The Shepherd at Work

Marc Radio

The Shepherd At Work is a weekly program to help you learn how to live your Christian faith in every place you work and live. Host Krystal Parker introduces you to individuals who are successfully and effectively engaging in marketplace ministry – and gives you the tools you need to do the same. The Shepherd At Work is sponsored by the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce.

  1. 6D AGO

    From a Chicken Quesadilla to Kingdom Gaming — How One Relationship Changed Everything, (S5E06)

    It didn’t start with games. It didn’t start with a vision statement. It started with a big, buff guy… and a chicken quesadilla. In this episode, Krystal sits down with Travis Combs, Founder of Kingdom Forge, to tell a powerful, unexpected story about mentorship, obedience, and the kind of relationship that quietly shifts everything. One ordinary interaction became a divine appointment. A mentor stepped in. A relationship with God began to grow. And a life took a completely different direction. Travis’ story reminds us that we rarely see the full impact of our obedience—until God lets us hear the story from the other side and reveals how a simple, faithful relationship can forge a new calling. Today, Travis is taking back gaming for the Kingdom. Through Kingdom Forge, he’s putting creators, ministries, and leaders in the driver’s seat—helping them turn faith-based and wholesome game ideas into playable experiences that don’t just entertain, but speak to the soul, stir the heart, and reflect the love and truth of Christ. At Kingdom Forge, the mission is clear: to build games with lasting Kingdom impact. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: How one mentor relationship redirected an entire life Why gaming is one of the most overlooked mission fields of our time What it looks like to pursue excellence as an act of worship How faith, creativity, and technology can work together without compromise Why not every calling starts in a church—but every calling can glorify God Kingdom Forge operates on values that shape both culture and craft: excellence in all things, loving people well, open and honest communication, and an intentional commitment to creating only what glorifies God. This episode is about more than games. It’s about influence. It’s about stewardship. It’s about saying yes when God puts someone—or something—unexpected in your path. You may think your small interaction doesn’t matter. You may think your industry is too far gone. You may think faith and creativity don’t belong together. This story will challenge all of that. Because sometimes, God uses a chicken quesadilla to forge a Kingdom future. 🔗 Learn more or connect with Travis: https://www.kingdomforgegames.com/

    25 min
  2. JAN 29

    From a Tiny Shack to a Global Mission — The Power of Saying YES. (S5E05)

    Joy Reyes never planned to lead a global mission. In fact, as a young girl, she prayed a very specific prayer: “God, whatever you do… don’t send me to the mission field.” Spoiler alert: God smiled. In this episode, Krystal sits down with Joy Reyes, Founder and CEO of New Hope Girls, for a raw, faith-filled conversation about obedience, calling, and what happens when you say yes—before you have the resources, the roadmap, or the reassurance. Two small kids. One-year commitment. Eight suitcases. The Dominican Republic. A family stepped out not knowing what God would do with their powerful YES. What began as obedience became a global mission of rescue, restoration, and hope. Joy’s story began in a tiny shack in the barrio—a moment that ignited a calling she couldn’t ignore. What was meant to be a one-year adventure became a movement dedicated to rescuing, restoring, and empowering girls who have survived trafficking, abuse, and extreme vulnerability. Under Joy’s leadership, New Hope Girls has grown into a model of restoration that goes far beyond rescue. Through education, trauma-informed care, mentorship, and sustainable employment, girls and women are equipped to reclaim dignity, independence, and hope. Partnerships with global brands like Vera Bradley, Pura Vida, Kohl’s, Ethan Allen, Thistle Farms, and others have turned handcrafted work into instruments of justice—proving that business, when aligned with purpose, can change lives. But this podcast isn’t about headlines or partnerships. It’s about obedience. Joy said yes before the money came. Yes before she knew how to scale. Yes when all she had was faith, courage, and a shack. Yes to duplication before she understood systems. Yes to God—again and again. This is a story of YES &. Yes & faith. Yes & action. Yes & stepping into the unknown. Joy’s background in education, psychology, and trauma-informed care has shaped her into a trusted voice for healing and restoration—but at the core, this is the story of a woman who said yes and kept walking. You’ll hear about: What obedience looks like when the calling disrupts your plans How faith-driven leadership sustains long-term impact Turning rescue into restoration through dignity and work Why saying yes early matters more than having it all figured out You can meet Joy Reyes and the New Hope Girls team in person at SWC 2026—and trust us, you’ll want to. This episode will stir your faith. It will challenge your excuses. And it may ask you a simple, dangerous question: What might God do if you said yes? This is why obedience still changes the world. This is what happens when faith moves first. This is the power of YES. 🎧 Listen. Be stirred. Say yes. To Learn More about Joy and New Hope Girls: https://newhopegirls.com/pages/our-story And when mention SWC can you add this link: https://uschristianchamber.com/swc-2026/

    27 min
  3. JAN 22

    Inviting God to the Table — Law, Miracles, and Why Preparation Is the Best Defense with Theresa Lynn Sidebotham. (S5E04)

    At three years old, Theresa patted the seat beside her and invited God to sit with her. That posture—making room for God in the middle of real life—has shaped everything that followed. In this episode, Krystal sits down with Theresa Lynn Sidebotham, founder of Telios Law, to explore law and legal issues through a distinctly Christian lens—and why legal compliance, preparation, and wise process are not acts of fear, but acts of stewardship. Telios Law is built on a rare conviction: that legal solutions should bring healing and life, not just protection. Theresa explains how unresolved conflict, poor policies, and informal practices can quietly sabotage a mission—and how preventive planning, good governance, and clear processes can become a business’s strongest defense long before a lawsuit ever appears. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: Why legal compliance and preparation are not optional for faith-driven leaders How good policy and good process can prevent crises before they start When negotiation and preventive planning can avoid litigation altogether Real stories of provision, protection, and moments that felt unmistakably miraculous Theresa brings extraordinary depth to this conversation. Raised cross-culturally as a missionary kid, educated across continents, and shaped by decades of ministry, leadership, and law, she combines top-tier legal excellence with rare discernment. She graduated first in her law school class, was mentored by judges at the Colorado Court of Appeals, served religious institutions at a large firm, and went on to found Telios Law to serve businesses, ministries, churches, and individuals with integrity and courage. Telios Law represents clients in litigation, investigations, appeals, and alternatives to litigation—while consistently emphasizing that preventive planning often saves far more than courtroom victories ever could. This episode is practical. It’s wise. And it’s deeply grounding. If you’re a business leader who wants to protect what God has entrusted to you… If you believe faith and excellence belong together… If you want to lead with clarity instead of reacting in crisis— This conversation will equip you. Good law doesn’t just reduce risk. Done well, it preserves vision, protects people, and creates space for life to flourish. Connect with Telios Law - https://telioslaw.com/

    25 min
  4. JAN 13

    “Maybe Hell Isn’t That Bad After All” — Spiritual Warfare, Discernment, and Doing Business With God. (S5E03)

    What happens when spiritual warfare shows up in the marketplace—and you don’t yet have language for it? This episode is a must-listen. Krystal sits down with Bristan Heaven, President of the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce, Kingdom-driven leader, and trusted friend, for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on spiritual warfare in business, discernment, and the subtle ways darkness disguises itself as “normal.” The phrase that stopped the conversation cold? “Maybe hell isn’t that bad after all.” A revealing moment. A warning signal. A clear indication that something deeper was at play. Bristan and his wife, Latondra Heaven, often describe themselves as a modern-day Aquila and Priscilla—partners in life, business, and ministry. As founders of Kingdom REACH Leadership and Spirit and Truth Global, their shared calling can be summed up in one word: Discipleship. Not theory. Not hype. Formation. In this episode, we explore: How spiritual warfare shows up in boardrooms—not just church buildings What it actually means to invite Jesus to be CEO How to lead in faith while managing real risk, pressure, and responsibility With decades of experience spanning retail and small business banking, ministry leadership, and marketplace discipleship, Bristan brings a grounded, sober wisdom to what it means to operate in the world without being of it. This is not a fear-based conversation. It’s a clarity-based one. If you’re a business leader who senses there’s more happening beneath the surface… If you’ve felt resistance you couldn’t quite explain… If you want to lead with authority, peace, and discernment— This episode will sharpen you. Not every battle is loud. Not every victory looks dramatic. But every leader needs discernment. And this conversation delivers it. SWC 2026: https://uschristianchamber.com/swc-2026/ Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce: https://cfchristianchamber.com/

    26 min
  5. JAN 5

    The 4th Man in the Fire: LaDondra Hervey on Faith, Resilience, and Kingdom Growth. S5E02

    Some leaders grow through strategy. Others are forged through fire. In this compelling episode of The Shepherd at Work, Krystal sits down with LaDondra Hervey—President of the Texas Christian Chamber of Commerce, growth consultant, award-winning author, and encourager of leaders—to talk about what happens when faith meets adversity head-on. LaDondra’s story is one of perseverance, identity, and unshakable faith. Rooted in the prayers and legacy of a faith-filled grandmother, she learned early what it means to be a Kingdom citizen—standing firm when circumstances try to define you. This conversation goes deep into themes many leaders quietly carry: dysfunction, recovery, recidivism, identity, and what it looks like to choose faith when the odds are stacked against you. The title says it all: The 4th Man in the Fire. Because LaDondra doesn’t just talk about surviving hardship—she testifies to the presence of God in it. In this episode, we talk about: • Faith forged through hardship and perseverance • Identity rooted in Christ, not circumstances • Breaking cycles of dysfunction through purpose and truth • Leadership that encourages rather than exhausts • Building businesses that grow revenue and legacy • What it means to stand in the fire—and discover you’re not alone LaDondra Hervey is a model of faith-filled encouragement and resilient leadership. She doesn’t just help people grow businesses—she helps pull the greatness out of them. If you’re walking through a hard season, leading while carrying weight, or wondering where God is in the middle of the fire… this episode will meet you there. Learn more about the Texas Christian Chamber of Commerce - https://txchristianchamber.com/

    26 min
  6. 12/30/2025

    Favored, Not Finished: John Harris on Abiding With God Through Failure, Faith, and Legacy Business. (S5E01)

    Walking with God doesn’t mean avoiding hardship. It means learning how to stand back up—anchored, refined, and still favored. In this meaningful episode, Krystal sits down with John Harris, co-owner of Thunderbird Jewelry, to talk about what it truly means to abide with God through seasons of challenge, transition, and growth. John’s journey is marked by both faith and resilience. Early work in the jewelry industry alongside his wife laid the foundation for what would become a legacy business—one rooted in craftsmanship, integrity, and long-standing relationships with Navajo, Zuni, and Pueblo artisans. But the road wasn’t always smooth. John shares a powerful truth many leaders avoid: If you never experience failure, you never learn how to get back up. In this conversation, we explore how favor doesn’t disappear in hard seasons—and how abiding with God reshapes the way leaders face setbacks, steward responsibility, and carry influence forward with humility and purpose. You’ll hear about: • What it means to remain favored even when things fall apart • Why failure can be a refining tool, not a disqualifier • Building a business that honors people, culture, and legacy • Leading with a shepherd’s heart in the marketplace • How faith sustains endurance across decades—not just seasons With over 50 years of history, Thunderbird Jewelry stands as a testimony to faithfulness, authenticity, and stewardship—values John continues to champion as a business leader, coach, and mentor. This episode is for leaders who are in the middle of the journey—those learning to trust God not just for outcomes, but for endurance, wisdom, and renewal along the way. If you’ve ever wondered whether God’s favor still rests on you during difficult seasons—this conversation will meet you right where you are. Explore Thunderbird Jewelry - https://thunderbirdjewelry.com/

    25 min
  7. 12/23/2025

    Thou Shall Grow: James Mark Barthel on God’s Blueprint for Scaling Your Life and Business. (S4E52)

    Some leaders chase success. Some leaders surrender. And that surrender becomes the very thing that unlocks supernatural growth. In this powerful episode, Krystal sits down with James Mark Barthel—Growth Leadership Coach, entrepreneur, and author of the new bestselling book Thou Shall Grow—to explore what happens when Christian leaders stop building for God and start building with God. James’ story is remarkable. He walked away from corporate life only to find himself with a struggling startup and more than $300,000 in debt, burned out, anxious, and watching “success” become an idol that nearly consumed him. In desperation, he prayed for direction—and God answered with a biblical framework that transformed everything. That revelation led James to grow a two-person venture into a national eight-figure market leader, featured in Forbes and ranked on the Inc. 5000 list. Then, after a season of miracles—including his wife’s supernatural cancer healing—he spent 1,000 days in prayer seeking God’s plan for how Christian leaders are designed to grow. The result? Thou Shall Grow, a practical and prophetic roadmap for faith-led success. James Mark Barthel is bold, authentic, and deeply Spirit-led. His insights will challenge your mindset, strengthen your leadership, and remind you that growth—real, sustainable, Kingdom growth—begins at the feet of Jesus. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to grow your business God’s way, this episode is an absolute must-listen. Check out James’ new book, Thou Shall Grow: https://www.amazon.com/Thou-Shall-Grow-Proven-Business/dp/B0FXH5F3GN

    25 min
  8. 12/19/2025

    Money, Marketplace & God: Bill Hollis on Hearing God at Work and Building Kingdom Businesses. (S4E51)

    The Shepherd at Work goes international! What happens when God interrupts your career, your worldview, and your idea of what business really is? Bill Hollis—marketplace minister, author, and founder of Ruach Ministries in Johannesburg, South Africa—joins Krystal to share how God completely transformed his life and leadership. His journey began quietly: Christian colleagues placed around him, an unexpected book about near-death experiences, and a growing sense that God was drawing him into something deeper. That spark became a fire. Bill’s faith reshaped every part of his work, turning his career into a daily partnership with God instead of a request for blessings on top of his own plans. In this episode, Bill unpacks: • How God used subtle nudges to redirect his entire life • The difference between a Christian business and a Kingdom business—where Jesus is truly the CEO • What it means to “do business like the world”… and why he walked away from it • Why hearing God is not mystical—it’s essential for leadership • How partnering with believers multiplies impact, influence, and Kingdom advancement Bill Hollis is a seasoned business leader whose faith has shaped boardrooms, companies, and cultures across continents. His supernatural journey in the marketplace is a reminder that God doesn’t just show up on Sundays—He shows up in the deals, decisions, and daily challenges of work. If you’re ready to invite God into every part of your business, this conversation will stir your faith and sharpen your focus. Explore Bill’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bill-Hollis/author/B0DP3C618K?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=369383f8-ca63-4547-9a1a-1e89a8ee84d4

    26 min

About

The Shepherd At Work is a weekly program to help you learn how to live your Christian faith in every place you work and live. Host Krystal Parker introduces you to individuals who are successfully and effectively engaging in marketplace ministry – and gives you the tools you need to do the same. The Shepherd At Work is sponsored by the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce.