This has been a long-anticipated episode of Strength for Today's Pastor. We have the blessing of being with Bruce Hebel, author of the incredible, life-changing book entitled Forgiving Forward: Unleashing the Forgiveness Revolution. In episode 118, Bruce makes the case that God treats us in our relationship with Him as we treat other people, specifically in forgiveness. In fact, this is a major part of the Lord's prayer, and a huge part of the gospel. Forgiveness of others is central to the message of the cross of Christ. The parable of Matthew 18 (the parable of the unforgiving slave) and its intended meaning is huge re: this discussion. Unforgiving people are under torment as long as they refuse to forgive. There is also time spent on the subject of the difference between forgiving someone and becoming reconciled to them. Forgiveness of others is mandatory for the true believer; reconciliation is a matter between two individuals, and may or may not happen. Show host Bill Holdridge has been significantly affected by the teachings of Jesus as taught in Bruce's book. He now considers himself a part of the forgiveness revolution. Forgiveness of others may be the key to revival, if a wholesale revival is to come. Church congregations will become free with the freedom with which Christ has set us free in His crucifixion and resurrection.

FROM OUR "ACTS 2 DISTINCTIVES" SERIES~The first of a six part series from Acts chapter 2, this podcast dives into the subject of the need for and power of the Holy Spirit, and how He works in the church, and why pastors should care about it. Holland Davis of Calvary Chapel San Clemente, CA (hollanddavis.com) and Jim Hesterly of Acts One Eight Ministries (act-one-eight.com) are a great pair of pastors to discuss this hugely important subject. Join in this insightful interview.

Alan Stoddard is the author of the Stoke It Up Podcast, and is a former Calvary Chapel Senior/Lead pastor. He is currently prepping for a new church plant in Granbury, Texas. Alan recently discovered that Bill Holdridge had been a church planter himself back in the day ... so he decided to interview him. The discussion takes a number of twists and turns ... it's about church planting, pastoral calling, the days of the Jesus Revolution, and other topics in the fast-moving interview that testifies to the faithfulness of God. Hope you enjoy it. ____________________________ Dr. Alan Stoddard is the co-author of the book Groups that Revitalize, which deals with the subject of sermon based small groups. Sermon based small groups a powerful ministry opportunity that multiplies the reach of the pulpit. Dr. Alan Stoddard shares some of the ministry philosophy behind sermon based small groups as well as the Biblical precedent and tips and tricks to make the best curriculum questions possible. You can read Alan's Doctoral thesis here: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/16328189/teaching-pastors-to-reinforce-expository-preaching-alan-stoddard Or read his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Groups-that-Revitalize-Bringing-Sermon-Based/dp/1733690387 Alan serves as the Lead Pastor of Calvary Ruidoso, in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He has pastored churches in Texas and New Mexico. He has a real passion for making disciples in small groups. He's married to Jeana and has a daughter, Briana. Recommended Episodes from The Expositors Collective: How to Lead an Interactive Bible Study: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2019/3/12/episode-38-how-to-lead-an-interactive-bible-study Learning from John the Baptist: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2021/2/16/learning-from-john-the-baptist-george-scanlan The Power of Connection: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2020/9/1/the-power-of-connection-eric-cartier

Pastor, is the Holy Spirit to overflowing from you and empowering you for ministry? This conversation addresses holy qualifications in our service to Christ. Acts chapter 19 opens with this narrative: "And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples, he said to them, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' " Eventually, these followers of John the Baptist became followers of Jesus Christ, and were miraculously baptized with the Holy Spirit of God. Charles Finney, in his book Power from On High, wrote:  “In a former article I said that the lack of the Baptism of the Spirit should be deemed a disqualification for a pastor, a deacon or elder, a Sunday School teacher, a professor in a Christian College, and especially a professor in a theological seminary.  "Is this a hard saying? Is this an uncharitable saying? Is it unjust? Is it unreasonable? Is it unscriptural?  "Suppose any one of the Apostles, or those present on that day of Pentecost, had failed through apathy, selfishness, unbelief, indolence, or ignorance to obtain this Baptism with the Holy Spirit, would it have been uncharitable, unjust, unreasonable, or unscriptural, to have accounted him disqualified for the work which Christ has in fact called us all?  "Christ had expressly informed them that without this endowment they could do nothing. He had expressly enjoined them not to attempt it in their own strength.” So, the earnest, honest question for all who serve our Lord Jesus Christ is the same. Have we received the Holy Spirit? And beyond that, are we walking in His power and fulness? Do we rely upon Him — and upon Him alone — for the qualifications and power to do what only Christ can do through us by the Spirit's power? Exhortation and encouragement are the two sides of the same spiritual coin. Prepare to be exhorted and encouraged, and may the Lord break out upon us with power, passion, and the pursuit of the highest calling imaginable... to know Christ, and to make Him known. Paul Berry is the founder of Acts 19 Ministries, as well as a team pastor with Poimen Ministries. Paul pastored Calvary Chapel Santa Maria, CA for over 30 years until stepping aside to pursue the leading of the Holy Spirit in this next chapter of his ministry life.  Websites: www.acts19ministries.faith https://www.poimenministries.com/index.php/about Email: paul.berry2@icloud.com

Many churches are experiencing a leadership deficit. There are too few biblical elders, too few deacons, and not as many people who know which spiritual gifts they’ve been given by the Spirit, what they are called to do, or what ministries the Lord has opened up for them. Many leadership teams are not in alignment with their pastor in doctrine and practice, nor are they in alignment with each other. There are many fellowships — normal sized (50-200 regular attenders) — that believe they do not possess the resources to begin strong leadership development and equipping and training of the saints. That's what this podcast is all about. It's going to help the equipping senior pastor do the work of equipping those whom the Lord is calling into leadership ministry positions. And, he doesn't have to have it all figured out. He can join others who are part of what pastor Donn Fisher of Calvary Chapel Raynham, Massachusetts is talking about in this episode. There is an include transcript of this podcast interview, which may be helpful to you with your notetaking. Matthew 28:18-20

A clear and timely message from long time assisting pastor James Chapman of Calvary Chapel Stone Mountian, GA on what is needed in a servant who serves the senior pastor.