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. 6h ago

    What Happens Behind the Scenes on Sunday Morning? | Worship Wednesday w/ Pastor Nick Shaner

    What really happens behind the scenes on a Sunday morning at church? 👀Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack is joined by Pastor Nick Shaner for a special Worship Wednesday conversation. Together, they unpack the unique challenges of switching roles—from preaching to leading worship—and how it impacts focus, relationships, and spiritual preparation. You’ll hear: The mental shift between preaching and worship leadingWhy Sunday mornings can feel like a blurThe balance between spiritual focus and connecting with peopleThe beauty of leading worship alongside your spouseA powerful reminder: it’s not about performance—it’s about encountering JesusPlus, we share an exciting opportunity at our Johnstown Campus for a Worship Leader/Pastor position! 👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org👉 Watch & listen to more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast📩 Have questions or want to connect? Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode!💬 We’d love to hear from you: Have you ever experienced a shift in roles that challenged your perspective? Chapters 00:00 Welcome + Worship Wednesday intro00:30 Meet Pastor Nick Shaner01:00 Role switching: preacher vs worship leader02:40 The mental shift on Sunday mornings04:00 Missing connection with people05:45 Introvert vs “Sunday mode”07:20 Behind-the-scenes reality of church leadership09:00 Why pastors stay focused before service10:20 Being your own biggest critic11:40 Learning to receive worship instead of lead12:30 Worshiping alongside your spouse14:00 Family, kids, and ministry balance15:30 Worship is not performance—it’s encounter16:30 Johnstown Campus Worship Leader opportunity18:00 Why Shepherd Church is a great place to serve20:00 How to apply or reach out20:45 Closing thoughts

    21 min
  2. 1d ago

    When God Tests Your Faith | Abraham & Isaac (Part 2) | Pastor Rob – Shepnaz Podcast

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack continues a powerful conversation with Pastor Rob, unpacking the intense and faith-stretching story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22).What does it really mean to trust God when it doesn’t make sense? What happens when God tests your faith? And how can obedience unlock God’s provision in your life? In this episode, we dive into: Why obedience is the true proof of our love for GodHow God provides exactly when we need itThe meaning of Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Will ProvideThe difference between Abraham’s sacrifice and Isaac’s surrenderHow to respond when you’re in a season of testingWhether you feel like Abraham—being asked to give something up—or Isaac—being asked to surrender everything—this episode will challenge and encourage your walk with Christ. 👉 Watch the full message and explore more at:🔗 https://shepnaz.org🎧 More episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📩 Have questions or want prayer? Email us at: podcast@shepnaz.org 🙏 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to encourage someone today!💬 Drop a comment: What is God asking you to trust Him with right now? Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview00:42 – Recap: Abraham & Isaac (The Test Begins)02:16 – The Moment God Steps In03:16 – Obedience: The Proof of Our Love05:16 – God’s Love Language: Obedience06:15 – God Provides When You Obey07:13 – What “Jehovah Jireh” Really Means09:05 – God’s Timing vs. Our Timing10:10 – God Gives What You Need (Not More)10:56 – Knowing God Through Obedience12:25 – God’s Name = God’s Promise14:09 – Blessings on the Other Side of Obedience16:15 – Abraham vs. Isaac: Two Types of Sacrifice17:31 – Full Surrender: Giving God Your Life19:11 – What Should You Ask in a Test?20:15 – Final Encouragement & Invitation

    21 min
  3. 2d ago

    When God Tests Your Faith: Abraham, Isaac & Trusting God Completely | Shepnaz Podcast

    Welcome back to the Shepnaz Podcast! Today, Pastor Zack unpacks Pastor Rob’s powerful message from our summer series “Lessons from the Legends”, focusing on one of the most challenging and faith-stretching stories in Scripture—Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22). What does it mean when God tests our faith?How do we trust God when His instructions don’t make sense?In this episode, we explore: The difference between testing and temptationWhy God tests us—even late in lifeHow Abraham responded with immediate and complete obedienceWhat it looks like to trust God’s provision before you see itHow to recognize God’s voice and follow it—even when it’s hardSubscribeLike this videoComment your biggest takeawayShare with someone who needs encouragement todayWhether you’re facing a difficult decision or wondering what God is asking of you, this conversation will encourage you to take your next faithful step. 🙏 Need prayer or want to share your story?Email us at: podcast@shepnaz.org 👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org 🎧 Listen to more episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcasthttps://shepnaz.org/media Chapters 0:00 – Welcome & Series Introduction0:45 – Abraham: The Ultimate Test of Faith2:10 – Reading Genesis 225:00 – God Tests Us (Not Tempts Us)7:30 – Key Differences: Test vs Temptation9:35 – You’re Never Done Growing (Even at 100!)10:00 – How to Pass God’s Tests10:05 – Recognizing God’s Voice11:15 – No Arguments: Abraham’s Obedience13:25 – Instant & Complete Obedience15:15 – Trusting God’s Promises18:55 – God Will Provide (Jehovah Jireh)20:40 – Obey First, Let God Handle the Rest21:40 – Submitting Fully to God23:00 – Isaac’s Incredible Trust25:00 – Doing the Hard Thing26:30 – What Is God Asking You To Do?27:00 – Closing & Prayer Invitation

    27 min
  4. 5d ago

    Lives Changed in One Week? VBS Recap You Need to Hear

    What happens when a church comes together for one week to invest in the next generation? 🌱In today’s episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Pastor Brett Dillinger to recap an incredible week of VBS at Shepherd Church. With 109 kids impacted and 44 volunteers serving, this week wasn’t just about numbers—it was about life change, relationships, and helping kids take their next step with Jesus. Hear powerful stories of: Kids forming friendships that point them to ChristVolunteers stepping up and finding joy in servingMoments where faith, fun, and community came togetherSubscribe to the channelLike & share this episodeComment with your favorite VBS moment or how God is working in your lifeWhether you served, had kids attend, or missed it entirely, this episode will encourage you and challenge you to get involved in what God is doing through kids ministry. 👉 Learn more about our church: https://shepnaz.org🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast📺 Watch sermons & content: https://shepnaz.org/media Have a story or feedback? Email us: podcast@shepnaz.org ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction (Pastor Brett)00:58 – VBS Recap: How Did It Go?01:14 – Total Kids & What the Numbers Mean02:06 – Why One Life Changed Matters Most03:08 – The Team Behind the Scenes (44 Volunteers!)04:27 – Measuring Success: Next Steps with Jesus05:11 – Kids Inviting Friends & Building Relationships06:15 – Why Community Matters for Kids’ Faith07:19 – The Power of Time Together (More Than Sundays)08:10 – Why Mixed-Age Groups Made a Difference09:32 – Kids Leading Kids: A Huge Win10:46 – Personal Story: Kids Feeling Seen & Valued11:33 – Adults Had Fun Too!13:13 – Community at Drop-Off: Parents Connecting14:29 – A Window Into the Potential of Kids Ministry15:35 – From Hard Work to Joyful Ministry16:39 – Why Serving Kids Is So Impactful17:32 – Invitation to Serve Next Year18:18 – Behind the Scenes Roles That Matter19:32 – The Heart of Serving (Snack Team Story)21:12 – Creative & Faith-Filled Leadership Moments23:41 – The Power of Ownership in Ministry24:48 – Challenge: Get Involved in Kids Ministry25:12 – Final Encouragement & Wrap-Up

    26 min
  5. 6d ago

    A Dream Realized: Building a Life-Changing Camp for the Next Generation

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Pastor Rob Paugh to talk about an incredible story of faith, vision, and God’s provision happening right now at the Hocking Hills Retreat Center. Visit hockinghillretreatcenter.org to learn more. What started as a dream—and a field—has become a thriving ministry space where kids are already encountering Jesus. With cabins built, a lake filled with laughter, and camps underway this very week, God is moving in powerful ways. 🙌Pastor Rob shares how volunteers, prayer, and obedience have turned vision into reality—and what’s next as the team steps out in faith to build a dining hall that will take this ministry to the next level. 🔥 In this episode: The journey from raw land to active youth campsWhy camp experiences are so spiritually powerfulStories of God’s faithfulness and provisionThe future vision for a world-class Christian retreat centerHow YOU can be part of what God is doingThis is more than a project—it’s an investment in the next generation of world changers for the Kingdom. 👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org🎧 Watch more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast📩 Send feedback or questions: podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread what God is doing! Chapters 00:00 Welcome + Episode Intro00:30 The Vision for Hocking Hills Retreat Center02:00 First Camp Experience Happening Right Now03:00 A Promise from God Comes to Life04:30 Why Youth Camp Is So Powerful06:00 From Soybean Field to Camp Lake07:30 Activities, Partnerships & Camp Life09:00 The Need for a Dining Hall10:30 Inside the Future Dining Hall Vision12:00 A Year-Round Ministry Opportunity13:30 Community Impact & Partnerships14:30 Funding the Dream (Faith + Giving)16:00 Why This Matters for the Church17:30 How You Can Get Involved18:30 Final Encouragement + Call to Action

    20 min
  6. Jun 17

    Worship Wednesday: Your Story Matters | Pastor Zach Carpenter (Freedom Naz, Sunbury, OH)

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Pastor Zach Carpenter from Freedom Naz in Sunbury, Ohio for a powerful Worship Wednesday conversation. This episode dives deep into: The power of your personal testimonyHearing and following God’s callingTransitioning from worship pastor to lead pastorWhy “Jesus changes everything” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a lifestyleLeading from overflow instead of emptinessPastor Zach shares his journey of growing up in the church, stepping into ministry at a young age, and faithfully walking through seasons of growth, challenges, and calling. This episode is packed with wisdom for worship leaders, pastors, and anyone seeking to follow Jesus more fully in everyday life. 🙌 Key takeaway: Your story matters—and God can use it in powerful ways. 🔗 Learn more about Shepherd Church:👉 https://shepnaz.org🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📩 Have questions or want to connect? Email us at: podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay connected with daily encouragement from the Shepnaz Podcast! Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Worship Wednesday00:40 Introducing Pastor Zach Carpenter02:00 Why your testimony matters03:00 Growing up in the church & early calling06:00 Ministry journey across churches and states08:30 “Jesus Changes Everything” – core belief10:00 Marriage, family, and protecting relationships12:30 When did God call you into ministry?14:00 A defining calling moment at age 1716:30 Encouragement for those who feel their story isn’t "powerful”18:30 God’s vision for the next generation21:00 Transitioning from worship pastor to lead pastor24:30 Discernment and saying “yes” to God28:30 Leadership lessons and humility in ministry31:00 What would you tell your younger self?33:00 Leading from overflow, not empty36:30 Final encouragement: walk with Jesus daily

    38 min
  7. Jun 16

    Jonah Part 2: The Fish Was Grace?! | God’s Mercy for Everyone (Even Them)

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack is joined by Kevin as they dive into Part 2 of Jonah’s story—and uncover a powerful truth many people miss. We often think Jonah is just about obedience… but what if it’s really about God’s overwhelming grace?From the storm… to the fish… to Nineveh’s repentance… and Jonah’s anger—this episode challenges us to rethink how we view God’s mercy, especially toward people we struggle to love. 👉 Key takeaway: God’s grace isn’t just for you—it’s for everyone. 💬 Who in your life have you written off that God still loves?🙏 About Shepherd Church:We’re all about helping people grow in faith, live with purpose, and experience the love of Jesus.🌐 Learn more: https://shepnaz.org🎧 More episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📩 Have questions or feedback? Email us: podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 If this episode encouraged you: Subscribe to the channelShare it with a friendDrop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you! Chapters 00:00 Intro & “Dance Party” Start00:25 Why Pastor Zack Needed a Co-Host01:05 Jonah Recap: Thrown Overboard01:45 God “Arranged” the Fish03:30 Inside the Belly of the Fish (Not What You Think!)04:55 Jonah’s Prayer & Realization06:40 Gratitude in the Middle of the Mess07:55 Jesus & the Sign of Jonah08:40 The Long Journey to Nineveh10:05 Jonah’s 5-Word Sermon11:30 Why God Still Used That Message12:00 Nineveh’s Massive Repentance13:15 Even the Animals Fast?!14:05 God Shows Mercy14:25 Jonah Gets Angry at God16:00 Waiting for Nineveh to Be Destroyed16:45 God “Arranges” the Plant & the Worm18:00 The REAL Lesson of Jonah18:45 Grace for Jonah, Sailors, and Nineveh21:00 The Hard Truth: God Loves “Those People” Too24:30 Two Big Challenges for Us27:00 Final Encouragement & Call to Action

    27 min
  8. Jun 15

    Running From God? The Surprising Truth from Jonah

    What happens when God calls you… and you run the other direction? In today’s episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack (joined by Kevin) dives deeper into his Sunday message from our Lessons from the Legends series, focusing on the powerful and sometimes misunderstood story of Jonah. We explore: Why Jonah ran from GodThe role of fear and hatred in disobedienceHow God still works—even through our mistakesThe unexpected transformation of the sailorsThe truth that God teaches us while He uses usThis conversation is real, relatable, and packed with insight you can apply to your own walk with Christ. 👉 Missed the sermon? Catch up at:https://shepnaz.org/media 📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org 🎧 Find more Shepnaz Podcast episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast 💬 We’d love to hear from you!Email us at: podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share to encourage others! ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Welcome & why this episode is “different”02:44 Lessons from the Legends series overview03:33 Jonah vs. Gideon – contrasting “origin stories”05:14 God uses us while He teaches us06:11 The challenge of preaching to kids + adults07:20 What is a prophet?08:04 Jonah’s assignment to Nineveh10:05 Jonah runs from God10:35 Why Jonah ran: hate & fear12:30 Jonah’s escape plan (Tarshish)14:23 The sailors & spiritual chaos on the ship16:00 The storm hits17:13 “Pray to your god!” – desperation on deck18:15 Casting lots reveals Jonah18:57 Jonah’s revealing statement20:04 The sailors’ fear grows21:13 Jonah’s “solution” – throw me overboard22:11 The sailors cry out to God22:32 The storm stops & transformation begins23:28 God works even through disobedience24:38 Faith isn’t invalidated by flawed messengers25:17 The great fish cliffhanger25:37 Final encouragement & preview of Part 2

    26 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.

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