Form and Flow | Shepherds Network Podcast

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Form and Flow | Shepherds Network Podcast

Season Two | Episode One

March 26, 2024 • Pastor John Carter, Pastor Josh Finley

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.

It's OK not to be OK

March 26, 2024

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Lee Wilson discuss being a pastor and feeling that you have no help or no one to talk to when you feel the weight of the church on your shoulders, and how to open up to a close and trusting person.

Explaining the Importance of Mental Health

March 26, 2024

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Dr. Kathleen Kelly engage in a comprehensive discussion on mental development and health, addressing the unique challenges faced by congregation members, pastors, and leaders grappling with mental health issues.

What About Israel? | Shepherds Network Podcast

March 26, 2024 • Acts 28:25–31, Luke 21:23–24

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.