Jared Sparks

Jared Sparks is Pastor of Christ Church Carbondale (Illinois). He is a graduate of Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee and has a degree in student ministry. Jared is married to Jordan, and they have two sons, Ransom and Valor. Jared is the founder of The Shepherd's Crook, a pastor care ministry that exist to provide care, counsel, and resources for pastors.

Nov 4

Devotion to Good Works by Jared Sparks

We need to remember that we were culpable products of our sinful environment as well. 

Aug 7

The Millennial Pastor and the Looming Midlife Crisis by Jared Sparks

When a man is not okay with the life God has given him, he often pursues more not for the glory of God and building of His kingdom, but for the glory of self and building of the self-kingdom. 

May 9

5 Things I Hope are True of Me When I Retire by Jared Sparks

As I think about a future "retirement" from formal ministry, there are five things I hope are true about me at that time.

Feb 25

5 Callings More Noble than that of Pastor by Jared Sparks

Oh yes, being a pastor and preaching the Bible is a high, great, and glorious call. But, it is not the highest, greatest, and glorious call of all. ​

Dec 13

The Error of Prosperity Theology by Jared Sparks

Our resurrection is coming! Every physical blessing in the heavenly places belongs to us. It is coming for us, but not yet.​

Sep 20

The Day I Blew Up the Children’s Ministry Meeting by Jared Sparks

The day after, everyone had cooled off a bit. I stepped into my mentor's office not knowing I was about to learn a lesson I would never forget.

Sep 20

The Day I Blew Up the Children�s Ministry Meeting by Jared Sparks

The day after, everyone had cooled off a bit. I stepped into my mentor's office not knowing I was about to learn a lesson I would never forget.

Aug 1

My First Year Of Pastoral Ministry Was Insane by Jared Sparks

I forever abandoned the idea of using the Bible to preach what I wanted. I had to actually preach the Bible.

Mar 18

Guilt Confusion by Jared Sparks

The Enemy of our souls and our sinful flesh has a way of adding terrible fuel to the raging fires of shame.

Feb 28

The Pastor’s Calling by Jared Sparks

Before I am anything else, I am a man who has been saved and sustained by the God of the gospel.