Episode 5: Sensible
When we say “pastor on Twitter,” what image first comes to your mind? It’s likely not an even-keeled, thoughtful, diserning personality. But social media isn’t the only platform for unstable pastors. In this new episode, Jared and Ronnie talk about the tendency for pastors to be swayed by cultural winds, congregational pressures, crazy headlines, and just their own rabbit trails and hobby-horses. When a pastor’s mind is constantly “held captive” by every thought — instead of the other way around — he loses his sense.
Episode 254: Being a Good Listener
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the art of listening. How can we make sure the people in our lives and churches feel heard? And why is that important? Included are some practical tips for becoming better listeners.
Episode 4: Self-Controlled
The biblical qualifications for ministry require that pastors be self-controlled, sober-minded, not a drunkard, etc. Jared and Ronnie have an insightful conversation in this episode about the various roots of some pastors’ lack of self-control, the importance of regulating one’s emotions, and how the pursuit of peace, stability, and gentleness is actually a pursuit of […]
Episode 253: Ronnie Martin on the Pastor’s Inner Life
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with returning guest Ronnie Martin about the inner life of our pastors.
Episode 3: Husband of One Wife
The cliche ministry danger of “sacrificing one’s family on the altar of the church” is cliche for a reason. In this episode of the podcast, Jared and Ronnie explain the biblical qualification of being a “one-woman man” (as well as managing the household well and having “faithful” children) and how it speaks to an even […]
Episode 252: Narcissism in the Church
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the problem with narcissists in the life and leadership of the church. How do we spot narcissism? What is the cause? Is there any remedy? And how would I know if I am one?
Episode 251: FTC Mailbag
On this latest Mailbag installment of the For the Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson answer your submitted questions and topics. This episode features discussion of: pastoral priorities, church first impressions, thoughts on church “vision,” planting vs. revitalization, tailoring worship songs for generational attraction, how to know if you’re called to ministry, and what “threat” Christian nationalism might pose to the church.
Episode 2: Above Reproach
The evangelical landscape is littered with the corpses of fallen ministries, and Jared and Ronnie have had more than a few friends among them. Listen in as they discuss what it means to be “above reproach” (as well as “respectable” and having a “good reputation with outsiders”), what it takes to pursue personal holiness, and […]
Episode 250: Grab Bag!
It turns out the Grab Bag concept was a hit! Y’all liked the first episode with this concept so much, we’re going to make it a regular feature on the program. In the Grab Bag episodes, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson each bring 2 surprise topics or questions for the other to answer.
Episode 1: Preface
What happens when you put two veteran pastors and friends in a room and ask them to have a candid conversation about ministry? In this all-new podcast series, The Heart of Pastoring, Jared C. Wilson and Ronnie Martin reflect on the biblical qualifications for pastors in gracious, thoughtful, and — very often — humorous ways. […]