Shepnaz Podcast

Shepherd Church of the Nazarene
  • 4.8 (20)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Daily

Find encouragement to take your next step in your walk with Jesus. This podcast is a production of Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Gahanna, Ohio.

  1. 15h ago

    When God Doesn't Stop the Storm | Finding Peace and Wholeness in Christ

    What happens when God doesn't calm the storm the way we hoped?In this episode of The Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack continues his conversation with Olyvia Frederick as they explore the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4. Together, they discuss fear, faith, suffering, loss, healing, and the kind of peace that Jesus offers His followers.Olyvia shares powerful personal stories of grief, God's faithfulness through painful seasons, and how true biblical peace is more than calm circumstances. It is wholeness found in Christ.Topics include: ✅ Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4 ✅ Why fear makes us forget who is in the boat ✅ The greatest miracle: transformed hearts ✅ Trusting God through grief and loss ✅ God's faithfulness in suffering ✅ What biblical peace really means ✅ Finding hope when life falls apart ✅ Living with childlike faithNo matter what storm you're facing today, we pray this conversation reminds you that Jesus is with you and that His presence brings peace even when circumstances remain difficult.Visit shepnaz.org for information about Shepherd Church.Watch sermons and media at shepnaz.org/media.Listen to more episodes at shepnaz.org/podcast.Have a question or prayer request?📧 Email us: podcast@shepnaz.orgIf this episode encouraged you:👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe 📤 Share with someone who needs encouragement today#ShepnazPodcast #ChristianPodcast #FaithInTheStorm #JesusCalmsTheStorm #BiblicalPeace #ChristianEncouragement #Mark4Chapters00:00 Welcome back and episode recap 00:58 Mark 4 and Jesus calming the storm 01:15 The greatest miracle: recognizing who Jesus is 02:34 Changed hearts are the true miracle 04:22 Fear makes us forget who's in the boat 05:27 When Jesus doesn't stop the storm 06:20 Personal stories of grief and loss 07:09 God's desire for peace and wholeness 07:33 Mephibosheth and God's restoration 09:07 What biblical peace really means 10:13 Living through storms personally 11:20 Praising God when everything falls apart 12:43 God's presence in life's hardest moments 13:26 Why does God allow suffering? 15:37 Trusting God's purposes in the storm 16:18 Childlike faith and relationship with Jesus 18:01 Asking God the hard questions 19:00 Final encouragement and prayer invitation

  2. 1d ago

    When the Storm Rages: Trusting Jesus Through Fear, Grief & Uncertainty | Pastor Zack & Olyvia Frederick

    What do you do when life feels out of control?In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Olyvia Frederick to discuss her powerful testimony, her call to ministry, and the life-changing lessons she has learned through seasons of grief, loss, fear, and uncertainty. Together they explore Mark 4 and the familiar story of Jesus calming the storm.But what if the greatest miracle wasn't the calming of the sea?What if the real miracle was the disciples finally beginning to understand who Jesus truly is?Whether you're walking through grief, facing a difficult season, or simply longing to grow deeper in your faith, this conversation offers encouragement, hope, and a reminder that obedience does not exempt us from storms, but Jesus is always present in them.📍 Shepherd Church of the Nazarene 🌐 https://shepnaz.org 🎧 More episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📺 Sermons & Media: https://shepnaz.org/mediaHave questions or feedback? 📧 podcast@shepnaz.orgIf this episode encouraged you: ✅ Subscribe ✅ Leave a comment ✅ Share with a friend ✅ Help us spread the hope of Jesus#Shepnaz #ChristianPodcast #FaithThroughStorms #JesusCalmsTheStorm #Mark4 #ChristianEncouragementChapters00:00 Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast 00:35 Meet Olyvia Frederick 01:34 From teenage mom to transformed by Christ 02:53 A life radically changed by Jesus 03:34 Running from and answering God's call 04:31 The journey toward ministry and ordination 05:18 Family, ministry, and serving at Ohio Christian University 06:10 Shepherd Church as a place of healing 08:40 Introducing the sermon from Mark 4 09:07 Grief, loss, and discovering the storm narrative 09:52 Was the greatest miracle really the calm sea? 10:46 Seeing Scripture through a supernatural lens 11:05 Obedience does not exempt us from storms 12:30 Fear, control, and trusting God 13:15 "When the Storm Rages" 14:15 Learning to trust instead of control 16:26 Relinquishing control to Christ 17:13 The disciples' fear on the Sea of Galilee 18:40 Following Jesus into uncomfortable places 19:11 Seeing life from Jesus' perspective 20:17 Final encouragement and closing

  3. 4d ago

    Faithful in Hard Places | Pastor Zack & Jen Ballenger on Church Hurt, Calling, and Ministry Leadership

    What do you do when ministry gets hard? How do you stay faithful through church hurt, disappointment, and seasons that make you want to quit?In this powerful second half of Pastor Zack's conversation with Jen Ballenger, Assistant Professor of Youth & Family Ministries at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Children's Pastor at Newark Church of the Nazarene, we dive deep into faithfulness, leadership, calling, church hurt, women in ministry, and raising up the next generation of ministry leaders.Jen shares personal experiences from decades of ministry, lessons learned through difficult seasons, and why staying faithful to who God created you to be can change lives for generations to come.Whether you're a pastor, ministry volunteer, college student, church leader, or someone walking through a difficult season, this conversation will encourage and challenge you to trust God's faithfulness.In This Episode:✅ Overcoming church hurt ✅ Remaining faithful during difficult seasons ✅ Training the next generation of ministry leaders ✅ Women in ministry and God's calling ✅ Living out faith instead of merely talking about it ✅ God's ability to use your past for His glory📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org🎙️ Listen to more episodes of the Shepnaz Podcast: https://shepnaz.org/podcast📺 Watch sermons and media: https://shepnaz.org/media📧 We'd love to hear from you! Email us at: podcast@shepnaz.orgIf this episode encouraged you: 👍 Like the video 💬 Leave a comment and share your thoughts 🔔 Subscribe for more daily Shepnaz Podcast episodes 📤 Share this with a friend who needs encouragement today#Faithfulness #ChurchLeadership #JenBallenger #PastorZack #ChristianPodcast #MinistryLeadership #ChurchHurt #WomenInMinistry #ShepnazPodcast #NazareneChapters00:00 Introduction & Why This Conversation Matters 01:07 Walking Through Church Hurt with Grace 02:20 Choosing Faithfulness When You Want to Quit 04:48 From Local Church Ministry to MVNU Professor 07:01 Training the Next Generation of Ministry Leaders 08:34 Why Young Leaders Need Grit and Perseverance 10:14 Leadership Lessons from Jen Ballenger 10:48 Advice for Women in Ministry 12:33 Faithfulness Over Arguments and Debate 14:01 Learning Theology and Living It Out 16:01 What Jen Would Tell Her Younger Self 17:55 Be Faithful to Who God Created You to Be 18:16 A Prayer for Faithfulness and Peace 19:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

  4. 5d ago

    How God Uses Our Hardest Seasons for His Glory | Pastor Zack & Jen Ballenger

    What happens when God takes the hardest chapters of our lives and turns them into a testimony of grace? In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Jen Ballenger, Assistant Professor of Youth & Family Ministries at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Children's Pastor at Newark Church of the Nazarene. Together they discuss faith, grief, church hurt, redemption, ministry, and how God faithfully works through every season of life. Jen shares her personal journey through becoming a teenage mother, navigating loss after the tragic death of her sister, serving in ministry, and helping others find hope in difficult circumstances. This conversation is filled with encouragement for anyone walking through hardship and looking for God's faithfulness in the middle of it. If you've ever wondered whether God can use your struggles for His glory, this episode is for you. 🔗 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org 🎙️ Listen to more Shepnaz Podcast episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📺 Watch sermons and media:https://shepnaz.org/media 📧 We'd love to hear from you:podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 Like this video💬 Leave a comment sharing how God has worked through difficult seasons in your life🔔 Subscribe for daily episodes of the Shepnaz Podcast📤 Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today #Faith #ChristianPodcast #Testimony #ChurchHurt #HopeInChrist #Shepnaz 00:00 Introduction 01:48 Meeting Jen Ballenger at Kids Camp 05:06 Why Sharing Our Stories Matters 06:05 Growing Up in a Christian Home 07:23 Becoming a Teen Mom at 17 08:42 Tragedy and the Loss of a Sister 10:03 Unexpected Call Into Ministry 11:25 How God Uses Our Pain to Help Others 13:27 Finding Hope Through Genuine Christian Community 15:19 Why You Shouldn't Wish for Someone Else's Testimony 16:08 Jesus Meets Us in the Valley 18:09 Ministry Challenges and Church Hurt 19:08 Navigating Leadership Failures 20:06 Being Called to Stay Through Hard Seasons 21:09 Choosing the High Road and Kingdom Faithfulness 22:22 Outro and Tomorrow's Episode Preview

  5. 6d ago

    Worshiping in Spirit and Truth Through Grief

    What does it really mean to worship God in spirit and in truth?In this heartfelt Worship Wednesday episode, Pastor Zack shares a deeply personal reflection after receiving news of the passing of someone who had a profound impact on his life. Through grief, loss, and honest emotion, he explores Jesus' teaching in John 4:23-24 and explains how authentic worship involves both a genuine relationship with God and a firm foundation in biblical truth. Whether you're walking through a difficult season or simply want to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ, this episode will encourage you to approach worship with honesty, devotion, and confidence in God's unchanging character. 📖 Scripture: John 4:23-24 In this episode:✅ What "worship in spirit" really means✅ Why emotions alone are not enough✅ The importance of worship rooted in Scripture✅ Trusting God's goodness during grief and loss✅ How genuine worship transforms us We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org and let us know how this episode impacted you. 🎧 Listen to more episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast 🌐 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org 📺 Watch sermons and media:https://shepnaz.org/media If this episode encouraged you, be sure to:👍 Like🔔 Subscribe💬 Leave a comment📤 Share with a friend The Shepnaz Podcast is a daily podcast available weekdays on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Worship Wednesday00:32 An Unexpected Change of Plans01:03 Remembering Barb and Processing Loss02:31 What Does "Spirit and Truth" Mean?02:56 John 4:23-24 Explained03:21 Worshiping in Spirit: More Than Religious Motions04:30 Devotion During Difficult Seasons05:06 Personal Relationship Over Performance06:22 Bringing Brokenness to God07:05 Leaning on the Holy Spirit07:49 Bringing Your Whole Self to Worship08:32 Emotions vs. Authentic Worship08:58 Worshiping in Truth09:37 When Worship Becomes About Us10:00 Rooted in Scripture10:57 Recognizing Jesus for Who He Is12:06 Allowing Truth to Shape Our Emotions12:54 Putting Spirit and Truth Together13:47 Jesus and the Samaritan Woman14:37 Real Encounters vs. Warm Fuzzy Feelings15:28 Worship That Transforms Us16:24 The Refining Process of True Worship16:50 Final Encouragement and Closing

  6. Sep 29

    Jesus Is the Gate: 6 Powerful Parallels Between Nehemiah and Jesus

    What do Nehemiah and Jesus have in common? In today's Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack and Pastor Rob conclude our Nehemiah series by exploring six remarkable parallels between Nehemiah and Jesus. Together they discuss intercessory prayer, servant leadership, generosity, restoration, and why Jesus is the ultimate "Gate" that leads to life, peace, and salvation. Whether you're walking through a difficult season, searching for purpose, or wondering what it means to follow Jesus, this conversation will encourage you to trust Christ as the One who rebuilds broken hearts, relationships, and lives. In This Episode: ✅ Why Nehemiah and Jesus both interceded for God's people✅ The power and privilege of praying for others✅ Leading as a blessing instead of a burden✅ Using your resources to serve others✅ What Jesus meant when He said, "I am the Gate"✅ A simple prayer of salvation and invitation to follow Christ If this episode encouraged you, leave a comment and let us know what stood out to you! 🔗 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast📺 Watch sermons and media: https://shepnaz.org/media📧 Email us: podcast@shepnaz.org If you made a decision to follow Jesus today, we'd love to celebrate with you and help you take your next step in faith.👍 Like this video💬 Leave a comment🔔 Subscribe for daily Shepnaz Podcast episodes📤 Share this episode with a friend #JesusIsTheGate #Nehemiah #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Prayer #ShepherdChurch #ShepnazPodcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Nehemiah Series Recap01:20 Leading from the Front02:11 Parallel #4: Nehemiah and Jesus Intercede for God's People04:38 Jesus Continues to Pray for Us06:33 The Responsibility and Privilege of Prayer08:19 Who Are You Praying For?08:39 Parallel #5: A Blessing, Not a Burden10:22 Nehemiah's Extraordinary Generosity11:24 Jesus Supplies Every Need12:18 Open Hands and Faithful Stewardship13:59 Using Your Gifts to Bless Others14:55 Parallel #6: Nehemiah Restored Gates, Jesus Is the Gate16:35 Why Jesus Is the Only Way18:42 Finding Peace Through Christ19:49 Lessons from Nehemiah's Leadership20:51 Invitation to Follow Jesus21:26 Salvation Prayer22:46 Celebrating New Life in Christ23:19 Closing Encouragement

  7. Sep 28

    What Nehemiah Teaches Us About Following Jesus

    How does the story of Nehemiah point us toward Jesus? In today's Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Rob Paugh and Pastor Zack begin a two-part conversation unpacking the conclusion of our Nehemiah series. Together they explore three powerful parallels between Nehemiah and Jesus: ✅ Both came to rebuild what was broken✅ Both left positions of comfort and privilege to serve others✅ Both were deeply burdened for God's people This inspiring conversation challenges us to look beyond comfort, discover our God-given purpose, and join Jesus in restoring what is broken in our world. Whether you're searching for your calling, seeking spiritual growth, or wanting to make your life count for God's Kingdom, this episode will encourage and challenge you. 📖 Featured Scriptures: John 10:10John 3:16Ephesians 2:101 Peter 4:10Philippians 2:5-8Mark 10:45Matthew 9:36Romans 10:1 🌐 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org 🎙 Listen to more episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📺 Watch sermons and media:https://shepnaz.org/media 📧 We'd love to hear from you:podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 If this episode encouraged you: Subscribe to the channelLike this videoLeave a comment belowShare it with a friendWhat burden has God placed on your heart to help rebuild? #ShepnazPodcast #Nehemiah #Jesus #ChristianLeadership #ChristianPodcast #FaithInAction #Purpose #Calling #SpiritualGrowth Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Weekend Recap00:44 Why the Nehemiah Series Has Been So Powerful01:38 Physical Walls, Spiritual Impact02:26 Building a Legacy That Lasts04:38 How Nehemiah Points to Jesus05:44 Parallel #1: Rebuilding What Was Broken07:20 Why Jesus Came Into the World08:26 Discovering Your God-Given Purpose09:27 What Is God Calling You to Rebuild?11:01 Parallel #2: Leaving Comfort to Serve Others12:46 Jesus Left Heaven for a Broken World14:25 The Privilege of Serving God's Kingdom15:37 Comfort vs. Calling17:46 Parallel #3: A Burden for God's People18:23 Nehemiah Weeps for Jerusalem19:25 Jesus Weeps for the Lost20:45 What Breaks Your Heart?22:29 Turning Burden Into Action24:20 Following the Example of Jesus25:15 Faith Is More Than a Ticket to Heaven26:39 Final Challenge & Tomorrow's Cliffhanger

  8. Sep 25

    How Is Your Faith Today? Trusting Christ's Authority, Grace & Compassion

    What kind of faith amazes Jesus? In today's episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack continues Pastor Nick's message from Luke 7 as we explore the remarkable faith of the Roman centurion. This powerful passage reminds us that true faith recognizes Jesus' authority over every circumstance, trusts in His compassion, and responds with humility. Whether you're facing health concerns, uncertainty in the world around you, or personal struggles, this message points us back to the truth that Jesus is still sovereign, still compassionate, and still extending grace to all who call on His name. Key themes from this episode: Jesus has authority over every circumstance Trusting God's power during difficult times No one is beyond the reach of God's grace The importance of humility in our walk with Christ The kind of faith that amazes Jesus Speaker: Pastor Nick Host: Pastor Zack Church: Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, Ohio Learn more about Shepherd Church: 🌐 https://shepnaz.orgListen to more episodes: 🎙️ https://shepnaz.org/podcast 🎥 https://shepnaz.org/media Have a question or feedback about today's episode? 📧 podcast@shepnaz.org If this episode encouraged you, be sure to: ✅ Subscribe ✅ Like the video ✅ Share with a friend ✅ Leave a comment: "How is your faith today?" #ShepnazPodcast #PastorNick #FaithThatAmazesJesus #Luke7 #RomanCenturion #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Grace #Jesus #shepherdchurch Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Recap of Part 1 00:38 Jesus Has Authority Over Health Concerns 01:57 Faith During Uncertain Times 02:24 Jesus Has Authority Over Governments 03:29 The Power and Authority of Christ 04:07 Trusting Jesus' Compassion 05:22 God's Grace Is For Everyone 06:15 No One Is Beyond God's Reach 07:07 The Enemy's Lie About Grace 08:07 Responding to Jesus with Humility 09:16 Jesus Calls Out Pride and Unbelief 10:25 Deserving Grace vs Receiving Grace 11:29 God Owes Us Nothing, Yet Gives Us Everything 12:08 A Prayer for Faith That Amazes Jesus 13:15 Faith, Humility, and Christ's Authority 14:08 Examine Your Faith Today 15:27 Final Challenge and Reflection`

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4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Find encouragement to take your next step in your walk with Jesus. This podcast is a production of Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Gahanna, Ohio.

Information

  • Creator
    Shepherd Church of the Nazarene
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    977
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shepherd Church of the Nazarene
  • Show Website
    Shepnaz Podcast