A season’s worth of hard-won wisdom deserves more than a closing credits moment, so we pressed pause and gathered the conversations that shaped us most. This Season One Rewind revisits the clips you returned to, shared, and carried into your ministry contexts—moments about letting go with grace, the realities of clergy life, the tension between cultural relevance and church identity, the courage to answer a call before you feel ready, and the weight of prophetic preaching when support is scarce. This episode is part reflection, part field guide, and focused on what strengthens real churches and real leaders. We revisit Bishop Walter S. Thomas Sr., who reminds us that loving the church more than the position is the foundation of healthy transition. We pair that with Rev. Dr. DeForest “Buster” Soaries’s challenge to rethink pastoral finance, honor bi-vocational realities, and provide dignified support for the shepherds who serve our congregations. Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller reframes gospel music as an on-ramp to discipleship rather than a substitute for Sunday formation, pushing us to imagine evangelism for a generation drawn by sound but searching for substance. With Rev. Dr. Danielle L. Brown, we sit in the tension of calling before readiness, naming the quiet scripts that have funneled women into support roles—and celebrating the growing, Spirit-led movement of women stepping confidently into senior leadership. Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson brings us into the loneliness and necessity of prophetic conviction, reminding us that standing alone often precedes standing together. Threaded through it all is Bishop Keith W. Reed’s charge to “gather wheat from every field, and make your own bread”—a reminder to learn widely without losing yourself, lead boldly without imitation, and let the voices that shaped you strengthen your own. We close with gratitude for every guest who shared their journey and every listener who watched, commented, prayed, and carried these conversations beyond the studio. A Season One digital E-Book is on the way—gathering themes like leadership pressure, legacy and succession, calling, originality, worship and culture, and prophetic responsibility into a resource for pastors and leaders everywhere. Season Two begins January 8 with new voices and the same commitment to clarity, courage, and ministry that matters. Share this rewind with someone who needs it, subscribe, and help us continue the conversa Support the show Thanks for tuning in to The Ministry Exchange with Dr. Mapson Where real conversations meet real ministry. 🎙️ Enjoying the podcast? Support the show ⬇️ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2456465/supporters/new 🎙️ The Ministry Exchange with Dr. Mapson is powered by MinistryForward Media Group, helping churches and leaders grow through media, strategy, and leadership tools. 📲 Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @ministryfwd / @drjwmapson Visit our website: www.ministryfwd.com (coming soon) Watch episodes on YouTube: Search “The Ministry Exchange with Dr. Mapson” Want to collaborate or sponsor an episode? Reach out at: info@ministryfwd.com This episode is proudly sponsored by Terry Funeral Home Inc. For over 85 years, Terry Funeral Home has walked with families through life’s most sacred moments, offering care, dignity, and excellence when it matters most. Learn more at terryfuneralhome.com. This episode is also supported by our Silver Partner, Palmer Theological Seminary. Whole Gospel. Whole World. Whole Persons. Palmer equips leaders for transformative, justice-centered ministry through theological depth and holistic formation. Learn more at palmerseminary.edu.
