Pastor Don Rypstra is in his last days of a long pastorate in Rochester, Minnesota. He and his wife's move to northern Idaho means that a new normal is waiting for them, but also that someone will be called into an exciting opportunity to pastor and reach the people of Rochester, home of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. Pastor Don is not unlike many pastors, world-wide. Don is conscientious, faithful, thoughtful, and committed to Christ and the gospel. Another thing Don has been: he's been bi-vocational throughout his senior/lead pastor life. Over 25 years ago, he moved his family from California to Rochester in a career related move. Then the Lord called him into pastoral ministry, and to start a church. Which is what he did. Don refers to himself as a small church pastor. More and more, others refer to such pastors as normal sized church pastors, because it's a more accurate description in terms of average church size in the U.S. In this podcast, Don tells part of their story to show host Bill Holdridge. Not only is their story told, but the opportunity is now open to another called and gifted man to assume the leadership of Calvary Chapel Rochester.

Pastor Tim Brown joins show host Bill Holdridge in this huge issue for pastors ... made even more do due to this particular election year. Pastor Tim has a gift of turning complexities into simplicity, which can be very helpful for pastors who want tips on how to navigate these choppy waters and stormy seas. Tim is the pastor of Calvary Chapel in Fremont, California.

How can the senior or lead pastor connect with the people in his church? How should he conduct himself, and what are some great ways to reach the people that are attending the church? Of course, this is vital if the Great Commission will be fulfilled. Bill Holdridge, host of Strength for Today's Pastor, interviews Pastor Al James in this very important session on the role of the senior/lead pastor.

Pastor Dale Lewis is an example of a man who continues to allow the Lord to do what He wants in and through his life. Dale has pastored two churches: Calvary Chapel Merced in the central valley of California, and Bitterroot Calvary Chapel in Hamilton, Montana. He has since retired from the church in Montana, and now lives in Florida, from which he continues to serve the Lord within his calling and gifting. I’ve known Dale since 1981, and will never forget the Sunday morning when he and his wife Donna both raised their hands to receive Christ. As an older pastor friend of mine used to say, “They got saved real good.” Dale is not only a follower of Jesus Christ, he is also a discipler of men. Dale is also involved with a project stemming from his many years of verse-by-verse Bible teaching. Through scripturesupply.com, the Word of God is going out to anyone in the world who can read manuscript Bible teaching notes in any of 103 languages. Keep listening to the end. There is a huge opportunity for pastors to become better equipped to mentor others.

Pastor Rich Lammay of High Sierra Fellowship in Gardnerville, NV shares his experience in taking a three month sabbatical after 34 years in full time ministry.

Calvary Chapel Pastor Tadd Scheffer shares his incredible testimony of stopping his process of ordination into the Reformed Church just weeks from official recognition. A miraculous turn of events turned his life and ministry direction a full 180˚ the other way.

Pastor David Rosales has been serving Christ's bride for many years, with almost 50 years of ministry behind him. Yet, because he has remained faithful to the foundations of ministry, and to the Word of God, his ministry is as fresh as ever. Listen in as show host Bill Holdridge asks David about some of those key elements of a Biblical pastoral ministry. Included as part of the discussion: ~ What comparisons/contrasts do you draw between the era of the 60s and our current times? ~ Many have been praying for another revival to come. Can there be another revival in today’s world, as there was 50 years ago? If so, what conditions must be met for that to happen? ~ What troubles you about what young people are going through today, and how can they be reached? ~ What major threats or challenges are there to the church and against believers today? ~ If you had a group of 100 senior pastors in front of you right now, what would be the top three areas of encouragement you’d like to share with them? ~ In these unprecedented days in which we’re living, what are your thoughts on the essential, non-negotiables of ministry that must exist for a healthy, Biblically sound church?

Pastor Craig Hall may live in a smallish sized town. He may have a normal sized congregation. But he is doing a great work, and is a fine pastor who loves his flock and community dearly. In this episode, Craig tells a bit of his story in ministry, as well as some exciting arenas of outreach in the community of Fortuna. If you've ever lived or pastored in a community that's on the small side, then listen in. Lots of encouragement contained in this program.

In the earliest stages of his first senior pastorate, Nate Holdridge comes out of the book of Joshua to explain how he knew the Lord would be with him. A powerful reminder of the Presence and grace of God which is upon senior pastors, and which is absolutely necessary for their ministry to be successful in God's eyes. Pastor Chuck Smith introduces Nate, with some interesting and helpful homiletical suggestions at the end of the message

Let's face it ... in almost every church, about 1/3 of the worship portion of the service is devoted to singing to and about God. And another significant portion is devoted to teaching/preaching. Doesn't it make sense we pastors should pursue a great, unified relationship with our worship leader(s) and team(s)? Yet many of us are bewildered concerning how to get that done. Holland Davis has been leading worship since he was 16 years old. And he has served as the worship leader for pastors of a couple of the largest churches in America. He is currently a senior pastor himself—of Calvary Chapel in San Clemente, CA. Therefore, Holland is uniquely fitted to help every pastor know how to serve, lead, and enable his worship leaders be the best Jesus has made them to be. Show host Bill Holdridge speaks with Holland in this podcast episode #40 of Strength for Today's Pastor.