spirit's guidance in navigating the complexities of modern church leadership.Key Highlights:Following the Presence: Pastor Josh Finley emphasizes the importance of obeying the leading of the Holy Spirit in ministry, drawing parallels to the Israelites' obedience to the cloud in the wilderness. He underscores that practical aspects of ministry, such as division of labor and meticulous planning, serve the overarching goal of following God's presence.Pruning for Greater Fruitfulness: Pastor John discusses the necessity of pruning in ministry, advising not only to prune when things fail, but also when they are fruitful but potentially distracting from the main focus. He shares examples of post-COVID adaptations in their church, highlighting the importance of revival while maintaining balance and sustainability.Understanding and Embracing Personalities in Ministry: Pastor Josh Finley and Pastor John Carter reflect on how God works through individuals with diverse personalities and temperaments, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and embracing one's unique wiring in ministry. They highlight that God can work through various leadership styles and giftings, whether it's spontaneity or meticulous planning, guided by the Holy Spirit.Challenging Leaders to Teach the Whole Counsel of Scripture: Pastor Josh Finley challenges leaders to examine if there are areas of Scripture they may be avoiding due to personal discomfort or inadequacy, urging them to trust the Holy Spirit's leading in teaching the whole counsel of God's Word. He emphasizes the importance of sowing the Word into every area of ministry and trusting God to bring forth fruitfulness.Additional Resources: https://theshepherdsnetwork.com/episodes/seasontwoformandflow

In this two-part series, join Pastor John Carter and Dr. Ron Walborn as they delve into the often-overlooked yet crucial topic of emotional health in pastoral ministry. They explore the importance of processing grief, seeking professional help, and building support networks. From practical exercises like journaling to intensive counseling retreats, they offer insights and guidance for pastors navigating the complexities of ministry while prioritizing their own emotional well-being. This podcast provides invaluable wisdom and encouragement for pastors seeking to cultivate resilience, deepen their spirituality, and lead their congregations with authenticity and grace.Key Highlights:Understanding Grief Journals: Dr. Ron Walborn explains that grief journals help process past losses and disappointments, suggesting they become a regular spiritual discipline similar to Sabbath rest. He recommends writing to the Lord as a therapeutic approach, following Jesus' model of honesty and vulnerability.Processing Emotions: Pastor John shares his congregation's experience with a feelings journal exercise, emphasizing the power of turning emotions into prayers, as seen in Psalms. Dr. Ron Walborn adds that it's important to give oneself permission to lament and allow adequate time for grieving.Overcoming Resistance to Grief: Dr. Ron Walborn addresses Pastor John's concerns about staying in a sad state and its impact on ministry, encouraging pastors to recognize resistance to healing as the enemy's attempt to maintain leverage. He shares personal insights on embracing grief and confronting past pain.Seeking Professional Help: Both Dr. Ron Walborn and Pastor John stress the importance of seeking objective help when needed, highlighting the role of intensive programs and counseling retreats in facilitating deeper healing. They emphasize that pastors should lead by example in seeking counseling and emotional support.Building Support Networks: Discussing the challenge of finding trustworthy individuals outside the ministry for support, they stress the need for pastors to prioritize their emotional health and cultivate relationships of trust. They offer practical advice on discerning trustworthy confidants through vulnerable interactions.Adapting to Change in Ministry: Dr. Ron Walborn discusses the necessity for pastors to adapt to rapid changes in ministry methods, encouraging grieving outdated approaches while embracing innovation and continual learning. He highlights the importance of remaining resilient and open to new ways of ministry leadership.

This two-part series delves into the often-overlooked topic of grief within the context of ministry and personal life. Pastor John Carter and Dr. Ron Walborn explore the significance of acknowledging and processing grief, highlighting its profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. They discuss the resurgence of unprocessed grief later in life, the transformative power of reflection and self-awareness, and the healing potential of confronting unresolved emotions. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of creating space for grief and fostering a culture of empathy and support within Christian communities.Key Highlights:Acknowledging Loss: Dr. Walborn reflects on the inherent losses experienced in life and ministry, emphasizing the need to confront and process these losses rather than suppress them. Pastor John shares a poignant moment from his youth, recounting the tragic loss of his older brother in a car accident and the subsequent lack of space for grieving within his Christian community.The Resurgence of Unprocessed Grief: Both speakers discuss the common tendency among Christians to suppress or deny grief, leading to its eventual resurgence in unexpected ways later in life. Dr. Walborn highlights how unprocessed trauma and grief can manifest in midlife crises or disruptions to personal well-being and relationships.Revelations Through Parenting: Dr. Walborn shares a personal anecdote about a transformative moment in parenting when his unresolved anger and childhood trauma surfaced in his interactions with his daughter. Acknowledging the profound wisdom often exhibited by children, they discuss the impact of parental unresolved issues on family dynamics.The Healing Power of Reflection: Dr. Walborn recounts his journey of introspection and healing, culminating in a comprehensive grief journaling process during his doctoral studies. They explain the concept of a grief journal as a tool for systematically exploring and processing unresolved emotions and past experiences.

In this 2 part episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Lee Wilson discuss how to teach a congregation about generosity, stewardship, and the laws of giving and receiving. Pastor John delves into the profound principles of biblical stewardship, focusing on the laws of work, stewardship, and giving/receiving. Drawing from Scripture and personal experiences, he emphasizes the importance of pastors teaching these principles to their congregations. Offering practical advice for pastors and insights into the spiritual significance of tithing, the episode serves as a guide for shepherds navigating the complexities of financial stewardship in their ministries.Key Highlights:Understanding Money Laws: Pastor John outlines three fundamental laws concerning money: work, stewardship, and giving/receiving. He emphasizes the importance of teaching these principles from a biblical perspective.Biblical Foundation: Pastor John references passages like Philippians 4 to underscore the significance of giving and the proper attitude towards finances. Teaching on giving and receiving is essential for congregations to grasp.Tithing as Worship: Tithing is presented as an act of worship, deeply rooted in honoring God with one's resources. Pastor John shares personal stories and church experiences illustrating the transformative power of generous giving.

In this 2 part episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Lee Wilson discuss how to teach a congregation about generosity, stewardship, and the laws of giving and receiving. This podcast episode delves into the often avoided yet crucial topic of money within the context of pastoral leadership. Pastors John Carter and Lee Wilson share personal experiences and insights on navigating challenges, learning from mentors and personal study, exploring biblical principles, and addressing misconceptions surrounding money. They emphasize the importance of understanding and teaching biblical principles of work, stewardship, and abundance within congregations, aiming to empower listeners with transformative insights for financial stewardship in their own lives and ministries.Key Highlights:Navigating Challenges in Teaching: Pastor John discusses initial struggles in teaching about money, emphasizing the importance of biblical integrity amidst resistance. Pastor Lee acknowledges misconceptions and fears within the church, stressing the importance of understanding biblical principles.Learning from Personal Study and Mentors: Pastor John shares insights from personal study, emphasizing the teachings of the apostle Paul on work and stewardship. Pastor Lee adds insights from personal upbringing, highlighting the church's role in providing financial guidance.Exploring Biblical Principles on Money: Pastor John outlines foundational principles derived from Scripture, including the law of work and stewardship. Pastor Lee shares personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of financial education and biblical principles.Addressing Misconceptions and Stereotypes: Both hosts discuss societal misconceptions about work and money, contrasting cultural norms with biblical principles.

In this two-part episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Tony Cooke talk about the four types of pastors, and what shepherds struggle with in a Post--Covid era of ministry. In this episode, they discuss the Relational Shepherd, The Community-Oriented Pastor, the Visionary Shepherd, and The Cause-Motivated Pastor. Pastor John and Tony Cooke, explore the importance of recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses, the need for collaboration and synergy among different leadership types, and the challenges and opportunities facing churches in a changing world. They emphasize the significance of biblical teaching, relational care, organizational leadership, and vision casting in post-COVID ministry.Key Highlights:Feeding Shepherds: The podcast emphasizes the importance of teaching and nurturing spiritual growth through the Word, prioritizing a strong foundation of biblical knowledge, even though some struggle with organizational leadership due to their focus on objective truth.Introduction to the Corporate Shepherd: Described as focusing on organizational leadership and systems, drawing parallels between biblical principles and efficient organizational structures.Characteristics of Corporate Shepherds: Corporate shepherds emphasize efficiency, delegation, responsibility, and strategic planning, drawing comparisons to biblical figures like Moses and Jesus' ministry structure.Personal Reflections on Leadership: Pastors are encouraged to acknowledge personal strengths and weaknesses, embracing unique strengths, seeking support in areas of weakness, and highlighting the importance of teamwork and collaboration in church leadership.Importance of Diversity in Leadership: Reflecting on biblical teachings about pastoral leadership and diverse skill sets required, pastors are encouraged to identify primary and secondary strengths, seek support in areas of weakness, and acknowledge the need for synergy and collaboration among different leadership types.Synergy in Ministry: Explanation of the concept of synergy and its importance in ministry, with examples of synergy in action and biblical examples of teamwork in ministry provided.Adapting to a Changing World: Reflecting on challenges faced by the church in a post-COVID world, the importance of organizational leadership, relational care, vision casting, and biblical teaching is emphasized, with encouragement for pastors to seek wisdom and support in leading their congregations in this new era.

In this two-part episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Tony Cooke talk about the four types of pastors, and what shepherds struggle with in a Post--Covid era of ministry. They discuss the Relational Shepherd, The Community-Oriented Pastor, the Visionary Shepherd, and The Cause-Motivated Pastor. The podcast episode delves into the nuanced world of pastoral leadership, exploring two distinct styles: relational shepherding and visionary, cause-motivated shepherding. Through lively discussion and real-life examples, Pastor John and Tony Cooke dissect the contrasting approaches, highlighting the strengths, challenges, and inherent qualities of each. Key Highlights:Relational Shepherding: Community-oriented pastors prioritize building deep connections, offering personal care and counseling, and fostering a sense of community within the church family.Visionary, Cause-Motivated Shepherding: These pastors are driven by dreams and ideals, inspiring congregants to think big and believe in miracles. They view the church as an army, rallying committed individuals to advance the mission and fulfill the vision.Contrasts and Challenges: Cause-motivated leaders contrast with relational shepherds, facing challenges in transitioning from wartime to peacetime leadership. Historical and modern examples illustrate the complexities of leadership in times of conflict and peace.Embracing Authenticity: Pastors are encouraged to embrace their unique God-given DNA and avoid imitation. Authenticity is key, as pastors should be true to themselves and their calling.

In this episode Pastor John Carter and Pastor Lee Wilson discuss how do you combine and balance the supernatural and the natural in your life as a pastor. Through candid storytelling and heartfelt dialogue, they explore the delicate balance between moments of fruitfulness and frustration, emphasizing the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit in times of uncertainty. As they share personal anecdotes and insights, they underscore the importance of building support networks and cultivating lifelines to navigate the highs and lows of ministry. With a focus on authenticity and vulnerability, this episode offers encouragement and practical wisdom for pastors seeking to find strength and solace in the journey of shepherding God's people.Key Highlights:Combining the Supernatural and the Natural: Pastor John acknowledges the challenge of integrating the supernatural and natural aspects of life as a pastor. He emphasizes the need for reliance on the Holy Spirit in navigating this balance.The Unique Challenges of Pastoral Duties: Pastoring involves a diverse range of responsibilities, including counseling, leadership, public speaking, and practical skills. These duties often require pastors to function on limited budgets and without substantial support staff.The Monumental Task of Pastoring: Despite the challenges, pastoring is seen as a divine calling rather than merely a career choice. Pastors face intense pressure and trauma, dealing with people's highest and lowest points of life.The Role of the Holy Spirit: Both Pastor John and Pastor Lee highlight the importance of leaning on the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom in navigating pastoral challenges. They share personal experiences of seeking the Holy Spirit's leading in difficult situations.

In this episode of The Shepherd's Podcast, Pastor Lee and Pastor John delve into the profound nature of the divine calling to ministry. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural insights, they explore the journey of answering the call to shepherd God's flock and the difference between using your natural gifts to develop a career and supernaturally being called by God into the shepherd's ministry.Key Highlights:Answering the Call: Pastor Lee shares his personal experience of being called to preach at the age of 16, highlighting the emotional and transformative nature of the divine calling.Understanding the Nature of Ministry: Pastor John emphasizes that ministry is not merely a career choice but a divine calling, citing biblical examples of individuals who were called by God in the midst of their lives.Challenges of Shepherding: The pastors discuss the challenges and tests that come with ministry, acknowledging the weariness and struggles faced by pastors, regardless of the size of their congregation.Renewing the Call: Pastor John offers words of encouragement and prayer for pastors who may feel weary or discouraged in their calling, reminding them of God's love, grace, and the enduring nature of their divine commission.

In this inaugural episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Lee Wilson set the stage for what listeners can expect from The Shepherds Podcast, delving into the heart of pastoral ministry, challenges faced, and the vision for this unique resource.Key Highlights:Navigating Challenges: Pastors John and Lee engage in candid conversation about the realities of pastoral life, including the pressures of public scrutiny and the need for accountability.Scriptural Foundation: Exploring Jesus' model of ministering to His disciples, the hosts discuss the importance of tailored guidance for spiritual leaders.Levels of Revelation: Drawing from Jesus' teachings and the New Testament, insights are shared about the progressive nature of spiritual understanding and leadership revelation.Future Topics: A glimpse into upcoming episodes, covering diverse themes such as the distinction between career and calling, women in ministry, emotional well-being for pastors, family leadership, and addressing contemporary cultural issues.