Calling vs. Career

Abundant Life Church

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Calling vs. Career

Season 1 | Episode 2

October 26, 2023 • Pastor John Carter, Pastor Lee Wilson

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.

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.