Shepnaz Podcast

Shepherd Church of the Nazarene

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

    Obeying God’s Call When It’s Scary | Worship Leadership & Faith Journey w/ Genesis Mena Cruz

    What does it look like to truly follow God—even when it’s uncomfortable, unexpected, or even scary?In today’s Worship Wednesday episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Genesis Mena Cruz, Youth and Worship Pastor at Grace Life Church of the Nazarene. Genesis shares her powerful journey from growing up in a Hispanic Pentecostal church in Miami, to encountering the Holy Spirit in a life-changing way, and ultimately stepping into her calling as a pastor. This conversation is filled with encouragement for worship leaders, ministry workers, and anyone learning to trust God’s voice day by day. 🔥 In this episode, you’ll discover: What authentic worship really looks likeHow to recognize God’s calling on your lifeWhy obedience matters more than comfortThe importance of community and vulnerability in ministryPractical encouragement for young leaders and pastorsNo matter where you are in your faith journey, this episode will remind you: God is faithful—and He will guide every step. 👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church: shepnaz.org🎧 Listen to more episodes: shepnaz.org/podcast📺 Watch more sermons & content: shepnaz.org/media 📩 Send us your thoughts or questions: podcast@shepnaz.org👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help others grow in their faith!💬 Drop a comment: What has God been calling you to lately? Chapters 00:00 Welcome + Worship Wednesday Intro00:30 Meet Genesis Mena Cruz01:10 Why Worship Conversations Matter02:25 Genesis’ Faith Background (Miami, Hispanic Church)05:10 A Life-Changing Encounter with God07:10 Why You Never Forget God Moments08:30 Discovering Worship & Leadership11:40 Called Into Ministry13:10 Moving to Ohio & Trusting God14:20 Growth Through Community & Vulnerability16:00 Learning to Lead Worship Teams18:00 Stepping Into Pastoral Calling20:00 Pastor Zack’s Story & Calling Shift22:00 Obedience Over Comfort25:15 What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?26:00 Trust the Spirit Within You26:40 Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions27:10 Take Up Space in Ministry28:00 Pray Without Ceasing28:50 Final Encouragement + Outro

    30 min
  2. 1d ago

    Sowing to the Spirit: Why Faithfulness Pays Off (Even When It’s Hard) | Galatians 6

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack is joined by Rob as they wrap up their discussion on Galatians 6, focusing on what it truly means to sow to the Spirit. While sin can bring quick gratification, this episode reminds us that God’s promises produce a lasting harvest—even when we don’t see immediate results. Learn how to stay faithful, avoid discouragement, and keep your eyes on the eternal reward.🙏 Key takeaway:Don’t give up doing good—God’s timing brings a harvest far greater than you expect.📍 This podcast is a ministry of Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Gahanna, Ohio👉 Learn more: Visit Shepnaz🎧 More episodes: Shepnaz Podcast Archive 💬 We’d love to hear from you!Email us: podcast@shepnaz.org👍 Don’t forget to: SubscribeLike & shareComment how God is growing your faithChapters 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro00:21 – Recap: Sowing to the Flesh01:43 – What Does It Mean to Sow to the Spirit?02:47 – Living a Spirit-Led Life Daily03:56 – Staying Connected to the Vine (John 15)05:18 – The Internal Battle: Flesh vs Spirit06:18 – Why the Harvest Takes Time07:03 – Don’t Grow Weary in Doing Good08:12 – Jesus’ Example: Focus on Future Joy09:38 – Eternal Perspective vs Present Struggles10:03 – When Does the Blessing Come?11:07 – You Reap More Than You Sow12:45 – The True Cost of Sin13:07 – Final Encouragement & Wrap-Up

    14 min
  3. 2d ago

    You Reap What You Sow | Galatians 6 Explained (Pastor Zack & Pastor Rob Paugh)

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack hosts Pastor Rob Paugh as they unpack Galatians 6:7–10 and a powerful biblical truth: you reap what you sow. This conversation dives into the spiritual law that governs our lives—what we plant through our thoughts, actions, and choices will ultimately shape our future. Pastor Rob explains how sowing to the Spirit leads to life, while sowing to the flesh leads to destruction—and why the consequences often don’t show up right away. If you’ve ever struggled with temptation, delayed consequences, or staying consistent in your faith, this episode will challenge and encourage you to stay rooted in Christ. 👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church: shepnaz.org🎧 Listen to more episodes: shepnaz.org/podcast📺 Watch messages & media: shepnaz.org/media 📩 Have questions or need prayer? Email us: podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and SHARE to encourage others! Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Summer Vibes00:45 Camp Prep Update with Pastor Rob02:00 Galatians Series Recap03:20 A “Spiritual Law of the Universe”04:15 You Reap What You Sow Explained06:00 Why God Cannot Be Mocked07:30 Sowing to the Flesh vs the Spirit09:30 Thoughts Become Seeds (Mind Battle)11:00 Where Do Wrong Thoughts Come From?13:15 Taking Thoughts Captive14:50 Why Sin Feels Easy & Natural15:40 Immediate Pleasure vs Delayed Consequences16:45 The Reality of Spiritual “Destruction”18:40 Final Challenge & Encouragement19:30 Prayer Invitation & Closing

    20 min
  4. 5d ago

    Freedom in Christ: Why You Were Set Free | Galatians 5

    What is Christian freedom really for? On today’s Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack hosts a powerful message from Pastor Nick as we continue our journey through Galatians 5. This episode reminds us that freedom in Christ isn’t about self‑indulgence — it’s about learning to walk in step with the Holy Spirit.Pastor Nick unpacks Paul’s teaching that we were set free for a purpose: to love God, love others, and live a life shaped by the fruit of the Spirit. Together, we explore what it practically looks like to crucify the flesh, rely on the Spirit’s power, and follow Jesus one step at a time.If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure how to live out your faith, this message offers clarity, encouragement, and hope.Shepherd Church of the Nazarene📍 Gahanna, Ohio🔗 Learn more about our church: Shepherd Church🎧 Explore more episodes: Shepnaz Podcast📩 Share feedback or questions: podcast@shepnaz.org👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, comment, and share — and let us know how God is inviting you to walk by the Spirit today. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Freedom in Christ00:47 – Set Free For a Purpose (Galatians 5)02:01 – Misusing Freedom & Indulging the Flesh04:40 – What Freedom Is Really For05:34 – The Fruit of the Spirit06:58 – Flesh vs. Spirit: The Inner Battle08:59 – Romans 7 vs. Romans 810:51 – Crucifying the Flesh & Walking by the Spirit14:18 – Taking Up Your Cross Daily15:46 – Setting Your Mind on the Spirit17:41 – Keeping in Step with the Spirit21:05 – Walking Together: A Picture of the Spirit’s Guidance23:27 – Encouragement & Closing Prayer

    24 min
  5. 6d ago

    Called to Be Free: What Christian Freedom Is Really For | Galatians 5

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack introduces a powerful message from Pastor Nick as we continue our journey through Galatians. In Galatians chapter 5, we’re reminded of a life‑changing truth: God has called us to be free. But Christian freedom isn’t just about what Jesus saves us from—it’s also about what He frees us for. This episode explores how real freedom leads us into purpose, transformation, and a Spirit‑shaped life.You’ll hear how Jesus is the ultimate Emancipator, why forgiveness is only the beginning, and how Shepherd Church lives out its mission of people helping people take their next step with Jesus. 📖 Scripture Focus: Galatians 5:13–25 🌐 Learn more about Shepherd Church:👉 Visit Shepherd Church🎧 Explore more podcast episodes:👉 Shepnaz Podcast Archive💬 Have questions or want to dig deeper?Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org✅ Subscribe on YouTube✅ Listen on all major podcast platforms✅ Comment, share, and invite someone into the conversation. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast01:10 – Introducing Galatians 502:20 – Called to Be Free04:30 – Shepherd Church Vision & Mission06:50 – Discovering God’s Purpose08:45 – Freedom Is God’s Desire for You10:30 – Jesus the True Emancipator14:20 – Freed From and Freed For17:20 – Taking Your Next Step With Jesus19:00 – Living Daily in Freedom19:40 – Closing & What’s Coming Tomorrow

    20 min
  6. May 27

    Worship Wednesday: King of Kings & Goodness of God | Pastor Zack & Kristen

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, it’s everyone’s favorite day of the week—Worship Wednesday! 🎶Pastor Zack is joined by a very special guest—his wife, Kristen—for a meaningful conversation about ministry, marriage, and walking faithfully through every season of life. Together, they lead us in worship with two powerful songs: “King of Kings” and “Goodness of God.” This episode is an invitation to pause, refocus your heart, and worship Jesus in the middle of a busy week. Whether you’re feeling encouraged or worn down, we pray this time of worship reminds you that God’s goodness is always running after you. Songs featured in this episode: King of KingsGoodness of God📍 The Shepnaz Podcast is a daily weekday podcast from Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Gahanna, Ohio. 🔗 Learn more about our church: Visit Shepherd Church🎙 Explore more podcast episodes: Shepnaz Podcast Archive📺 Watch more sermons & worship: Shepherd Media 💬 Have a prayer request or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs a midweek moment of worship. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Worship Wednesday01:30 – Kristen Joins the Podcast02:45 – Ministry, Marriage & Worship Together05:30 – Why “King of Kings” Matters08:15 – Worship: King of Kings12:25 – Why We Pause to Worship13:30 – Story Behind “Goodness of God”16:55 – Worship: Goodness of God21:45 – Final Encouragement & Invitation

    23 min
  7. May 26

    Led by the Spirit, Not Trying Harder | Galatians 5 & True Christian Freedom

    What if the Christian life isn’t about trying harder—but surrendering more? On today’s Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack is joined remotely by Pastor Rob as they unpack part two of Sunday’s message from Galatians chapter 5. Together, they explore what it really means to be led by the Holy Spirit and why the fruit of the Spirit is not the result of human effort, but of remaining connected to Christ. Using powerful insights from the Greek language and Jesus’ teaching in John 15, this episode reminds us that freedom, transformation, and spiritual fruit flow from surrender, not self‑discipline alone. 👉 Key Takeaway: The Holy Spirit does the work—we simply trust, obey, and follow. 📍 About ShepnazShepherd Church of the Nazarene Gahanna, Ohio 🌐 Learn more about our church: Visit Shepherd Church🎧 Explore more podcast episodes: Shepnaz Podcast Archive 📩 Have questions or need prayer? Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org ✅ Subscribe for daily weekday episodes💬 Comment with what stood out to you📤 Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Tuesday’s Focus00:45 – Recap of Galatians 501:30 – Spirit vs. Sinful Nature02:15 – What “Led by the Spirit” Really Means03:20 – Ongoing, Passive, Surrendered Living05:35 – Why Trying Harder Doesn’t Work07:30 – Fruit of the Spirit Explained08:55 – John 15: Abide in the Vine11:30 – Freedom Through Trust & Obedience12:50 – Final Encouragement & Prayer Invitation

    14 min
  8. May 25

    Why the Christian Life Feels Like a Battle | Living by the Spirit (Galatians 5)

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack unpacks Pastor Rob’s sermon from Galatians chapter 5, where the Apostle Paul describes the very real battle happening inside every believer. What does it actually mean to live by the Spirit?Why do we still struggle with sin even after coming to Christ?And how does the Holy Spirit work in us from salvation to daily obedience?In this episode, we explore: The role of the Holy Spirit in drawing us to ChristWhy the sinful nature still exists after salvationPaul’s honest struggle in Romans and GalatiansEncouragement for believers who feel stuck in the fight📖 Key Scripture: Galatians 5:16–17👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church at Shepherd Church🎧 Watch and listen to more episodes at Shepnaz Podcast📩 Questions or feedback? Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, comment, and share it with someone who needs hope today. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast01:25 – Setting the context: Galatians 503:05 – “Live by the Spirit” explained04:10 – Who is the Holy Spirit?05:52 – Salvation and renewal by the Spirit07:26 – The Spirit living IN us08:27 – What is the sinful nature?09:10 – Inherited sin and Adam’s legacy11:12 – Total depravity explained simply14:29 – The internal conflict every believer faces16:21 – Paul’s struggle in Romans18:35 – Works of the sinful nature20:22 – The question every Christian asks21:13 – Closing encouragement & what’s next

    21 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
18 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.