The Shepherds Network Podcast

Abundant Life Church
  • 5.0 (8)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Shepherds Network Podcast, a Podcast from Abundant Life Church from Syracuse, New York, In this podcast we’ll explore the heart, soul, and the spirit of what it means to be a minister. In this podcast you’ll hear conversations with different leaders, from industry experts, stories from other shepherds, and insights from ministers to equip you with the practical and spiritual principles you need to thrive on your ministry journey. -- You can connect with us online at theshepherdsnetwork.com or at abundantlife.church/shepherdsnetwork. Or if you have any questions or comments that you’d like to share with us shoot us a DM on social at theshepherdsnetwork or email as at theshepherdsnetwork@sbundantlife.church.

  1. 11/30/2025

    Built to Last: Building Momentum and Growing Ministry with Heart and Strategy

    In this episode recorded live during our Shepherds Network Connect event, Pastors John Carter and Pastor Willie George of Church on the Move in Tulsa, OK explore what it really takes to build momentum in ministry—not just for a season, but for the long haul. From setting measurable goals to strengthening your faith walk, we talk about the practical and the personal. You’ll hear how to overcome common roadblocks, disciple with purpose, lead with heart, and create a ministry culture that’s both fruitful and sustainable. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to reignite the fire, this conversation will help you lead with vision and build a ministry that lasts.

    50 min

  2. 11/23/2025

    Fish of Every Kind: Leading the Church in a Diverse and Changing World (Pt 2)

    In the last part of this two-part episode, Pastors John and Lisa Carter continue to unpack Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13:47–48. What does it look like when the Kingdom net brings in “fish of every kind”? How can pastors and leaders prepare their hearts, teams, and churches to welcome, disciple, and lead people who don’t all look the same or come from the same background? This conversation is all about embracing diversity with wisdom, grace, and gospel clarity.

    59 min

  3. 11/16/2025

    Fish of Every Kind: Leading the Church in a Diverse and Changing World (Pt 1)

    In the first part of this two-part episode, Pastors John and Lisa Carter unpack Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13:47–48 and what it means for pastors leading in today’s diverse and ever-changing culture. This conversation is all about embracing diversity with wisdom, grace, and gospel clarity.

    55 min

  4. 11/09/2025

    Prayer and Preaching: Preparing Your Heart Before the Pulpit

    Before the sermon is spoken, something deeper must happen—the heart of the shepherd must be aligned with the heart of God. In this episode, Pastor John Carter and longtime ministry friends, Pastors Kelly and Gina Lynnes explore how prayer is more than a pre-sermon ritual—it’s the spiritual preparation that fuels power, clarity, and compassion from the pulpit. Join us as we talk with pastors about how prayer softens the heart, sharpens the message, and invites the Holy Spirit to move through every word spoken.

    58 min

  5. 11/02/2025

    From Pulpit to People: Preaching That Builds a Life-Changing Community

    In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Dr. Brandi Ginty dive into what it really means to preach beyond Sunday. Together, they explore how pastors can craft and communicate messages that don’t just inspire in the moment—but build lasting, life-giving community throughout the week. From sermon design to practical follow-through, this conversation will help you take your preaching from pulpit to people, sparking real transformation in the lives of those you lead.

    54 min

  6. 10/26/2025

    From Classroom to Calling: Raising Up Ministry Leaders in the Local Church

    In this episode, Pastor John Carter talks with Pastor Rich Longden of East Coast Believers Church in Lake Nona, FL who successfully built a 2-year Bible college program designed to equip and launch ministry leaders right from within the local church. Rooted in Ephesians 4:11–12, this conversation unpacks the vision, strategy, and practical steps for developing a leadership pipeline that prepares people for real ministry work. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a training program or strengthening the one you have, this episode is full of insight and encouragement to help you raise up the next generation of church leaders.

    58 min

  7. 10/19/2025

    Mission Reimagined: New Strategies for a Changing World

    In this episode, Pastor Ken Chapman and Mark Haywood of Marvelous Way, Int. take a fresh look at the changing face of global missions. As culture shifts and technology closes the gap between nations, missionaries are being called to do more than deliver food, water, and supplies—they’re also stepping into the work of emotional healing and soul care. Join us as we explore what it means to reimagine missions in today’s world, and how leaders can be equipped to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of a rapidly evolving global community.

    56 min

  8. 10/12/2025

    Just Pick Up the Phone: Building Pastoral Relationships in Community Together

    In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Decarto Draper of Tucker Missionary Baptist Church discuss the relationship between pastors serving in the same community. It is important to appreciate both the similarities and differences within the local church and learn how to work together to better serve the community they are called to reach for the Kingdom of God.

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Shepherds Network Podcast, a Podcast from Abundant Life Church from Syracuse, New York, In this podcast we’ll explore the heart, soul, and the spirit of what it means to be a minister. In this podcast you’ll hear conversations with different leaders, from industry experts, stories from other shepherds, and insights from ministers to equip you with the practical and spiritual principles you need to thrive on your ministry journey. -- You can connect with us online at theshepherdsnetwork.com or at abundantlife.church/shepherdsnetwork. Or if you have any questions or comments that you’d like to share with us shoot us a DM on social at theshepherdsnetwork or email as at theshepherdsnetwork@sbundantlife.church.

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