In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew, along with guests Pastors Rick Frie and Wendell Lang, explore the critical yet often neglected topic of rest in ministry. They discuss the theological and practical aspects of rest, emphasizing its necessity for effective leadership and spiritual health. The conversation highlights the cultural tendency to equate busyness with productivity and godliness, while advocating for intentional planning of rest to avoid burnout. The hosts share personal experiences and practical tips for incorporating rest into a busy ministry life, ultimately reinforcing the idea that true effectiveness in ministry comes from a place of rest and renewal.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Rest in Ministry
12:31 Understanding the Need for Intentional Rest
25:32 Practical Approaches to Incorporating Rest
39:09 The Impact of Rest on Leadership and Ministry

In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew, along with guests Pastor Wendell Lang and Pastor Randy Davis, explore the unique challenges faced by pastor's families, particularly focusing on the experiences of preacher's kids (PKs). They discuss the pressures of living in a 'fishbowl' and the expectations placed on PKs, emphasizing that they are just kids and not perfect. The conversation delves into the concept of 'broken arrows'—the struggles and imperfections in parenting and how love and acceptance play crucial roles in navigating these challenges. The hosts share personal stories and insights on raising children after God's own heart, highlighting the importance of consistency, communication, and modeling faith in their lives.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Fishbowl: Parenting in Ministry
09:53 The Unique Challenges of Preacher's Kids
19:25 Broken Arrows: Dealing with Imperfection
28:58 The Role of Love and Acceptance in Parenting
38:38 Keys to Raising Kids After God's Own Heart

In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew, along with guests Pastor Cayo Cavalcante and Pastor Randy Davis, explore the critical role of discipleship in ministry. They discuss the Great Commission, the definition of a disciple, the importance of relationships in disciple-making, and the challenges faced by pastors in this endeavor. Practical steps for effective discipleship are shared, emphasizing the need for accountability and the organic nature of teaching through life experiences. The conversation concludes with reflections on measuring effective discipleship and the true success of ministry being rooted in the quality of disciples rather than mere attendance numbers.

Chapters

00:00 The Great Commission and Its Importance
06:42 Defining a Disciple
14:01 The Nature of Discipleship
17:52 Challenges in Disciple Making
20:47 Practical Steps for Discipleship
24:34 The Importance of Discipleship in Leadership
32:44 Key Principles of Effective Discipleship
35:42 Practical Steps for Discipleship
39:58 The Role of Time in Discipleship
45:39 Redefining Success in Ministry

In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew discuss the Minister's Manifesto, a resource designed to guide and encourage pastors and ministry leaders. They explore the importance of family, the challenges of loneliness in ministry, the need for a warrior mentality, and the purpose of the church as a community of believers. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of staying fresh in one's relationship with God and the importance of living out one's identity as a minister of the gospel.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Minister's Manifesto
06:39 The Importance of Family in Ministry
13:45 Combating Loneliness and Isolation
20:53 The Warrior Mentality in Ministry
28:33 The Purpose of the Church
39:39 Staying Fresh and Avoiding Complacency
45:23 Living Out the Minister's Identity

In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew, along with guests Pastor Wendell Lang and Pastor Randy Davis, delve into the hidden struggles faced by ministers, particularly the phenomenon of living a double life. They explore the causes behind secret habits, the stronghold sins that many pastors grapple with, and the critical importance of accountability and support in overcoming these challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for ministers to be open and honest about their struggles, seek help, and build strong relationships to foster integrity and healing in their lives and ministries.

Chapters

00:00 The Double Life of Ministers
10:28 Understanding the Slippery Slope
19:26 Identifying Stronghold Sins
29:46 The Importance of Accountability
40:05 Finding Healing and Support

Summary

In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, host Ray Sanders and co-host Tom Mathew engage in a deep conversation about the art of preaching with seasoned ministers Dr. Anthony Jordan and Pastor Rick Frie. They explore the essential elements of effective sermons, the importance of preparation, and the personal journey of finding one's voice as a preacher. The discussion includes memorable sermon experiences, the significance of a personal relationship with God, and practical advice for engaging with diverse audiences. The episode emphasizes the need for authenticity in preaching and the importance of loving one's congregation.

Chapters

00:00 The Art of Preaching
02:18 Personal Experiences in Ministry
10:15 Finding Your Voice as a Preacher
14:02 The Importance of Preparation and Study
28:06 Understanding Your Audience
29:15 Tailoring Messages for Different Generations
31:39 The Power of the Gospel Across Ages
33:18 Balancing Academics and Relatability in Preaching
36:27 Being Authentic and Real in Ministry
39:17 Understanding the Diverse Spiritual Needs of Congregations
40:52 The Importance of Faithfulness to the Word
43:40 Staying True to Your Calling Amidst Competition
48:44 The Unique Role of the Pastor
52:13 Wisdom for Young Preachers
56:23 Final Thoughts on Preaching and Ministry

Summary

In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew discuss the pervasive issue of burnout among ministry leaders. Joined by experienced pastors Rick Frie and Wendell Lang, they explore the causes of burnout, including discouragement, isolation, and overwhelming pressures. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs, managing stress, and finding support within the community. The hosts provide practical strategies for maintaining passion and purpose in ministry, encouraging listeners to reach out for help and prioritize their mental and spiritual health.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Burnout in Ministry
05:04 The Weight of Ministry Responsibilities
12:18 Recognizing Warning Signs of Burnout
19:43 Strategies for Managing Stress
26:13 Restoring Passion and Joy in Ministry
31:34 Finding Support and Community in Ministry

Summary

In the inaugural episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew introduce the mission of Edify Leaders, an organization dedicated to supporting pastors and ministry leaders. They discuss the origin of Edify Leaders, the need for ministerial support, and the challenges faced by ministers today. The conversation highlights the importance of encouragement, accountability, and the unique approach of Edify Leaders, which emphasizes honest, open, and transparent relationships. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with the podcast and support the mission of Edify Leaders.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Winning in Ministry Podcast
00:30 The Origin Story of Edify Leaders
02:52 Identifying the Need for Ministerial Support
06:55 The 3J Model: Friendship, Wisdom, and Spiritual Growth
08:45 Challenges Faced by Ministers
14:01 The Unique Approach of Edify Leaders
20:09 The HOT Coaching Style: Honest, Open, Transparent
25:37 The Role of a Leader: Influence and Duplication
30:58 The Importance of Vulnerability in Ministry
34:14 The Call for Support and Donors
36:07 The Purpose of the Podcast: Strengthening Ministers
41:49 Conclusion and Call to Action