Built to Last with Pastor Willie George | Episode 10 | Season 5
In this episode—recorded live at the Shepherds Network Connect event—Pastor John Carter is joined by Pastor Willie George, founding pastor of Church on the Move in Tulsa, OK, for a deeply practical and profoundly encouraging conversation about building momentum in ministry that lasts. With honesty, humor, and decades of hard-earned wisdom, the two pastors discuss what it really takes to stay faithful, strong, and fruitful through every season of leadership.
Together, they explore the habits, attitudes, and spiritual foundations that keep pastors moving forward—not in burnout or striving, but in steady grace and long-term strength. From navigating loneliness to embracing change to guarding the soul, this conversation speaks directly to the heart of every leader running the long race of ministry.
Key Highlights:
Steadiness in the Long Haul: Pastor Willie shares the foundational practices that have sustained him through decades of ministry—reminding leaders that “nobody climbs in a steady angle upward.” Momentum is built through consistency, resilience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Fighting Isolation with Intentional Community: Both pastors address the loneliness that often shadows pastoral life, highlighting practical steps to build friendships, develop trustworthy relationships, and stay connected to God’s people in meaningful ways.
Guarding the Soul of the Shepherd: Pastor Willie emphasizes the importance of spiritual rhythms, personal wellness, and time in God’s presence—contending that spiritual strength requires more than preaching; it requires being refreshed, nourished, and properly aligned with God.
Recognizing and Responding to Burnout: With compassion and candor, they discuss the early warning signs of burnout, how to course-correct, and why the strength of a pastor’s call often becomes the anchor in seasons of pressure, criticism, and discouragement.
Leading Through Change With Confidence: Using real examples—including Church on the Move’s iconic “train ministry”—Pastor Willie explains how leaders discern when a ministry has run its course. “Everything has a lifespan,” he says, urging pastors to preach toward the future and prepare their people for seasons of transition.
Developing Discernment in Decision-Making: Pastor Willie teaches a practical pattern for hearing God—“witness, then voice, then perception”—and encourages pastors not to rush into decisions without recognizing the presence and protocol of the Holy Spirit.
Letting God Be Your Source: The conversation turns to finances, calling, and obedience as Pastor Willie shares a defining moment where the Lord told him, “I know they're not treating you right—but this is where I want you.” He challenges pastors not to be led by money, opportunities, or frustration, but by God’s voice alone.
Finishing Well: Both pastors call leaders to build ministries—and lives—that endure. Finishing well, they say, isn’t about perfection; it’s about obedience, faithfulness, and tending to the heart so the shepherd can keep shepherding with joy.
This episode reminds us that momentum in ministry isn’t accidental—it’s formed through faithfulness, humility, and a heart fully dependent on God. When pastors care for their souls, lean into community, and courageously embrace God’s seasons, they create a foundation strong enough to carry them—and their churches—for years to come.
Additional Resources
Church on the Move — https://churchonthemove.com/