Shepnaz Podcast

Shepherd Church of the Nazarene
  • 4.8 (19)
  • 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. 20h ago

    Esther's Courage Changed History | Trusting God's Perfect Timing | Shepnaz Podcast

    What happens when one person's courage intersects with God's perfect timing?In today's episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack and Pastor Bryanna unpack the dramatic conclusion of Esther's story. From Esther's courageous decision to approach the king, to Haman's downfall, to God's unseen hand orchestrating every detail, this conversation reminds us that God is always at work, even when we can't see Him. You'll discover: Why Esther's wisdom was just as important as her courageHow prayer and fasting prepared the way for God's interventionThe incredible chain of events that revealed God's providenceWhy God often uses ordinary people in extraordinary waysHow your simple "yes" to God could impact lives for eternity Whether you're facing a difficult decision, waiting on God's timing, or wondering how He can use your story, this episode will encourage you to trust Him and step forward in faith. 📖 Watch the full sermon at https://shepnaz.org/media ⛪ Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org🎙️ Listen to more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📧 We'd love to hear from you! Email us at: podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 Subscribe, like, comment, and share to help encourage others with the hope of Christ. Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Recap of Esther's Story01:24 Haman's Hatred Toward Mordecai02:08 Esther Faces an Impossible Decision02:48 "If I Perish, I Perish"03:16 Fasting, Prayer, and Courage03:58 Esther Approaches the King04:44 The First Banquet Surprise05:49 Esther's Wisdom and Strategy06:28 Haman's Pride Grows07:18 The King's Sleepless Night08:06 Mordecai's Forgotten Faithfulness08:33 Haman's Embarrassing Reversal09:21 The Second Banquet10:01 Esther Reveals the Truth10:55 Haman's Downfall12:00 God's Deliverance for His People12:42 Beauty, Wisdom, and Bravery13:41 God's Perfect Timing15:19 God Works Even When Unseen15:59 The Power of Saying Yes to God17:02 Final Challenge and Closing Thoughts

  2. 1d ago

    When God Positions You for More Than Comfort | Lessons from Esther

    What if God placed you exactly where you are… for something bigger? Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack is joined by Pastor Bryanna as they unpack the powerful story of Esther—a story filled with courage, purpose, and faith in the face of fear. From an orphaned girl to a queen, Esther’s journey reminds us that God doesn’t just bless us for comfort—He positions us for impact.In this episode, we explore: The rise of Esther in the Persian EmpireThe danger facing her peopleThe bold decision that could cost her everythingWhat it means to live “for such a time as this”This is Part 1 of the story—don’t miss what happens next! 👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org🎧 Explore more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast📺 Watch sermons & messages: https://shepnaz.org/media💬 We’d love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to encourage someone today! Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast00:22 – Introducing Pastor Bryanna00:44 – Why Esther’s Story Matters01:07 – Background: The Persian Empire01:57 – King Xerxes & His Pride02:46 – Queen Vashti Removed03:08 – The Search for a New Queen03:25 – Esther’s Story Begins04:05 – Esther Becomes Queen05:24 – Mordecai & the Assassination Plot06:10 – Enter Haman (The Villain)06:52 – The Threat Against the Jews07:14 – The Turning Point09:56 – Real-Life Faith Under Pressure12:26 – Mordecai’s Challenge to Esther14:19 – Mourning Across the Nation15:10 – Esther’s Risky Decision15:57 – “For Such a Time as This”16:57 – God Positions Us for Purpose17:37 – “If I Perish, I Perish”18:14 – Cliffhanger: What Happens Next?

  3. 4d ago

    What It REALLY Means to Be Like Jesus | Surrender, Suffering, & True Discipleship

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack continues an incredible message from Dr. Geoff Kunselman recorded at the South Central Ohio Camp Meeting. We often think being like Jesus simply means being kind or well-behaved—but this message takes us deeper. True Christlikeness is about laying down our lives, entering into the pain of others, and saying “yes” to God—even when it’s uncomfortable or costly. Through powerful teaching in Philippians and the story of missionary Amy Carmichael, we’re reminded that: Knowing Jesus and becoming like Him go hand-in-handFollowing Christ means embracing both resurrection power and sacrificial loveGod calls us to step into the needs of others with compassion and courageThis is a deeply challenging and inspiring call to live a cross-shaped life—the way of Jesus. 👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org👉 Watch more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/media & https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📩 We’d love to hear from you! Email: podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay connected with the Shepnaz Podcast! Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction00:20 – Recap: Transformation in Christ00:50 – Misconception: Being Like Jesus = Being Nice01:50 – What True Christlikeness Looks Like02:07 – The Cross-Shaped Life (Philippians Teaching)03:15 – Knowing Jesus Through Suffering04:00 – A Powerful Hymn: “I Want to Be Like Jesus”06:59 – Resurrection Power & Shared Suffering08:05 – Real-World Persecution of Believers10:11 – Story of Amy Carmichael14:15 – “Will You Help Bear My Burden?”14:45 – Living for Others Like Christ15:22 – Let the Holy Spirit Apply This Message16:00 – Personal Story & Ministry Journey18:45 – “Make Me More Like You, Jesus”19:52 – A Call to Radical Surrender20:32 – Imagine a Church Fully Like Jesus21:13 – Final Reflection & Challenge21:34 – Closing Encouragement

  4. 5d ago

    Let Go of the Past & Follow Jesus Fully | Dr. Geoff Kunselman | Shepnaz Podcast

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack introduces the first half of a powerful message from Dr. Geoff Kunselman, recorded at the South Central Ohio District Camp Meeting. In this message, Dr. Kunselman shares how God uses our past—our victories, mistakes, and experiences—to shape our future. But real transformation happens when we encounter Jesus personally. Walking through Philippians 3, he reminds us that following Christ means continual growth—we’re not meant to stay the same.You’ll also hear a powerful real-life story of transformation that proves no one is beyond the reach of Jesus. 👉 Key takeaway: If we want to move forward into the life God has for us, we must learn to let go of the past—both the good and the painful—and press on toward Christ. 🔔 Don’t miss part 2 tomorrow as we dive deeper into what it means to truly become like Jesus. About Shepnaz:Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Gahanna, Ohio exists to help people know Jesus and grow in Him. 🌐 Learn more: https://shepnaz.org🎧 More episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📩 Email us: podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 If this message encouraged you: Like & SubscribeShare with a friendComment how God is working in your life Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro (Pastor Zack)00:20 – Theme: God Works Through Our Story01:10 – Dr. Kunselman Opening & Personal Connection03:04 – Ministry Journey & Church Plant Story05:06 – Camp Meeting Memories & Humor08:37 – We All Have a Past (Key Transition)09:40 – Philippians 3: Paul’s Transformation10:50 – Why Encountering Jesus Changes Everything11:28 – Prison Ministry Story Begins14:00 – Life Change Story (Deonte)15:37 – From Prison to Purpose (Powerful Testimony)16:04 – Letting Go of the Past17:18 – Pressing Forward in Christ18:14 – Story: Letting Go of Debt & Burden20:32 – Freedom Through Letting Go21:14 – Knowing Christ vs. Just Knowing About Him22:20 – Final Reflection & Preview of Part 2

  5. 6d ago

    From Fear to Faith: Saying Yes to God Outside Your Comfort Zone | Worship Wednesday with Travis Morgan

    Welcome to another Worship Wednesday on the Shepnaz Podcast! 🙌Today, Pastor Zack sits down with Travis Morgan, a faithful volunteer, worship team guitarist, and servant-hearted leader at Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Gahanna, Ohio. Travis shares his powerful testimony—from a childhood with little guidance, to seasons of feeling lost, to a life transformed by Jesus. His story reminds us that God doesn’t call the “most qualified”… He calls the willing. 💡 In this episode, you’ll discover: What it means to step out in faith (even when you’re afraid)How God uses ordinary people in extraordinary waysWhy worship is more than music—it’s a lifestyleSimple ways to live out your faith every dayWhether you're feeling stuck, uncertain, or ready to take your next step—this conversation will encourage and challenge you. 👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church:🌐 https://shepnaz.org🎧 More podcast episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast💬 We'd love to hear from you!What’s one step God is calling you to take? Comment below!📧 Email us: podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to encourage others! Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Worship Wednesday00:25 – Meet Travis Morgan01:06 – “I just do whatever God lets me do”02:26 – Life outside church (family, work, business)04:00 – Why Travis joined the worship team05:16 – Serving God beyond your comfort zone06:36 – Biblical examples of stepping out in faith09:17 – Travis’ story: early life and struggles12:40 – Hitting a breaking point & finding Jesus again13:45 – Baptism and turning point14:07 – Feeling called to do more16:01 – Surrendering fully to God17:41 – Seeing God’s hand in your life18:16 – Letting God use you anywhere19:27 – Sharing faith in everyday life (work stories)20:01 – Worship is a lifestyle21:18 – Take your next step

  6. Jul 14

    What Real Repentance Looks Like (And What It’s Not) | Shepnaz Podcast

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack and Pastor Brett continue their conversation (Part 2) unpacking a powerful moment from 1 Samuel 24—when David spares King Saul’s life. At first glance, Saul’s response sounds like repentance… but is it really?In this episode, we explore: The difference between feeling sorry and true repentanceHow actions—not just emotions—reveal real changeWhy we often fall into the same patterns as SaulThe incredible hope we have that our story is still being written by GodNo matter how far you feel gone, this conversation reminds us: God offers real forgiveness, real freedom, and real transformation.🙌 We’d love to connect with you!If you need prayer or want to take a next step, email us at podcast@shepnaz.org 🔗 Learn more about Shepherd Church:👉 https://shepnaz.org🎧 More episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast📺 Watch sermons: https://shepnaz.org/media 👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to encourage others! Chapters 00:00 – Welcome + Part 2 Intro00:49 – Recap: Saul’s Story So Far02:35 – The Cave Moment (1 Samuel 24 Explained)04:18 – When Opportunity Feels “God-Ordained”05:22 – David’s Response: Honor + Restraint06:07 – Saul’s Emotional Reaction07:11 – Is This Real Repentance?08:02 – Tears Without Change09:37 – Why Saying “You’re Better Than Me” Isn’t Repentance10:33 – Empty Words vs Real Responsibility11:18 – No Real Change After the Moment12:23 – Signs of False Repentance13:08 – When We Do the Same Thing13:49 – Mourning Sin vs Turning From Sin14:39 – What If You Want to Change But Can’t?15:25 – The Hope: God Has Not Left You16:11 – True Forgiveness Explained16:39 – Your Story Isn’t Finished Yet17:32 – The Enemy’s Lie vs God’s Truth18:13 – You Are Not Too Far Gone18:30 – Invitation to Reach Out + Closing

  7. Jul 13

    The Tragic Story of King Saul | What We Can Learn From His Fall (1 Samuel 24)

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack is joined by Pastor Brett to unpack a powerful and sobering story from 1 Samuel 24—but with a deeper look at King Saul rather than David. This episode explores the tragic rise and fall of Saul, a man chosen and anointed by God… who still made crucial mistakes. What can we learn from his impatience, fear, and disobedience? And how does his story challenge us to trust God—even when the ending isn’t what we hoped for? If you’ve ever struggled with waiting on God, dealing with failure, or walking through a hard season where the outcome seems uncertain, this conversation will remind you: God is still with you—even in the valley. 🙌 Featuring: Pastor Zack & Pastor Brett Learn more about our church: https://shepnaz.org🎧 More 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, and SHARE to encourage someone today!✏️ Comment below: Have you ever struggled with waiting on God? Chapters 00:00 Welcome + Monday encouragement00:18 Introducing Pastor Brett00:45 Series recap: “Lessons from the Legends”01:05 Why focus on Saul instead of David?02:00 The tragedy of King Saul’s story03:28 Saul’s strong beginnings as king04:10 The mistake that changed everything05:26 Impatience and fear vs. trusting God06:13 Consequences of disobedience07:03 Putting ourselves in Saul’s shoes08:09 Losing everything—Saul’s heartbreak09:18 Comparing Saul and David10:22 Why Saul’s story feels relatable11:26 When life feels like it’s already lost12:09 Wrestling with spiritual struggle13:11 When you’re not yourself14:16 Trusting God beyond understanding15:00 Scripture as real history—not just stories16:07 When life doesn’t have a happy ending17:15 Why real faith includes hard seasons18:12 God’s plan is still perfect18:48 Final encouragement: God meets you in the valley

  8. Jul 10

    From New Age to Jesus: Pastor Natalie’s Powerful Testimony | Finding True Purpose

    Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Pastor Natalie, our Connections Pastor, to share a powerful and personal testimony of transformation. Natalie opens up about her journey growing up without a church background, searching for meaning in New Age practices, and walking through deep brokenness. But everything changed when she encountered Jesus. Her story is one of redemption, healing, and discovering true identity in Christ.Whether you’re searching for meaning, walking through a difficult season, or just need encouragement today—this episode is for you. 💬 We’d love to hear from you!Has God brought you through something? Share your story with us at podcast@shepnaz.org 🙌 About Shepherd ChurchS hepherd Church of the Nazarene (Shepnaz) is all about helping people know Jesus, grow in faith, and find community. 🌐 Learn more: https://shepnaz.org🎧 More episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast & https://shepnaz.org/media 👍 Don’t forget to: Subscribe to the channelLike this videoShare with a friendComment your thoughts or testimony Chapters 00:00 – Welcome + A New Podcast Approach00:38 – Meet Pastor Natalie01:36 – Ministry Reflections & Life Stages04:11 – Growing Up Without Church05:48 – Brokenness & Life Struggles06:32 – Searching for Truth in New Age Practices08:16 – Spiritual Warfare & Conviction09:30 – Encountering Jesus10:23 – Learning Identity in Christ11:40 – We’re All Searching for Something12:44 – Temporary Fulfillment vs True Freedom14:11 – Why Sin Never Satisfies15:14 – True Completion is Found in Christ16:42 – Life After Salvation Isn’t Easy17:03 – Family, Waiting Seasons & Faith19:32 – God’s Faithfulness Through Change20:42 – Remembering What God Has Done21:22 – Encouragement for Hard Seasons22:08 – Why Your Story Matters

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4.8
out of 5
19 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
    922
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shepherd Church of the Nazarene
  • Show Website
    Shepnaz Podcast