Épisodes

  • Ep. 8 - Rest to Be Your Best
    Jan 5 2026

    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

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    45 min
  • Ep. 7 - Broken Arrows
    Dec 19 2025

    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

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    51 min
  • Ep. 6 - Disciple making
    Dec 12 2025

    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

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    49 min
  • Ep. 5 - Minister's Manifesto
    Oct 1 2025

    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

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    54 min
  • Ep. 4 - Secret lives - hidden habits that hinder
    Sep 3 2025

    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

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    48 min
  • Ep. 3 - Preaching for Life Change
    Aug 2 2025

    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

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    58 min
  • Ep. 2 - StressFULL - Don't Burn Out
    Jul 2 2025

    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

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    40 min
  • Ep. 1 - Intro
    Jul 2 2025

    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

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    44 min