Episode 14: Service

By / Jan 2

The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. If pastors mean to reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd, they will pursue a servant’s heart. But we find this pursuit frustrated by our own laziness, a sense of entitlement, or even others’ presuming upon our service. How can we push through these frustrations and develop a vision for open-hearted caretaking of others? In this final episode, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin commend the wisdom practice of Christlike service.



Episode 13: Encouragement

By / Dec 26

Pastors constantly operate in an encouragement deficit. The practice of encouragement gives life. But so many ministers are drowning in criticism or just general disappointment. How can we become better encouragers of others when we receive so little of it ourselves? In this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin share some encouraging insights about encouragement! This wisdom practice can revolutionize our lives and enliven our ministries.



Ep 12: Recreation

By / Dec 19

The Lord has made us not simply to work, but to play. He has given us talents and taste buds, interests and abilities, wonder and “wirings”—all to help us enjoy his common grace and glorify him in that enjoyment. But how do we devote good time to hobbies and interests without feeling guilty, or letting them overrule our life? In this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin have a lively conversation about the surprising wisdom practice of recreation.



Episode 11: Scripture

By / Dec 12

Nearly every pastor is accustomed to treating the Bible as a resource for content—for preaching and teaching, discipling and counseling. But in their “using” of the Bible, too often we forget to let the Bible use them. Nothing can be more important for the shepherd of God’s people to be nourished and empowered by the very voice of God himself. In this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin examine the wisdom practice of reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture, reflecting on how pastoral ministry can only be sustainable when the word is “richly dwelling” in us.



Episode 9: Reading

By / Nov 28

Why should reading be a priority for every pastor? How do you incorporate the need to learn and grow this way during seasons of intense busyness and lack of margin? In this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin resume their exploration of the pastoral wisdom practices by talking about their own reading histories and habits, and how every pastor ought to invest in his ongoing development and discipline by committing to read.



Interlude: Wisdom Practices of Pastor’s Wives

By / Nov 21

In this special episode of The Heart of Pastoring, Becky Wilson and Melissa Martin join their husbands to talk about some important rhythms for healthy marriages and healthy ministry partnerships between pastors and their wives. What should pastors know about their wives’ unique perspectives on ministry? What will bless the heart of the pastor’s wife? And how can the pastoral marriage be a source of joy and endurance in the ongoing wisdom practices of the pastor?



Episode 7: Friendship

By / Nov 14

Why don’t more pastors have friends? Why don’t more enjoy the friendships they do have? In this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin discuss the promise and the peril of pastoral friendship. What are the risks involved? Why is it worth it? How is the pursuit of and investment in friendships an oft-neglected (or avoided) wisdom practice?



Episode 6: Discipleship

By / Nov 7

Our Lord has given the commission to the church to make disciples. Yet too many pastors spend more time settling for drawing a crowd or “keeping the customers satisfied.” In this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin explain the obedience of disciple-making in pastoral ministry and how this practice reflects the wisdom of God, even if not always the concerns of modern religious sensibilities.



Episode 5: Sabbath

By / Oct 31

Most pastors fall into a pattern of overwork. Why is that? And how does sabbath set us free from worldly metrics of productivity? In this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin explore the wisdom practice of guilt-free rest and “fasting” from being needed.



Episode 4: Gratitude

By / Oct 24

How does a pastor lead himself and his congregation in thankfulness? If the Scriptures command us to “give thanks in all things,” how can we embrace that command in even the low and trying moments of ministry? In this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin talk about the wisdom practice of gratitude and its all-flavoring help in every day and every season of shepherding.