Dr. Richard Clinton is an expert in defining the cause and effect of ministerial failure and success. An insightful and powerful conversation awaits you! You will be challenged to re-think your approach to your ministry after hearing these timeless principles.

Pastoral ministry—especially as it pertains to the office of pastor-teacher—can be extremely multi-faceted. For most pastors, there is far more to do than hours in which to do them. Especially considering the fact that pastors have wives and families. Especially considering that pastors require get proper rest ... in sleep and sabbath. Especially considering the need for exercise and good health habits. But does pastoral ministry have to be as multi-faceted as we've allowed it to become? Do we really need to run in all eight lanes of the race? Or is there one primary lane that we must stay in? What does that look like? Let's explore this important subject.

The Bible is replete with examples of men and women who were clearly called by the Lord unto something He would work through them to do. Abraham, Moses, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Paul, Timothy, etc. are a few of many such examples. Calling is one thing. Living out one's calling is another thing altogether. Samson failed because rather than live out his calling, he repeatedly decided to live life on his own fleshly terms. If we are to hit the bullseye in life, we must not only know our calling, but use it as the baseline and chief decider concerning how we're going to fulfill it. Calling provides direction, courage, authority, and leadership direction. This is why the pastor-teacher must meditate upon his calling into the office of pastor-teacher, and then follow it. The pastor-teacher probably ought to think on these things every day. And then, calculate what he says "yes" to, and what he says "no" to, accordingly. Podcast 125 is part one of two episodes on this all important subject. We hope it's encouraging to you who shepherd God's people.

Ron Arbaugh is the senior and founding pastor of Calvary Chapel San Antonio, Texas. Ron is a gracious and wonderful leader, and the Lord has blessed the ministry big-time in San Antonio, and expanded the church's reach amazingly. Ron was kind enough to invite me to join him on his call in daily (M-F) radio program entitled "Word to Stand On for Life" (https://www.calvarysa.com/radio-1). As he thought might happen, no one called in that day. Apparently (as Ron told me), people don't call in if the convo Ron is having with his guest is interesting! Anyway, it was an organic, fun conversation about a number of topics which I hope you'll find interesting and edifying. Listening to Ron, I am always encouraged in the areas of vision and faith. I trust the same will be true for you.

Well known Bible teacher and commentator David Guzik again shares with us about revival. What does revival look like? What happens when revival comes? What is revival's impact? Obviously, those who know and understand the times in which we live also know and understand the need for revival in the church and spiritual awakening in our world. David's website is enduringword.com. Send your feedback, comments, and questions to strongerpastors@gmail.com.

The Monterey Peninsula is truly blessed to have had two generations of "Holdridges" pastoring this diverse community on the Central California coast. Nate hosts his own own podcast entitled "Jesus Famous," and on it, he interviews his father Bill. This insightful, fun and honest discussion will encourage those pastors with their own sons who might be considering the call of the ministry.

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.

Every senior/lead pastor knows about the Great Commission and its importance in fulfilling God's vision for the church. But what does that look like in the life and ministry of the busy pastor? Pastor Trip Kimball has a long history of pouring into people that they might follow Christ well. In this podcast, program host Bill Holdridge will interview Pastor Trip to help us all discover how we can grow as disciplers.

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.