The Shepherds Circle

6:14 Ministries
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Pastor Stan Givens — Executive Director of 6:14 Ministries — is joined weekly by Pastor Victor Herman and Pastor Caleb Howell to talk small church ministry, pastoral life, church revitalization, cultural issues, and much more. 

  1. Jun 12

    Kids Matter (with Amber Pike) | S3 E8

    What should the primary goal of children’s ministry be? In this episode of The Shepherd’s Circle, Stan sits down with children’s ministry leader, author, and speaker Amber Pike of RenewANation to discuss why discipleship—not entertainment—must remain at the center of every kids ministry. Amber shares her journey from serving in children’s ministry at age 15 to now training church leaders and parents across the country. Together, she and Stan explore practical ways churches can create intentional discipleship environments for children, equip parents as primary disciple-makers, build meaningful intergenerational relationships, and ensure kids are learning the truths of Scripture rather than simply being entertained. They also discuss: Why curriculum matters more than most churches realizeHow to partner effectively with parentsCreative family ministry ideas that reinforce discipleship at homeThe role pastors play in championing children’s ministryBuilding a culture of safety and security for kidsWhy children are not just the future of the church—they are part of the church todayWhether you're a pastor, children's ministry leader, volunteer, parent, or church leadership team member, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement for helping the next generation know, love, and follow Jesus. Resources Mentioned: Amber Pike: https://amberpike.orgRenewANation: https://www.renewanation.org/RenewANation Family Ministry: https://familyministry.orgThe KidMin Huddle PodcastIntentional Children's Ministry by Amber PikeTop 50 Bible Lessons About Ordinary People in God's Extraordinary Plan by Amber Pike

    44 min

  2. Jun 5

    The Lost Test: What Does Your Church Really Think About Lost People? | S3 E7

    After a brief break for our Not Many Mighty series, Stan, Caleb, and Vic are back around the table for a candid conversation about one of the most revealing indicators of church health. How does your church feel about lost people? It's a simple question, but the answer may reveal more about a congregation than attendance numbers, budgets, buildings, or programs ever could. In this episode, the guys discuss five common ways churches respond to people who are far from God—ignoring them, fearing them, becoming disgusted by them, growing angry toward them, or genuinely loving them as Christ does. Along the way, they share real ministry stories, practical insights, personal challenges, and biblical examples that force every pastor and church leader to examine the culture they're creating. You'll hear: Why evangelism is often the easiest ministry to neglectHow fear can quietly reshape a church's prioritiesWhy celebrating salvation and baptism mattersThe critical role leadership plays in cultivating a heart for the lostPractical ways churches can move from comfort and self-preservation to kingdom-minded missionFrom washing curtains to ice cream celebrations, from bus ministry challenges to life-changing gospel conversations, this episode offers both encouragement and conviction for anyone who wants to see their church more closely reflect the heart of Jesus. As Charles Spurgeon famously said, "Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor." Take "The Lost Test" with us and ask the question every church needs to answer: Do we truly love the lost?

    31 min
  3. Not Many Mighty: Dr. Bill Korver | S3 E6

    May 29

    Not Many Mighty: Dr. Bill Korver | S3 E6

    In this installment of Not Many Mighty, Stan sits down with longtime pastor, church planter, and Bible college president Dr. Bill Korver for a rich conversation about calling, perseverance, humble faithfulness, and the quiet fruit of a life spent serving Christ. From growing up in a blue-collar Christian home in Tulsa… to planting a church while working bi-vocational jobs… to eventually leading Carolina College of Biblical Studies, Bill shares honest stories about ministry fears, God’s surprising direction, the realities of pastoral life, and the importance of character over charisma. This episode is filled with encouragement for pastors, church leaders, and faithful servants who sometimes wonder if the work is making a difference. Through stories of God’s provision, lessons learned through hardship, and reflections on decades of ministry, Dr. Korver reminds us why steadfast faithfulness still matters. Topics include: Bi-vocational ministry and church plantingPersevering through discouragement and “friendly fire”Mentorship and spiritual formationWhy character matters more than giftednessLearning to trust God’s provisionThe long-term fruit of faithful ministry“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing your labor is not in vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 Presented by The Shepherd’s Circle & 6:14 Ministries.

    40 min
  4. Not Many Mighty: Sam Burchard | S3 E5

    May 22

    Not Many Mighty: Sam Burchard | S3 E5

    In this episode of The Shepherd’s Circle, part of the Not Many Mighty series, Stan sits down with longtime Louisiana pastor Sam Burchard for a candid conversation about calling, ministry formation, and decades of faithful pastoral work. Rooted in 1 Corinthians 1, Not Many Mighty highlights the truth that God often calls the unlikely, the ordinary, and the overlooked to do His work—so that all glory belongs to Him alone. Pastor Sam’s story captures that reality with honesty and humility, tracing his journey from a Christian home and Christian schooling to a growing awareness that personal faith in Christ must be his own, not inherited. In this conversation, Sam shares how his path toward ministry unfolded gradually rather than dramatically—shaped by mentors, unexpected opportunities, and faithful obedience in each season. What began as a desire to teach eventually became a lifetime of pastoral leadership, including over 25 years serving Dry Creek Bible Church. Together, Stan and Sam explore: Coming to faith when “you realize you don’t have a testimony”The role of Christian education and influential mentors in shaping a callingHow ministry often develops through faithful steps rather than clear signsThe transition from youth ministry to pastoral leadershipThe importance of community, consistency, and showing up week after weekThe realities of long-term ministry in a rural church settingPersevering when every Sunday keeps coming faster than expectedWith humor, clarity, and hard-earned wisdom, Pastor Sam offers encouragement to young leaders: be faithful where you are, stay teachable, and don’t underestimate how God leads through ordinary obedience over time. Whether you’re in ministry, considering ministry, or simply learning to trust God with your calling, this conversation will ground you, encourage you, and remind you that God is faithful to use what the world overlooks. Presented by 6:14 Ministries.

    26 min
  5. Not Many Mighty: Sherman Soileau | S3 E4

    May 15

    Not Many Mighty: Sherman Soileau | S3 E4

    In the debut episode of our Not Many Mighty segment, Stan sits down with longtime Louisiana pastor Sherman Soileau for an honest, encouraging conversation about ministry, perseverance, prayer, and the faithfulness of God across decades of shepherding people. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 1, Not Many Mighty highlights ordinary men whom God has used in extraordinary ways through humble, faithful service. Pastor Sherman shares his testimony of coming to Christ as a resistant teenager from a Catholic background, sensing God’s call to ministry at Camp Pearl, and serving churches across Louisiana, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, and beyond over a lifetime of pastoral ministry. Along the way, Stan and Sherman discuss: The value of faithful mentors and older pastorsWhy prayer sustains pastors through difficult seasonsThe importance of marrying the right woman for ministryStaying connected to your communityThe joys and scars of long-term pastoral ministryExpository preaching and teaching people to study Scripture for themselvesSeeing generational transformation through the GospelWith wisdom, humor, and decades of experience, Pastor Sherman offers practical encouragement for young pastors, church leaders, and anyone seeking to faithfully follow God’s calling. Whether you’re in ministry, preparing for ministry, or simply looking for encouragement from seasoned saints who have stayed the course, this episode will strengthen your faith and challenge your heart. Presented by 6:14 Ministries. Catch the video version of this Not Many Mighty interview over on our YouTube Channel. _____________ This episode is sponsored by Rhonda’s Hope — a faith-based women’s recovery ministry in Mobile, Alabama committed to helping women rebuild their lives through stable housing, trauma-informed care, mentorship, life-skills development, accountability, and Christ-centered support. Guided by a deep commitment to dignity, integrity, and long-term restoration, Rhonda’s Hope creates a safe and supportive environment where women can heal, grow, and transition toward independent living. To learn more about Rhonda’s Hope or connect someone in need, contact 6:14 Ministries at 614rebuild@gmail.com or contact Stan directly at stan@614ministries.org

    43 min

  6. May 8

    Better Burnout Numbers | S3 E3

    Season 3, Episode 3 of The Shepherds Circle tackles a sobering but hopeful reality facing today’s church: pastoral burnout may be declining, but the need for healthy ministry relationships has never been greater. Drawing from new Barna research, Stan, Caleb, Vic, and Josh Hovel discuss the cultural shifts that followed COVID, why fewer pastors are considering leaving ministry, and how friendship, accountability, and authentic connection are helping sustain pastors in difficult seasons. The conversation explores: The lingering impact of COVID on churches and pastors Why relational health is critical for ministry longevity The dangers of "lone wolf" ministry How churches unintentionally overload pastorsWhy simplifying ministry helped many churches refocus on what matters the mostThe growing pastoral shortage across the Southeast New efforts to train and equip the next generation of ministry leaders__________ This episode is sponsored by Rhonda’s Hope — a faith-based women’s recovery ministry in Mobile, Alabama committed to helping women rebuild their lives through stable housing, trauma-informed care, mentorship, life-skills development, accountability, and Christ-centered support. Guided by a deep commitment to dignity, integrity, and long-term restoration, Rhonda’s Hope creates a safe and supportive environment where women can heal, grow, and transition toward independent living. To learn more about Rhonda’s Hope or connect someone in need, contact 6:14 Ministries at 614rebuild@gmail.com or contact Stan directly at stan@614ministries.org

    33 min

  7. May 1

    What's Cool These Days | S3 E2

    Is the era of the “cool church” coming to an end? In this week’s episode of The Shepherds Circle, we dive into a thought-provoking conversation sparked by insights from Karl Vaters—exploring the rise (and possible decline) of the attractional, mega-church model. Are bigger churches really reaching the unchurched… or just reshuffling believers? Are people still drawn to hype—or are they hungry for something deeper and more authentic? From real-life pastoral stories to eye-opening stats, this episode challenges ministry leaders to rethink what healthy church actually looks like today. ➡️ If you’re serving in a small or mid-sized church, this one will encourage you to stay faithful, stay grounded, and stay focused on what truly matters: discipleship, community, and Spirit-led leadership. 💥 And yes… the now-legendary “sploosh” moment makes another appearance. ___________ 🙏 This episode is sponsored by Kelley & Mullis Wealth Management Inc. An independent investment firm based in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, with over 35 years of experience helping individuals and families plan wisely for the future. Their commitment to long-term stewardship, integrity, and relationship-driven financial guidance makes them a trusted partner for ministry leaders and beyond. ___________ 🎧 Listen now on your favorite platform (including Pandora!) 📲 Like, share, and send this to a pastor or ministry leader who needs the encouragement today.

    35 min

  8. Apr 24

    The Shepherds Summit Goes Sploosh | S3 E1

    Season 3, Episode 1 — Shepherds Circle Podcast Welcome to Season 3 of The Shepherds Circle. We’re kicking things off fresh off the Shepherds Summit 2026 with a raw, honest, and deeply encouraging conversation among a room full of small church pastors and ministry leaders reflecting on what God did over the weekend—and what it means for life and ministry moving forward. Hosted by Stan Givens, Caleb Howell, and Victor Herman, this episode captures the real conversations that don’t always make it to a stage: the weight pastors carry, the tension of calling and discouragement, the ongoing challenge of discipleship, and the importance of staying faithful when ministry feels heavy. From laughter-filled moments (yes… we talk about “sploosh”) to deeply vulnerable stories about perseverance, calling, and healing, this episode reminds us that ministry was never meant to be done alone. In this conversation, we'll touch on:  What God stirred in hearts at the Shepherds Summit 2026The hidden burdens pastors carry in small church ministryWhy transparency and vulnerability matter among leadersThe simplicity—and challenge—of making disciplesHow social media and modern communication is reshaping ministry outreachWhy endurance in your calling matters more than ever Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or someone walking closely with church leadership, this episode will encourage you, challenge you, and remind you that you are not alone in the work. 🎧🐑 Pull up a chair.🪑You’re in the circle. ________________ 🙏 This episode is sponsored by Kelley & Mullis Wealth Management Inc. A trusted, independent firm based in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, serving individuals and families with a long-term, relationship-first approach to financial stewardship. We’re grateful for their support of pastors and the local church. Learn more at kmwealthmanagement.com

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Pastor Stan Givens — Executive Director of 6:14 Ministries — is joined weekly by Pastor Victor Herman and Pastor Caleb Howell to talk small church ministry, pastoral life, church revitalization, cultural issues, and much more. 

Information

  • Creator
    6:14 Ministries
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 6:14 Ministries
  • Show Website
    The Shepherds Circle

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