What If I am a Pastor, But I'm Not the Senior Pastor?

Abundant Life Church

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What If I am a Pastor, But I'm Not the Senior Pastor?

Season Two | Episode Five

May 27, 2024 • Pastor John Carter, Pastor Pascale Williams

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

Speaking Truth to Culture

November 17, 2024 • Pastor John Carter, Dr. Brandi Ginty

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?

Why Pastors Need Pastors

November 10, 2024 • Pastor John Carter, Dr. Brandi Ginty

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.

Marriage and Ministry

November 3, 2024 • Pastor John Carter, Pastor Lisa Carter

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.