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 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 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 welcomes Dr. David Ireland to discuss how shepherds can address the cultural issues affecting their congregations, especially in an election season marked by division. They explore strategies for fostering unity in diverse congregations, navigating sensitive topics, and maintaining a loving yet truthful approach to difficult issues.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter talks with renowned worship leader Leon Timbo about the nuances of worship ministry and church leadership. Leon shares his journey from a preacher's kid in Jacksonville, Florida, to becoming a worship leader, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and personal engagement in worship.

Key points include the evolution of worship music, balancing technical excellence with spiritual depth, and the necessity of building trust and clear communication between pastors and worship leaders. They discuss the role of mentorship and discipleship in fostering a thriving worship environment, and how to handle transitions within the worship team with care and sensitivity.

The conversation also touches on the inclusion of non-believers in the worship team for evangelistic purposes, provided there are clear boundaries and mentorship. Throughout, the emphasis is on creating an authentic, spiritually enriching worship experience that prioritizes God's presence and fosters deep connections within the church community.

Pastor John Carter is joined by Pastor Rick Renner a seasoned pastor with deep roots in biblical scholarship and international ministry. The conversation delves into the profound importance of a solid biblical foundation for pastors, emphasizing the transformative power of expository preaching. Pastor Rick Renner shares personal anecdotes from his ministry journey, revealing how an in-depth understanding of scripture can prevent misinterpretations and strengthen a pastor's ability to guide their congregation effectively. Additionally, the episode explores the challenges of adapting ministry methods to today's digital and literarily diverse age, ensuring that the timeless truth of the Bible remains accessible and impactful for all believers. This episode serves as a compelling dialogue on the vital role of scripture in pastoral leadership and the continuous need for spiritual and biblical diligence in ministry.

In this insightful episode, Pastor Chris Folwell discusses his journey in leadership and the transformative power of adopting different "hats" to navigate various aspects of organizational dynamics. He reflects on the impact of genuine relationships, the challenges of leadership loneliness, and the importance of theological grounding. Pastor John introduces the Shepherds Network initiative, highlighting its role in providing pastors with holistic support and resources.

In this podcast episode, Pastor Pastor John and co-host Brandi Ginty delve into the art of preaching, exploring different sermon styles and their effectiveness in conveying biblical truths to contemporary audiences. They discuss the importance of integrating expository preaching principles into various sermon formats while emphasizing the need for pastors to balance theological depth with practical application. Offering recommendations for pastors seeking to enhance their preaching skills, they highlight the significance of understanding the original context of Scripture and effectively communicating its relevance to modern life. Throughout the episode, they underscore the pastor's role in guiding congregants to deeper spiritual understanding while providing accessible pathways for growth.

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.

Join Pastor Pascal 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.