The Art of Pastoring Christianity Today

On this episode of The Art of Pastoring, Ronnie Martin and Jared Wilson take listener questions about the pastoring life, including:How does a pastor know when it’s time to move on?
How do you shepherd people away from the political fringes?
How can pastors establish boundaries around family time?Tune in for a heartfelt, practical discussion that responds directly to the needs and curiosities of pastors.Produced by Mike Cosper
Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie
Theme Song "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella
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Social media provides pastors with an opportunity to speak to those inside and outside their congregations far more often than a Sunday morning sermon. Depending on the climate of Twitter or Facebook, that increase in available airtime can feel like a blessing or a curse. What is a pastor’s calling in the face of a blinking cursor and updated feed?

In this episode of The Art of Pastoring, Ronnie Martin and Jared Wilson return from their hiatus to share their thoughts on social media engagement. They talk about the problems with statements like “he’s not really like that in real life” and the fact that our true selves are made plain through our speech—even online. And they consider what it looks like to interact with congregants about their social media posts in ways that keep love and truth at the heart of every conversation.Produced by Mike Cosper
Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie
Theme Song "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella
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Being a pastor can make it hard to maintain close friendships. It’s difficult to be both a friend and minister, especially in seasons when reproof or connection may be necessary. But community and friendships are vital for those in leadership. So what’s the answer? 

In this episode of The Art of Pastoring, Ronnie Martin and Jared Wilson discuss the ways that pastors can invite others into their lives and build meaningful relationships. They talk about the unavoidable reality that things can—and likely will—get awkward or even harmful when pastors attempt to build friendships within their congregations. They consider how accountability, mentorship, and relationships outside of their local congregations can help pastors experience true friendship.

Produced by Mike Cosper
Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie
Theme Song "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella
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Struggling to answer someone’s theological question about grief or pain.
Walking into an elder meeting only to discover that half of the group isn’t on board with your plan.
Realizing halfway through preaching that you really don’t know what you’re talking about.

Are you shuddering yet? Scenarios like these can send chills down a pastor’s spine, and they often point to deeper fears: Am I really the right pastor for this church? Am I equipped for ministry?

On this episode of The Art of Pastoring, Ronnie Martin and Jared Wilson share some of the fears they’ve faced. They talk about the ways that especially nerve-wracking experiences can stick with us, affecting our future responses. And they speak to the power of defining pastoral roles, responsibilities, and faithfulness around love and freedom rather than fear and insecurity.

Produced by Mike Cosper
Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie
Theme Song "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casell
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As pastors preach the whole of Scripture, specific portions often become personal favorites. These treasured verses may speak to the life of the pastor, provide encouragement, or offer refreshment to tired ministers.
On this episode of The Art of Pastoring, Ronnie Martin and Jared Wilson share some of the passages that they have clung to as pastors. They discuss passages that bring both conviction and comfort. They remind one another of the deep truths that remain consistent all throughout the story that the Bible tells about ministry: there will be suffering, it is temporary, and one day the Good Shepherd will say, “Well done.” Tune in for a rich and recalibrating episode anchored by the promises of God.
Produced by Mike Cosper
Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie
Theme Song "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella
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Reading and studying often feel productive, efficient, and purposeful. But prayer? Though we may feel guilty for thinking it—not so much.
On this episode of The Art of Pastoring, Ronnie Martin and Jared Wilson, whose new book Gospel-Driven Ministry is now available, talk about the barriers pastors often face when it comes to regular, meaningful times of prayer. They share their personal struggles and talk about the centrality of prayer in historical revivals and the international church. This episode both convicts and comforts, reminding us that while prayer can feel abstract, it is ultimately an invitation to connect with the One who first loved us.
Produced by Mike Cosper
Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie
Theme Song "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella
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