Pivotal Decisions

Stan Parris
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  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

You make your decisions, and your decisions will make you. Pivotal Decisions gives you the information needed to help guide you in life's most important decisions. We will journey into the world of faith and the Bible, politics, sports, and a variety of topics. You will be meeting a number of guests, and we will be tackling the issues everyone is talking about. Remember, your decisions today determine your tomorrow.

  1. Breaking Patterns You’ve Normalized Without Noticing

    FEB 18

    Breaking Patterns You’ve Normalized Without Noticing

    Most of life isn’t shaped by dramatic failures—but by quiet patterns we stop paying attention to. In this episode of Pivotal Decisions, Stan explores how unhealthy habits form gradually, why we often don’t notice them, and how Scripture calls us to awareness, repentance, and intentional change. Normalization is powerful. What once bothered us can slowly become acceptable—and what feels normal eventually shapes who we become.

    16 min
  2. What Just Happened?

    FEB 5

    What Just Happened?

    A winter storm moved through, forecasts were issued—and when the storm didn’t match expectations, frustration exploded. Weather forecasters were blamed, mocked, and accused of getting it wrong. But was this really about the weather? In this “What Just Happened?” episode of Pivotal Decisions, Stan looks beyond the storm to explore what our reactions reveal about expectations, control, trust, and outrage culture. This episode is a timely reminder that uncertainty is part of life—and that wisdom, humility, and grace matter more than certainty. If you’ve ever felt frustrated when reality didn’t match the forecast, this episode will help you slow down, think clearly, and respond differently.

    14 min
  3. How to Choose A Church

    JAN 22

    How to Choose A Church

    Choosing a church is one of the most formative decisions a believer will ever make—yet it’s often approached casually or based on preferences rather than biblical principles. In this episode of the Pivotal Decisions Podcast, Stan walks through a thoughtful, Scripture-rooted framework for choosing a church wisely. Drawing from decades of pastoral leadership, Stan helps listeners move beyond consumer Christianity and toward meaningful commitment, gospel-centered community, and mission alignment. Whether you’re new to faith, relocating, deconstructing unhealthy church experiences, or simply reevaluating where God is calling you to plant your life, this conversation will help you make a decision that shapes your spiritual future. Connect with Stan & Pivotal Decisions Subscribe to the Pivotal Decisions Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and YouTube

    24 min
  4. College Basketball Predictions

    JAN 8

    College Basketball Predictions

    Stan and his son, Briggs, make their College Basketball predictions for 2026.

    20 min
  5. The Stewardship of Influence in a Digital Age

    12/07/2025

    The Stewardship of Influence in a Digital Age

    In today’s episode, Stan continues our conversation on one of the most powerful forces shaping our lives: influence — especially in our digital age. With endless voices competing for attention online, the question isn’t whether we’re being influenced, but by whom — and how we are influencing others in return. Drawing from Scripture, practical insight, and everyday experience, Stan breaks down eight essential truths about influence and how followers of Christ can steward it wisely. If you missed the previous episode on influence, be sure to go back and listen. Today’s message builds on that foundation.

    19 min
  6. The Power of Influence

    11/17/2025

    The Power of Influence

    In this episode, Stan explores one of the most important — and often overlooked — areas of the Christian life: the stewardship of influence. You don’t need a title, a platform, or a stage to impact the world for Christ. Someone is watching your life, being shaped by your example, and influenced by your faithfulness. Through an inspiring historical chain that began with Edward Kimball — the quiet Sunday school teacher whose influence ultimately led to the salvation of D.L. Moody, Billy Sunday, and Billy Graham — Stan shows how God can multiply ordinary faithfulness in extraordinary ways. You have influence. The question is: How will you use it?

    21 min
  7. Pivotal Decisions in Church Revitalization with NAMB’s Jimbo Stewart

    10/27/2025

    Pivotal Decisions in Church Revitalization with NAMB’s Jimbo Stewart

    In this episode, Stan sits down with Jimbo Stewart, Replant Specialist with the North American Mission Board (NAMB), to talk about the critical moments that define ministry leadership. Together, they unpack what it means to lead with conviction, navigate seasons of change, and make decisions that shape the future of the church. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or someone passionate about church health and revitalization, this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and wisdom for the journey. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and transformation. 📱 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    22 min
  8. My Conversation with Mark Clifton, Senior Director of Replanting at the North American Mission Board

    10/01/2025

    My Conversation with Mark Clifton, Senior Director of Replanting at the North American Mission Board

    In this episode of Pivotal Decisions, Stan sits down with Mark Clifton, Senior Director of Replanting at the North American Mission Board (NAMB), to explore the hard but holy work of revitalizing dying churches. Mark shares the pivotal decisions that shaped his calling, the challenges of replanting in a post-Christian culture, and why no church is too far gone when the gospel is at the center. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or simply passionate about seeing the local church thrive, this conversation will encourage you to rethink failure, embrace obscurity, and lean into God's redemptive work — even in the most unlikely places.

    19 min
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Trailer

About

You make your decisions, and your decisions will make you. Pivotal Decisions gives you the information needed to help guide you in life's most important decisions. We will journey into the world of faith and the Bible, politics, sports, and a variety of topics. You will be meeting a number of guests, and we will be tackling the issues everyone is talking about. Remember, your decisions today determine your tomorrow.

Information

  • Creator
    Stan Parris
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stan Parris 2024
  • Show Website
    Pivotal Decisions