What does it mean to be a Barnabas in today’s church?

In this encouraging conversation on the Tennessee Golden Hour, Matt Tullos sits down with longtime pastor and Tennessee Baptist leader Danny Sinquefield to discuss his new book, Everybody Needs a Barnabas: Creating a Culture of Encouragement in the Local Church.

Danny shares stories from nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, lessons learned through discouragement and leadership, and why churches flourish when they become places that intentionally encourage, send, and believe in people.

From the story of Barnabas defending Saul… to mentoring young leaders… to helping discouraged pastors stay in the game… this conversation is filled with wisdom, warmth, and practical insight for pastors, church leaders, senior adults, and anyone who wants to strengthen others in Christ.
📘 Everybody Needs a Barnabas by Danny Sinquefield
🎙️ Hosted by Matt Tullos
🌅 Tennessee Golden Hour
Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction and Danny’s new book
0:17 – Why the phrase “Barnabas took him” matters so deeply
1:39 – Barnabas’ fingerprints across the New Testament
2:46 – 30 years pastoring one church
3:12 – Discouragement and loneliness in ministry
4:00 – Danny shares a painful personal season
5:08 – Why churches should “give people away”
6:32 – Encouraging senior adults to pour into others
7:40 – The story of Miss Nina and prison ministry
8:11 – Giving God our very best, not leftovers
9:00 – “Movement creates friction” in ministry
9:51 – How wounds can become blessings
11:04 – Paul asking for John Mark at the end of his life
11:18 – Transitioning from pastorate to the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board
12:26 – Older pastors, mentorship, and the ministry pipeline
13:47 – Why “messy ministry” is a beautiful thing
14:50 – How Danny envisioned churches using this book
17:24 – Matt reflects on a mentor who changed his life
18:28 – Encouragement for discouraged pastors considering quitting
19:44 – Closing thoughts
If this conversation encouraged you, consider subscribing and sharing this episode with a pastor, ministry leader, or friend who needs encouragement today.