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.

Paul Berry assumed the senior pastor role at Calvary Chapel Santa Maria, CA in 1992. When he started, there were 50-60 people in attendance, but there was a e mere skeleton of a leadership team. Therefore in the very first months of his pastorate, Paul dug in and began raising up men who would serve the Lord, His church, and their families in the way Christ called them to. In this podcast, Paul will share with us what they did, how they did it, and why they did it. Also, resources are available for Paul’s SOM curriculum. He argues that men need to be given responsibility and authority, and the opportunity to truly lead and minister within the church and community. This is a must listen for those wanting encouragement and help in the area of developing Biblical leadership in the church.

Pastor Ed Taylor is an open book in private as well as in public. His transparency and sincerity are evident in this podcast episode, in which Ed provides abundant encouragement with regard to dealing with extreme loss, the pastor's calling, the pastor's own self-assessment and identity (spoiler alert: the pastor is not to be deemed successful on the basis of the size of your church!), and thinking and living within the good things that God has done and is doing. Ed is the pastor of Calvary Chapel Aurora, Colorado, a solid, growing and relevant congregation near Denver. He and the church have completed 20 years as a fellowship, and during those years Ed has learned, and is learning valuable and transferable lessons in life and ministry. Ed's keeping it real...

Pastor, is counseling a burden or a blessing to you? How is your 1:1 ministry oriented? What's your end game? Paul LeBoutillier speaks with program host Bill Holdridge about counseling, and the way the Lord has taught him to approach it in his church of almost 30 years. It promises to be both liberating and encouraging to any pastor.