Many pastors struggle with managing their retirement plans and funds. Doug Eagle shares his passion for helping today's pastor prepare for the future.

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.

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.

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?

Bob Larson of Calvary Chapel Caldwell, Idaho, doesn't do things the way others expect him to do. He has a clearly defined set of priorities, and he lives them out in family life and in church life. He also applies (literally) the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8 ... and in doing so, his thought life has been profoundly affected. Prepare to hear a different slant on the rhythms of pastoral life and ministry. Is in unbiblical or unspiritual for a pastor to have fun? This podcast contains tools/concepts that every pastor can use, and tailor make for himself. Enjoy.

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.

Brian Hill is on the younger side of pastoral ministry, but is much older in wisdom. Much has been said about the ways the Lord prepares His vessels, men in whom He pours Himself and then flows through them to equip and bless others. That's the journey of Brian Hill. This is a cool story, an encouraging bio of a man used by God. Testimonies are helpful to everyone. Pastoral testimonies are particularly helpful to pastors and leaders. Be encouraged!

In episode 116 we’re joined by Roger Ulman, senior/lead pastor of Calvary Chapel Kalamazoo Valley, Michigan. Roger planted the church in 2000, after an interesting and God-ordained training process. This testimony is included in this interview. Roger is married to Lisa, his wife of 37 years. They have three children … two boys and a girl. #10 grandchild on the way. Roger Ulman is a pastor who is genuinely joyful, and very optimistic about ministry and life in general. Pastors always can use optimism and encouragement … these are very challenging times for pastors everywhere. So, where does such a positive outlook comes from? This could me a major key re: how we pastors serve the Lord Jesus and His people. Tune in to hear the not-so-secret secret of Divine Optimism in Pastoral Ministry.

Mandate: "An authoritative command; especially : a formal order from a superior court or official to an inferior one.” Jesus has given His church a number of mandates. These are all commandments, not suggestions. The only possible responses to a Divine mandate it to obey it or disobey it. Of course, one can obey partially, but that didn't work out too well for king Saul. He was told that his partial obedience was akin to witchcraft. And one can disobey passively, e.g. by pushing the commandment under the rug and ignoring it, pretending that it wasn't issued. But the commandment to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace is a definite mandate. The commandment to forgive everyone of everything is also a definite mandate. In this podcast, pastor Daryl Zachman (Calvary Chapel Treasure Valley, Meridian, Idaho) and show host Bill Holdridge discuss these two mandates, and spell out how they connect to each other. In these last of the last days, we need to get these things right. So much is riding upon it. Anything short of complete obedience grieves the Holy Spirit of God.

From hippie commune to the business world; from the business world to planting and pastoring a wonderfully fruitful church, from senior pastoral ministry to Poimen Ministries, and then on to the mission field with Poimen Ministries, and now back in the U.S. strengthening pastors and their wives … Bob and Jeanne Claycamp have seen and experienced much. Listen to their story as they tell of the faithfulness and power of God through willing vessels. Being used of God … many lessons contained in this couple’s life together.