Advertise on podcast: The Shepherds Network Podcast

What does every young pastor need to know before stepping into the weight of ministry leadership? In this episode of the Shepherds Network Podcast, Pastor Jordan Carter sits down with Pastor John Carter for an honest and practical conversation about the lessons, challenges, victories, and hard-earned wisdom that come with decades of ministry leadership. From navigating pressure and relationships to building healthy ministry rhythms, leading through mistakes, and staying spiritually grounded for the long haul, Pastor John shares the things he wishes someone would have told him earlier in ministry. Together, they discuss what works, what doesn’t, what young leaders today are facing that previous generations didn’t, and how pastors can build ministries that are both fruitful and sustainable.

What does it truly look like to be a woman in ministry—not just in calling, but in everyday life, leadership, and relationships? In this episode of the Shepherds Podcast, Dr. Brandi Ginty sits down with Pastor Lisa Carter, a seasoned leader with over 35 years of ministry experience as a senior pastor, pastor’s wife, and shepherd to countless people. Together, they explore the depth and reality of what it means to lead as a woman with strength, humility, and unwavering faith. From behind-the-scenes moments in marriage and ministry partnership to the unseen work of character formation and spiritual discipline, Pastor Lisa shares wisdom forged through decades of faithfulness.  This conversation speaks to the tensions women often navigate—balancing expectations, leading with confidence, responding with grace, and remaining anchored in identity. Whether you are leading in ministry, supporting from behind the scenes, or discerning your next step, this episode offers honest insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom to help you walk out your calling with clarity and conviction.

What does it take to lead meaningful change in a church that’s already thriving? In this episode of the Shepherds Podcast, Pastor Jordan Carter sits down with Pastor Whit George of Church on the Move in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to talk about the weight, wisdom, and intentionality required to lead cultural change in ministry. As a succession pastor stepping into a legacy shaped by decades of faithfulness—including the pioneering leadership of his father, Willie George—Pastor Whit shares what it looks like to discern the timing of God and courageously lead people into a new season.  This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real decisions behind cultural transformation. This is not just about strategy. It is about spiritual discernment, leadership conviction, and the willingness to make difficult decisions for the sake of long-term fruit. If you are sensing that your church or ministry is stepping into a new season, this episode will challenge and equip you to lead change with clarity, humility, and bold obedience.

In this powerful and practical episode of the Shepherds Podcast, Pastor Jordan Carter sits down with Pastors Rachel and Steve Mawston to explore the biblical and spiritual reality of impartation—how God uses people to strengthen, activate, and stir spiritual gifts in others. Rooted in passages like Romans 1:11–12 and 2 Timothy 1:6–7, this episode unpacks the role of the laying on of hands, the work of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers, and the call to “fan into flame” what God has already placed within us. Together, they discuss how impartation has been practiced in Scripture—from the early church in Acts 2 to today—and why it still matters for ministry, leadership, and the life of every believer. This conversation is both theological and deeply practical, inviting listeners not only to better understand impartation but also to hunger for more of the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives and in the Church today.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter sits down with Bible scholar, Pastor Keith Trump, of Trump of God Ministries for a timely conversation on why strong biblical theology is essential for healthy, Spirit-filled church communities. Together, they explore how sound doctrine and the work of the Holy Spirit function in harmony, how theology safeguards spiritual experiences, and how pastors can cultivate both depth and freedom in charismatic contexts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastors Steve and Rachel Mawston of Soul Church UK explore how to activate and guide the use of spiritual gifts in the church body as pastors.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Tim Ross, founder of the popular podcast The Basement—a nationally acclaimed podcast with over 350,000 followers—discuss the lessons and challenges with transition in ministry. Their discussion highlights the importance of serving with humility, navigating leadership changes with integrity, and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.