“In this season finale, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting pull back the curtain on pastoral life — the calling, the cost, and the joy of leading God’s people with honesty, humor, and hope.” 

In This Episode: 

-Steelers, Packers and a pastoral wager  

-When Communion goes wrong 

-Social media’s impact and the cultural pressure to “speak out” 

-The difference between personal conviction and biblical responsibility 

-What pastors actually do during the week 

-The beauty (and challenge) of church diversity 

-Understanding big vs. small church dynamics 

-The fivefold gifts from Ephesians 4 — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers 

-Why not every pastor can (or should) be great at all five 

-The importance of humility, empathy, and equipping the saints 

Timestamps: 

00:00  Welcome & Pastor Appreciation Month Treats  

02:20  The World’s Crunchiest Communion Bread 

04:30  Steelers Vs. Packers (Again) And A Pastoral Wager 

08:13  Episode Theme: A Look Behind The Curtain Of Ministry Life 

10:55  Social Media Pressures, “Speak Up Or Else,” And The Danger Of Consumer Christianity 

17:34  Why Pastors Can’t Address Every Cultural Moment 

21:32  Being Pro-Life “From Womb To Tomb” 

24:31  Unity, Diversity, And The Apostle Paul’s Challenge 

26:30  What Pastors Really Do Mon.–Sat.: Preacher, Shepherd, Leader 

39:51  Shepherding The Church: What Care Looks Like In A Large Congregation 

44:34  Why Pastors Can’t Do It All-And That’s Okay 

47:42  The Importance Of Phone Calls, Handwritten Notes, And Presence 

49:32  The “CEO” Role: Leadership, Organization, And Stewardship 

52:00  Ephesians 4 And The Fivefold Ministry 

1:06:02 Big Vs. Small Churches – Dynamics And Misconceptions 

1:14:04 Urban Ministry; Diversity And Discomfort  

1:29:53 The Call For More Pastors – Encouragement For The Next Generation 

Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at [email protected]. 

Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah 

Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting 

Key Quotes: 

“If your pastor doesn’t say what you want them to say, that doesn’t make them unfaithful — it might make them wise.” 

“Every church has a context. Urban, suburban, rural — none of them are better, just different.” 

“Our job isn’t to do all the ministry. It’s to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” 

“In a multi-cultural church, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable — that’s how we grow in grace.” 

Resources Mentioned: 

-Ephesians 4:11–12 – The fivefold gifts of the Church 

-Tim Keller: Church Size Dynamics – Article on church leadership and growth https://seniorpastorcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Tim-Keller-Size-Dynamics.pdf 

-Romans 12:18 – “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” 

-Christian Counselors Collaborative – https://www.cccpgh.org