Echoes Through Eternity with Dr. Jeffery Skinner

Dr. Jeffery D Skinner
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Echoes Through Eternity helps you hear God’s voice in the middle of real life. Each episode gives you clear teaching, honest stories, and practical steps to follow Jesus in a complicated world. You’ll walk with church planters, pastors, and everyday believers who carry both calling and scars. You’ll hear how God forms identity, how grace heals broken places, and how the Spirit leads you through seasons of doubt, transition, and renewal. Jeff uses a pastor’s heart, a storyteller’s voice, and a steady theological foundation to help you grow deeper in Christ. This podcast serves anyone who wants to lead faithfully, love well, and carry hope into their family, church, and community. What you’ll gain each week: • Clear teaching rooted in Scripture • Guidance for grief, loss, and spiritual wounds • Insight for ministry leaders and church planters • Stories of redemption, calling, and courage • Practical steps to follow Jesus with a steady heart If you’re hungry for a faith that holds steady in the real world, Echoes Through Eternity will help you listen, trust, and walk with God. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

  1. 15H AGO

    The Dark Side of Servant Leadership-Why Good Leaders Fail and How The Church Recovers.mp3

    So, let’s dive right into the nitty-gritty of servant leadership, shall we? You know, it's all fun and games until you realize that a lack of accountability can turn those so-called “servant leaders” into untouchable demigods. We’re not here for a morality contest, folks; we’re all human, and that's the point. Today, we're breaking down the BE-COME framework—because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good acronym? It’s all about starting fresh, connecting with our people, and keeping each other in check, all wrapped up in love. Because remember, the Church doesn't need flawless leaders; it needs ones who can own their mess-ups and show up for one another. So, stick around, and let’s unpack how we can actually make accountability feel like a warm hug instead of a judgmental fist! Servant leadership is one of the most quoted leadership models in the Church. But if servant leadership is so central to our theology, why do we keep watching leaders fall? In this episode, we examine the dark side of servant leadership—not to tear down leaders, but to tell the truth so the Church can grow healthier. Drawing from a recent discipleship gathering called People of Grace, insights from John Wesley’s class meetings, and the BE-COME discipleship framework taught by Sam Barber, this conversation explores why leadership without shared accountability eventually fails. We look at patterns behind recent ministry collapses, the role of isolation in leadership failure, and how churches can recover healthier structures rooted in grace, community, and accountability. Servant leadership works, but only when it is accountable. KEY THEMES • The difference between servant language and servant structure • Why isolation is the most common soil for leadership failure • John Wesley’s model of mutual accountability • The BE-COME framework for discipleship • How the early church practiced shared leadership • Practical steps toward accountable leadership today SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Mark 10:42–45 — Whoever wants to be great must be servant John 13:1–17 — Jesus washes the disciples’ feet Matthew 28:18–20 — The Great Commission Luke 22:24–27 — Leadership as service Acts 2:42–47 — Shared life in the early church Galatians 6:1–2 — Bear one another’s burdens James 5:16 — Confess your sins to one another Takeaways: Wesley's concept of accountability in leadership isn't about control, it's about protection and growth.The BE-COME framework emphasizes the importance of community and personal accountability in servant leadership.Servant leadership without accountability can lead to disastrous outcomes, as seen in many high-profile ministry collapses.We can't ignore the reality that isolation distorts leadership and makes it easier for blind spots to grow.True accountability involves asking hard questions and having people who can challenge us without repercussions.The church needs leaders who are known and accountable, not just those who appear humble on the surface. Companies mentioned in this episode: Dynamic Church Planting InternationalGateway ChurchIHOP Kansas Cityli...

    22 min

  2. FEB 2

    The Quiet Exodus: Why Gen Z Women Are Leaving the Church

    In this episode of Echoes Through Eternity, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner explores a troubling but often overlooked trend: while Gen Z men are returning to church, young women are quietly leaving. This is not loud rebellion. It is not rejection of Jesus. It is a slow erosion of belonging. Joined by Rev. Dr. Kim McLean, mentored by Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and others—pastor, songwriter, church planter, and longtime mentor of others—this conversation examines how shame-based formation, unequal leadership structures, purity culture, and unresolved trauma have shaped women’s experiences in the church. Drawing on Barna research, lived pastoral stories, and a Wesleyan understanding of holiness as love perfected, this episode asks a deeper question: What happens when formation fails to produce freedom? Key themes include: • The growing gender gap in church attendance • Why women leave without abandoning faith • The impact of shame-based discipleship • Women in ministry and invisible ceilings • Purity culture and spiritual trauma • Why silence feels safer than staying • What faithful formation looks like now This episode is not an indictment. It is an invitation—to listen, to repent where needed, and to build churches where women are not merely welcomed, but needed. REFERENCED RESEARCH & THINKERS Barna Group • Gen Z attendance trends and gender gap research • Studies on church disengagement and trust in leadership Survey Center on American Life • Faith deconstruction and institutional trust • Gendered religious disengagement Beth Moore • Public departure from the Southern Baptist Convention • Reflections on women, authority, and Scripture Mildred Bangs Wynkoop • A Theology of Love • Holiness as relational restoration, not behavioral perfection Scriptural anchors used or referenced: • Galatians 3:28 • John 4 (Woman at the Well) • Resurrection witness of Mary Magdalene • Ephesians 5 (mutual submission, not hierarchy) Takeaways: Gen Z women are experiencing a quiet exodus from church, indicating a deeper relational breakdown.This exodus is characterized by a lack of belonging rather than outright rejection of faith.The data reveals a significant gap in church attendance between young men and women.Church leadership must address the relational safety and equal treatment of women in ministry.Many young women feel unseen and confined to narrow roles within church communities.The shift observed among young women invites churches to reflect on their practices and priorities. Mentioned in this episode: Peace in that Finds You in the Middle of Chaos Cozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnership This...

    1h 15m

  3. JAN 26

    From Despair to Desperation: Understanding Gen Z's Spiritual Journey

    The resurgence of Gen Z in church attendance marks a significant shift within the spiritual landscape, as Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner elucidates in this enlightening discussion. We delve into the implications of this generational revival, addressing the paradox of a declining church juxtaposed with a burgeoning interest in authentic faith among young people. Gen Z’s attendance averages 1.9 times per month, surpassing previous generations and indicating a profound yearning for spiritual identity and genuine connection rather than mere entertainment or social validation. This episode compels church leaders to recognize the need for a revival that is centered on Jesus, highlighting the potential dangers posed by algorithm-driven discipleship, which often distracts from the essence of forming authentic disciples. We emphasize the importance of maintaining an organic, relational approach to ministry, where genuine presence and discipleship are prioritized over numerical growth, thus ensuring that the church remains a transformative force in the lives of young believers, rather than a mere reflection of contemporary culture. Takeaways: The resurgence of Gen Z in church attendance signals a profound spiritual awakening, with young individuals attending church 1.9 times per month on average, surpassing preceding generations' engagement.Revival, characterized by a deepened desperation for authentic faith, is not merely a trend but a significant movement among young people seeking genuine connection with Jesus.Discipleship must transcend conventional programmatic approaches; it should be organic, relational, and focused on forming disciples who can replicate their faith in others.The role of algorithms in shaping spiritual identities poses a challenge, as they often prioritize engagement metrics over meaningful discipleship, potentially leading to superficial faith practices.Church planting efforts should prioritize the cultivation of discipleship over mere attendance, aiming for multiplication that reflects the genuine growth of faith communities.The authenticity of Jesus must remain central in ministry to Gen Z, as they desire a faith that is transformative and not merely an echo of contemporary cultural trends. Resources 🔗 Full Show Notes & Transcript: Download 📩 Eternal Echoes Newsletter: Sign up for reflections and episode alerts (Coming Soon) 🗣️ Reflection Guide: Download questions for personal or group use 🎥 Watch on YouTube: [link] Follow Echoes Through Eternity on Apple Podcast:Click Here to Subscribe Carey Nieuwhof's 7 Disruptive Church Trends...

    31 min

  4. JAN 19

    Selfies in Front of the Cross:When Jesus becomes the Backdrop

    Summary In this episode of "Echoes Through Eternity," Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner delves into the often-overlooked dangers of personality-driven church planting. He highlights how the focus on a pastor's charisma can unintentionally shift Jesus to the background, leading to a church culture that prioritizes metrics and visibility over genuine spiritual growth. Drawing on insights from various thought leaders, including Henri Nouwen and Francis Chan, Dr. Skinner emphasizes the importance of maintaining a Christ-centered approach in worship and ministry, warning against the seductive nature of success that can lead to spiritual complacency. Dr. Skinner also discusses the pressures faced by church planters in today's digital age, where constant notifications and social media can distract from the core mission of discipleship. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own practices and the health of their church communities, urging them to prioritize worship that forms rather than merely inspires. The episode concludes with a call to lead humbly, plant carefully, and keep Jesus at the forefront of ministry efforts, ensuring that the church remains a true reflection of Christ's teachings. Takeaways 'The most dangerous churches are not the ones that fail.' 'Worship does not exist to inspire you. It exists to reorder you.' 'If the church can't function without you, that is not a compliment.' 'You cannot rest without checking numbers.' 'Saying no is a form of faithfulness.' Key Resources from this epsiode. • Eugene Peterson Peterson gives language for longevity over visibility. He names the danger of speed, success, and celebrity in ministry long before social media existed. He reinforces your central warning without sounding reactive. Books to reference (essential) • A Long Obedience in the Same Direction This book is a direct antidote to personality-driven planting. It frames discipleship as faithfulness over time, not momentary impact. It fits perfectly with your theme of resisting urgency and re-centering on Christ. • Shawna Songer Gaines Primary voice for the episode’s theological frame. Her line—“What is essential is never demanding”—is the backbone. She supplies the foreground vs background image, the Jordan River moment, and Christ-centered worship as re-centering. • Jay Y. Kim Names the digital attention problem clearly. Gives language for the inward gaze and how technology disciples us. Helps you connect culture, formation, and ministry drift. church planting, personality-driven ministry, Christ-centered worship, spiritual growth, Henri Nouwen, Francis Chan, digital distractions, church health, discipleship, ministry challenges. Francis Chan Serves as the cautionary example. Models humility, confession, and courage to step away. Illustrates how success can still be spiritually dangerous. • Henri Nouwen Quoted directly from In the Name of Jesus. You accurately reference his warning about the temptations of relevance, popularity, and power. • Neil Postman-Amusing Ourselves to Death Referenced for cultural critique. You quote Amusing Ourselves to Death accurately and apply it to digital formation. • a...

    31 min

  5. JAN 12

    The Collision of Expectations and Formation in Church Leadership

    The collision between leadership expectations and spiritual formation is a pressing concern that requires careful examination. As we delve into this episode, Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner elucidates the phenomenon wherein expectations solidify more rapidly than leaders can foster spiritual growth within their communities. This discord often leads to heightened pressure as leaders transition from an emphasis on vision to a focus on the complexities of interpersonal dynamics. Dr. Skinner advocates for a deliberate slowing down, urging leaders to prioritize discernment and shared responsibility over immediacy. Through this discourse, we aim to illuminate the significance of healthy leadership that is anchored in faithful formation, thereby equipping pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders to navigate the arduous terrain of growth and change with clarity and intention. When-Expecatons-Collide-with-Formation Dr. Skinner, here are clean, ready-to-publish show notes built directly from your transcript and outline. The tone stays pastoral, clear, and grounded in formation rather than hype. –––––––––––––– SHOW NOTES –––––––––––––– Episode Title Navigating Leadership in Church Planting The Dynamics of Expectations and Formation Episode Summary In this episode, Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner explores what happens when leadership expectations outpace spiritual formation. Church planters often move from vision-driven energy into people-centered complexity faster than they expect. Expectations harden. Systems form. Pressure increases. Dr. Skinner names this collision honestly. He invites leaders to slow down, clarify formation, and resist urgency. Healthy leadership requires discernment, shared ownership, and faithfulness over speed. Formation does not remove pressure, but it does reshape how leaders carry it. This episode speaks directly to pastors, planters, and ministry leaders navigating growth, resistance, and the quiet cost of change. –––––––––––––– KEY TAKEAWAYS –––––––––––––– • Expectations harden faster than formation • Leadership pressure shifts from vision to people • Discernment requires time, conversation, and restraint • Systems quickly reinforce what leaders reward • Apostolic leadership disrupts comfort for faithfulness • Formation redistributes responsibility and ownership • Healthy leaders protect margin and resist urgency • Change creates real grief and loss for some followers • Naming shifts clearly builds trust and reduces anxiety • Faithfulness to formation sustains leaders long-term –––––––––––––– CHAPTERS –––––––––––––– 00:00 Introduction to Expectations and Formation 03:17 Navigating Leadership Pressures 05:14 The Role of Apostolic Leadership 08:07 Formation vs. Expectations 11:25 The Cost of Leadership Change 14:17 Conclusion and Future Insights –––––––––––––– SOUND BITES –––––––––––––– “Expectations collide with formation.” “Healthy leaders name formation clearly.” “Formation invites others to grow up.” –––––––––––––– AUTHORS & LEADERS MENTIONED –––––––––––––– Brian Zahnd Author and pastor known for emphasizing Christ-centered discipleship, nonviolence, and spiritual formation. Recommended works: • Postcards from Babylon • Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God Website: https://brianzahnd.com Alan Hirsch Missional thinker and leadership strategist focused on apostolic leadership and movement-based church structures. Recommended works: • The Forgotten Ways •...

    18 min
  6. Coming Monday...When Expectations Collide with Formation

    SEASON 4, EPISODE 23 TRAILER

    Coming Monday...When Expectations Collide with Formation

    Apostolic leadership serves as a catalyst for the disruption of settled expectations within church communities. This episode elucidates the premise that such leadership does not aim to maintain comfort within established systems, but rather to uphold faithfulness to core principles. Comfort, as we contend, poses a significant impediment to the vitality of church planting and outreach efforts. When congregants become complacent, their engagement diminishes, thus stymieing the potential for growth and outreach. We acknowledge that while systems can provide structure and support, they may also cultivate an atmosphere of ease that is antithetical to the essence of a life committed to the teachings and challenges inherent in a crucified existence. Coming Monday on Echoes Trough Eternity we will discuss In this episode of Echoes Through Eternity, we explore what happens when spiritual formation begins to reshape your pace, your availability, and your leadership—while others still expect the version of you that ran on urgency. Drawing on the wisdom of Jesus, Alan Hirsch, Henri Nouwen, Richard Rohr, and lived pastoral experience, this conversation names the quiet collision between formation and expectation. If you are leading with care, protecting your soul, and feeling tension instead of applause, this episode is for you. Formation always disrupts assumptions. The question is whether you will stay faithful when it does. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    1 min

  7. JAN 5

    Echoes Through Eternity-The Next 100 Days- After the Adrenaline Rush

    The first 100 days of church planting get the attention. The next 100 days determine sustainability. In this episode, Dr. Skinner speaks directly to pastors and church planters who launched strong and now find themselves in the trenches. As adrenaline fades and reality sets in, leaders face fatigue, vision drift, relational strain, and hidden fragility. This conversation reframes the early season of church planting, not as arrival, but as orientation. It explores what truly sustains a church after momentum slows and why faithfulness, presence, and formation matter more than speed and scale. Key Themes & Takeaways • Why most church plants struggle after the first 100 days, not during them • The danger of mistaking momentum for maturity • How adrenaline masks fragility in early ministry • Why mission sustains when vision alone cannot • The difference between gathering crowds and forming community • How emotional safety shapes discipleship and trust • Why proximity matters more than strategy in a new context • The importance of leadership depth and intentional equipping • What vision drift really reveals about trust and formation • Why the next season is not failure, but formation Notable Insights • “The first 100 days don’t prove sustainability. They reveal potential.” • “Attendance can rise while depth stays shallow.” • “You cannot program belonging. You have to model it.” • “Trust forms through repetition, not charisma.” • “Grace creates the space where truth can grow.” Scripture Referenced • John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Grace before truth. Presence before proclamation. Referenced Voices & Stories • Kevin Myers – Founder of 12Stone Church • DCPI (Dynamic Church Planting International) • Exponential Church Planting Network • Insights on community formation and leadership development Who This Episode Is For • Church planters beyond launch Sunday • Pastors navigating post-launch fatigue • Leaders facing vision drift or emotional exhaustion • District leaders and coaches supporting planters • Anyone asking, “What comes after the adrenaline?” The first 100 days of church planting get the attention. The next 100 days determine sustainability. In this episode, Dr. Skinner speaks directly to pastors and church planters who launched strong and now find themselves in the trenches. As adrenaline fades and reality sets in, leaders face fatigue, vision drift, relational strain, and hidden fragility. This conversation reframes the early season of church planting, not as arrival, but as orientation. It explores what truly sustains a church after momentum slows and why faithfulness, presence, and formation matter more than speed and scale. Key Themes & Takeaways • Why most church plants struggle after the first 100 days, not during them • The danger of mistaking momentum for maturity • How adrenaline masks fragility in early ministry • Why mission sustains when vision alone cannot • The difference between gathering crowds and forming community • How emotional safety shapes discipleship and trust • Why proximity matters more than strategy in a new context • The importance of leadership depth and intentional equipping • What vision drift really reveals about trust and formation • Why the next season is not failure, but formation Notable Insights • “The first 100 days don’t prove sustainability. They reveal potential.” • “Attendance can rise while depth stays shallow.” • “You cannot program belonging. You have to model it.” • “Trust forms...

    36 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    Illuminating Faith: The Enduring Light of the Christ Candle

    The Christ Candle serves as a profound symbol of the enduring light of faith, reminding us that grace does not come to an end with the holiday season. As we reflect on the past year and look forward, we are invited to abide in faith even as it faces trials in our daily lives. The importance of community engagement is emphasized as a catalyst for personal growth, urging us to reconnect with the essence of our faith. This episode serves as both a celebration of our journey and a call to persist in our belief amidst the challenges we encounter. Together, we endeavor to equip leaders for the future, ensuring that the light of faith continues to shine brightly in our lives and communities. In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner 'Echoes Through Eternity.' The episode emphasizes the significance of the Christ candle and the importance of abiding in faith, inviting listeners to reflect on their spiritual journeys as they look forward to the new year. The Christ candle symbolizes the enduring light of faith.Listeners are encouraged to return to the essence of their faith.The importance of community engagement in personal growth is highlighted.The episode serves as a reflection on the past year and a look forward.Faith is tested in daily life after the holiday season.The invitation to abide in faith is central to the message.The podcast aims to equip leaders for the future. The illumination of the Christ candle serves as a poignant reminder of the unending light of faith that persists beyond the holiday season. This profound episode invites listeners to reflect on the essence of their faith as they navigate the often tumultuous realities of daily life. After the festive celebrations have concluded, many find their faith tested in the mundane routines that reassert themselves. The hosts articulate a powerful message: that the invitation to abide in faith is not merely a call to maintain belief but a profound encouragement to return to the core of what faith embodies. As we stand at the threshold of a new year, this episode provides not only a retrospective on the past year but also a forward-looking vision for personal and communal growth. The emphasis on community engagement underscores the vital role that fellowship plays in nurturing our spiritual journeys and equipping us for future leadership endeavors within our communities. Takeaways: The Christ candle serves as a profound symbol of the enduring light of faith, inviting us to reflect on our spiritual journey.In the aftermath of the holiday season, our faith faces substantial tests as we navigate daily life.The essence of our faith calls us to return to its core principles, fostering a deeper connection with God.Community engagement plays a pivotal role in personal growth, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our journeys.As we conclude the year, this episode reflects on past experiences while encouraging us to look forward with hope.span class="ql-ui"...

    22 min
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Echoes Through Eternity helps you hear God’s voice in the middle of real life. Each episode gives you clear teaching, honest stories, and practical steps to follow Jesus in a complicated world. You’ll walk with church planters, pastors, and everyday believers who carry both calling and scars. You’ll hear how God forms identity, how grace heals broken places, and how the Spirit leads you through seasons of doubt, transition, and renewal. Jeff uses a pastor’s heart, a storyteller’s voice, and a steady theological foundation to help you grow deeper in Christ. This podcast serves anyone who wants to lead faithfully, love well, and carry hope into their family, church, and community. What you’ll gain each week: • Clear teaching rooted in Scripture • Guidance for grief, loss, and spiritual wounds • Insight for ministry leaders and church planters • Stories of redemption, calling, and courage • Practical steps to follow Jesus with a steady heart If you’re hungry for a faith that holds steady in the real world, Echoes Through Eternity will help you listen, trust, and walk with God. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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