Gayle Erwin is an international treasure, a man who has allowed the Lord to use his life for many years as an author, pastor, lecturer, professor, and conference speaker. Gayle has (as he puts it) "one string on his guitar," and that string is Jesus and His nature. This podcast is on that subject. How does the nature of Jesus effect the way we live as pastors, and how we shepherd the flocks the Lord has committed to our charge? In Gayle's classic book The Jesus Style, Gayle goes into great detail to show that the nature of Jesus is understood from these descriptions embedded in the teachings of Scripture: 1. Jesus came as a Servant (not to be served) 2. Jesus did not Lord It over others... 3. Jesus came as an Example 4. Jesus was Humble 5. Jesus came as a Child 6. Jesus came as the Younger 7. Jesus was Last 8. Jesus was Least 9. Jesus used No Force 10. Jesus possessed No Blind or Selfish Ambition 11. Jesus made Himself of No Reputation 12. Jesus was fully Human 13. Jesus was wholly Obedient 14. Jesus was obedient unto Death Hopefully, this podcast will inspire pastors and leaders to undergo a new and fresh study of Jesus, that we might all make the Main One the main thing. In Gayle's own words, in the preface to the book, he writes: "This is the Jesus I want to talk about, the Jesus who called himself a servant. For reasons I cannot understand, I have not, in my research, found the qualities of servanthood, which seem so self-evident and basic to who Jesus is, treated in any but a surface and brief way. I only know that the realization of them and even minimal incorporation of them into life has power that I cannot describe; I can only invite you." “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42–45)

What is the purpose of the gift of tongues? What is its most common use? How is it exercised in a corporate setting "decently and in order'? What is the baptism with the Holy Spirit? What is the main evidence of being filled (baptized) with the Holy Spirit? These questions have clear Biblical and practical answers, and Gayle Erwin will help us find out what those answers are. Gayle Erwin is a longtime pastor, Bible teacher, conference speaker, and author. His books included The Jesus Style, The Father Style, The Spirit Style, and The Body Style. It's always a blessing to hear from Gayle ... his unique story telling ability, his years of experience, his sense of humor, and his love for Jesus and His grace all combine to make each encounter with him a rich experience.

Does anybody even practice what we call church discipline anymore? And if a church does practice church discipline, why do they do it? How do they do it? What is its purpose? Show host and Poimen Ministries Director Bill Holdridge draws from the scriptures, coupled with his experience in pastoral ministry, to make suggestions to pastors about the whys and how's of church disciple. For instance, Bill calls us these principles in mind: Church discipline is closely related to Christian discipleship. If the church discipline process requires separation from the body, the goal of the excommunication is restoration. Church discipline is actually an application of Divine chastening. To be a Great Commission church, the church must exercise church discipline with its many forms and applications. To be a holy church, the church must practice church disciple. To develop mature believers, the church must trust Jesus to assist Him as He perfects His people. One tool He uses is church discipline. This podcast is aimed at helping pastors and churches do this better, with grace and truth applied at the same time. BULLET POINT #1- Church discipline is closely related to Christian discipleship. Discipline and discipleship are part of the same idea. Discipleship could also be called preventative church discipline. When congregants are discipled, they are not candidates for church discipline. A person who is in the Word, in prayer, in fellowship, who exercises his/her spiritual gifts for others’ sake, who is involved in the Great Commission, who is accountable, etc. has made himself immune to the need for corrective church discipline. BULLET POINT #2- Church discipline is actually an application of Divine chastening. (Hebrews 12:6-8) BULLET POINT #3- Matthew 18:15-18 has to do with interpersonal conflicts. Against you is not found in Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus do not contain these words, but the Majority text does. (https://credohouse.org/blog/textual-problem-study-matthew-1815) BULLET POINT #4- The number of people who are made aware of the discipline is determined by the number of people who know the ones being disciplined. BULLET POINT #5- If the church discipline process requires separation from the body, the goal of the excommunication is restoration. Restoration to God, first. Then to other believers, second. (Galatians 6:1) BULLET POINT #6- Authority to exercise church disciple comes directly from the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20) BULLET POINT #7- Conditions must be clear for the disciplined person’s return into full fellowship. BULLET POINT #8- The church governing documents (Bylaws) and board minutes must be consistent with the Bible’s teaching on church discipline, and internally consistent with BOD minutes or elder’s meeting minutes. BULLET POINT #9- Effective church discipline requires a deep team of leaders that are all-in, and who understand how church discipline should be practiced, Biblically.

For those of you who don’t know Gayle Erwin, Gayle is a long-time pastor, author, conference speaker, and as far as ministry is concerned, he is all about playing the one string he has on his guitar, which is the nature of Jesus. He’s all-in with regard to helping others understand who Jesus is and what that means as His servants. Today we’re going to be focusing on aspects of Gayle’s book The Body Style. How does the nature of Jesus connect with the developing of our churches, and the shape of the church? Questions and discussion include: What influenced or motivated you to write The Body Style? What had you seen that caused you disillusionment concerning the Church? How did Jesus’ words, “I will build My Church” give you hope and freedom? Maybe you could comment briefly on the styles of organization churches use, and then focus mainly on the system Jesus used… very stimulating ideas! Gayle Erwin has a lot to say, through a grid that will resonate with lovers of Jesus, with lovers of the grace of God, and with lovers of the truth.

Not lord it over others … Leadership by example … Humble … As a child … As the younger … Least … Last … No force … No selfish ambition … No reputation … Human … Obedient … Death on the Cross … Resurrection. These are characteristics of Jesus Christ that all true believers can mimic and live out, by the power of the Holy Spirit. They are also characteristics of the minister of Jesus Christ, if ministry is to be done Jesus-style. Author, preacher, Bible teacher, and long-time pastor Gayle Erwin helps us with some of the nuts and bolts of following in the steps of our Great Pastor (The Jesus Style, The Father Style, The Spirit Style, Not Many Mighty, The Body Style, Handbook for Servants). Pastoring with an others-centered style of leadership — learning how to understand the place of Humor, Anger, Authority, Freedom, Forgiveness, Worship, Fear, and Feelings in ministry. Discover how Jesus dealt with manipulative people, and how to avoid these pitfalls See why it's not really necessary to 'defend' Jesus, at least not in the ways we might think. It's a mini school of ministry to have a convo with Gayle Erwin. Hope you can join us for episode 99 of Strength for Today's Pastor.

Episode number 100- a real milestone in the ministry of this podcast, but also of over 12 years of ministry as a team of pastors. In this program, the roles are reversed as post production editor Jeff Jones interviews Poimen Ministries director Bill Holdridge. Listen in as Jeff asks Bill about: …the origin of Poimen Ministries …some of his personal habits and his life in Christ …about the team of pastors …about the why and how of choosing podcast interviewees It's an interesting, and hopefully edifying discussion. Hope you can join us!

Mark Gomez has pastored three churches in his years of pastoral ministry, totaling more than 35 years as a senior/lead pastor or church planter. Mark came to Christ as a result of an intellectual conflict with one of his high school teachers... it's an interesting story. He has lived in Utah for 25+ years, which is where he served in his last pastorate. His pastorate was a very fruitful one, one that was effective in reaching members of the LDS church. Now Mark is moving into a huge and much needed arena of ministry, as he continues within his calling as a pastor-teacher. Be blessed and strengthened as you listen...

Episode 102 of Strength for Today’s Pastor features Pastor Lance Ralston of Calvary Chapel Oxnard, CA. Our conversation today concerns the ideas contained in a new book by author Rod Dreher … a book that contains a message that could have major impacts upon the ministries of pastors, leaders, and churches. A bit about Lance: he has been married to Lynn Ralston for forty years. They have three children and four grandkids. They began Calvary Chapel Oxnard thirty-eight years ago. The church’s ministry includes a private Christian high school and a 24-hour low-power FM radio station. Lance is the author of the book, Marriage: As It Was Meant To Be. He also authors a popular podcast called “Communio Sanctorum: History of the Christian Church.” (www.sanctorum.us). Are you ready for a radical stance in response to today's darkness and accompanying evils? Then tune in to hear a well-reasoned, Biblical response which will challenge and strengthen pastors everywhere.

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?

Ken Graves tells it like it is. When one speaks with Ken Graves, he/she enters into the no fear zone, as it relates to the truth. But as is true with Jesus, grace is sweetly mixed with truth, and the result is an encouraged heart. In podcast #104, Ken tells the story of the fellowship he pastors in Bangor, Maine—and their battles with the powers that be in their state. Points of discussion: Has their been government overreach in in the handling of COVID-19? If government limits its citizens by depriving them of their constitutional rights, is it breaking the law? What does Romans 13 mean in our present day? How might pastors respond to the situation in their states, whether red or blue? Ken is articulate, well-studied, and passionate. You won't want to miss this one.