You probably need a sabbatical from your duties as a pastor and don't even realize it. A time of extended rest from the everyday grind of 24/7 ministry is many times what Christ asks us to do so we may serve His Church effectively. Karl Vaters interviews Sean Nemecek...and this conversation will give the overworked, trapped pastor an answer to his vocational dilemma.

Pastors are often isolated and feel alone. It's difficult to find others that can relate to the unique challenges of the ministry. Not too surprisingly, pastors report that they often suffer from discouragement, and even depression.

Jimmy Morales pastors a wonderful church body in Las Vegas, Nevada. The name of the fellowship is Calvary Chapel Lone Mountain. I (show host Bill Holdridge) had the privilege of being with this congregation early in February of 2022. One of the plans we had for my time there was to record a podcast interview with Jimmy ... only in this podcast he would be the one interviewing me. He wanted to hear about pastoral transitions, so he prepared a list of commonly asked (or unasked) questions on that topic. So, that's what we talked about. Jimmy is not in the process of transition himself, nor is he planning a transition. He's still young, the church is exploding, and he's got a lot of gas left in his ministry tank. But Jimmy does have a heart for other pastors, and thus, the questions. When is a good time for a pastor to retire from his church pastorate? How does a transition process move forward? What should pastors do now, even those pastors who have years ahead of them in their present church? Is it better to choose a successor from within the fellowship, or from without? How involved should church leaders be in helping the pastor transition? And so on. Listen in. Pass it on. As we've said many times before, unless Jesus Christ returns before a pastor dies, someone else will pastor that church. Why not (at the very least) start pastoring as a pastor who is in transition? Why not have an emergency plan in case something happens to you? Why not invite outside counsel to come in and help with your thinking process?

Every church needs to do some healthy, Holy Spirit directed personal inventory. Pastors and leaders need to ask themselves the questions, “Why are we here in this community?” And, “What should we be, and what should we do to make us essential in our community (and beyond)?” On that subject, today we have with us Pastor Jeff Birmingham of River Rocks Church in Cummins, Georgia. There’s a statement on River Rocks Church’s website which reads, “We believe that our community doesn’t need another church service…” Jeff will tell us what is meant by this statement on the church’s website, and about what the Lord has been doing recently in his life and ministry to make much of that happen. But encouragement and renewed energy in the ministry did not come easy ... there were very painful moments, moments which led Jeff to reach out. The counsel of the Holy Spirit brought freedom and renewed vision in Jeff's life, and it has changed everything. Everything! Discover some of what Jeff learned (the truth sets us free), and the journey that he's on. It will be a blessing and exciting for any pastor or church leader.

Today we have as our guest pastor Tim Brown of Calvary Chapel Fremont, CA, where he has served as the founding and senior pastor since 1997. A graduate of San Jose Bible College, Tim is a true pastor-teacher, and is a gifted writer. He has been one of the most listened to guests on Strength for Today’s Pastor, and it’s always good to have him with us. Tim, welcome back to the program. Thanks for joining us. Tim, the COVID 19 situation has created some unforeseen, almost unimaginable scenarios for pastors and churches. In fact, the very first state issued stay-at-home orders were in California (March 19). Public gatherings and schools were prohibited from meeting as scheduled; restaurants were closed to indoor seating, etc. And then there’s what happened with the church. DISCUSSION Question: Tim, you’ve been writing a blog almost daily throughout most of the pandemic, in a pastoral effort to shepherd the church through this crisis. What motivated you to do this, and how has the Lord used it? Question: Maybe you could briefly summarize what’s been happening since then, especially with respect to the churches in California… Question: So this week, you came out with one of most epic blogs, which makes the case that civil disobedience is not rebellion. I read it immediately, and almost immediately shared it on my FB page, and told others about it. So we’ve already stated the basic premise of the article … so tell us how you develop your argument in your blog. Question: So drawing from your blog post, let’s say the state says, “churches may not meet indoors or may not meet anywhere publicly.” There are criteria that each pastor and leadership team will use to make their decision. What are those criteria? You mention the decision to engage in civil disobedience is actually a matter of conscience. What do you mean by that, and why is it important? Question: You wrote that there is an ‘unnecessary tension’ in local churches due to misunderstanding the difference between civil disobedience and rebellion. For me, your article completely eliminated this tension. Please elaborate, if you would. Why is there an unnecessary tension? How does that tension go away? Question: You wrote: “Rebellion is seeking to overthrow the institution of the State or escape the prosecution of the State whereas civil disobedience is noncompliance to a law of the State when it violates conscience.” For me, these definitions turned on the light bulb in my brain. So how do the definitions apply as they relate to a church deciding to remain open during COVID-19 restrictions? You cite an example from the book of Acts, in chapter 4… Question: Your final statement in the article stated that “A proper understanding of the difference between civil disobedience and rebellion may help to ease some of the tensions felt as local churches consider whether or not to reopen.” I noticed that phrase, ‘as local churches consider whether or not to reopen.” That seemed like a wonderful conciliatory tone, and very gracious. Obviously, you’re leaving it up to each church to decide. Yes? What’s your heart for other pastors and churches going through these times? RESOURCES Pastor Tim’s teachings are available at calvaryfremont.org/sermons. His blogs throughout the COVID-19, by which he has masterfully led his fellowship, can be found at calvaryfremont.org/addressing-covid-19. Also, if you have questions you’d like feedback from Tim about … just send us an email at strongerpastors@gmail.com, and I’ll pass it on to Tim and he’ll get back to you. CLOSING So before we go, we always enjoy your feedback and happily entertain suggestions for future podcast topics that may be of help to senior pastors and church leaders. Also, please visit our website to learn of the myriad ways the Poimen Ministries team of pastors can help encourage and strengthen you in your ministry. From the staff, pastors and board of Directors here at Poimen Ministries, we wish God’s very best upon you and your ministry. So long, until next week…

In this podcast episode we will hear from Pastor John Miller, Senior/Lead pastor of Revival Christian Fellowship in Menifee, CA. John will be sharing with us on the subject of Expositional Bible Teaching and Preaching, and specifically, he’ll be presenting the case for Expositional Bible Teaching/Preaching. What is Expositional Teaching and Preaching? Why does it matter whether or not a pastor preaches/teaches expositionally? What is the place and purpose of exegesis in preparing an expositional teaching? How does it contrast with eisegesis? What is the difference between the text governing the sermon and the preacher's own thoughts? What are the reasons that pastors today MUST preach and teach expositionally? Be ready to be challenged and encouraged, pastor. This is for EVERY one of us who are called as pastor-teachers.

You've heard about this idea, and you've been thinking about it. There are roadblocks to consider, and you're reviewing some of them in your own mind. Yet just the hope of an extended restorative time away charges your batteries. How can the obstacles to actually doing this be overcome? What about your church's leadership, how will they ever get on board? Why not just take an extra week of vacation? In this podcast, Pastor John Cowan of Poimen Ministries responds to these questions with Program Host Bill Holdridge. May the Lord bless you as you live in, and enter into His rest!

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.