Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie

What really prepares a man to be an elder? 

Is it years of church, attendance, a successful business career, or a heart shaped by conflict, prayer, and growth?

When someone accepts the call to shepherd God's people, how do they know if the congregation actually wants them to serve, and how do they avoid simply becoming a senior deacon?

In this episode, I share a recent conversation with a brother wrestling with these questions, and together we explore the realities, frustrations, and opportunities of serving as an elder in the church.

This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.

When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838

Website for Braden Parsons Photography

Braden Parsons' email: [email protected]

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390

This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.

Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse

Subscribe to my two blogs:

New Shepherds Orientation

Between Preachers

...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie

What happens when elders and preachers stop guessing about each other—and start talking honestly?

How can friendship between elders and preachers change the health of a church?

Why is constant, open feedback more valuable than an annual surprise list of problems during the yearly evaluation?

Could sharing both successes and struggles strengthen trust between shepherds and ministers?

This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.

When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838

Website for Braden Parsons Photography

Braden Parsons' email: [email protected]

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390

This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.

Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse

Subscribe to my two blogs:

New Shepherds Orientation

Between Preachers

...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie

 Have you ever wanted your church to grow — but not with certain kinds of people?

What would you do if someone with a terrible past, like Saul of Tarsus or Jeffrey Dahmer, wanted to be baptized or place membership at your congregation?

Are we more concerned with our comfort than with God’s mission for the church?

Could fear of change be keeping us from welcoming the very people God wants to save?
What happens when we let God, not us, decide who belongs in His church?

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.

Dark Journey, Deep Grace, by Roy Ratcliff about Jeffrey Dahmer  

This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.

When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838

Website for Braden Parsons Photography

Braden Parsons' email: [email protected]

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390

This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.

Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse

Subscribe to my two blogs:

New Shepherds Orientation

Between Preachers

...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie

What’s the difference between an elder’s job description and an elder’s covenant—and why does it matter?

Could your eldership function better if its “unwritten rules” were actually discussed, agreed upon, and written?

Is avoiding all disagreement a sign of unity—or a sign of trouble?

How can a covenant help elders handle conflict with respect, love, and unity?

What commitments should every elder be willing to make before serving?

Download:  PDF of Elders Covenant

When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838

Website for Braden Parsons Photography

Braden Parsons' email: [email protected]

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390

This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.

Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse

Subscribe to my two blogs:

New Shepherds Orientation

Between Preachers

...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie

Why do most preachers have job descriptions—but most elders don’t?

Have you ever considered what an elder actually commits to when he
accepts the role?

What would happen if a new shepherd’s first elders’ meeting were about
broken lawn mowers instead of broken hearts?

Could documenting the expected roles of elders help prevent future
conflict and confusion?

Does clear communication guide your church’s leadership roles—or just
assumed past practices?

Episode 66: Elder's Job Description PDF

Ministry League Network

When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838

Website for Braden Parsons Photography

Braden Parsons' email: [email protected]

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390

This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.

Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse

Subscribe to my two blogs:

New Shepherds Orientation

Between Preachers

...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie

When selecting elders, do we practice legalized gossip — and call it wisdom?

In this episode, we examine one of the most accepted but unbiblical traditions in many congregations: “signed and secret objections” during elder selection.
 
Is it fair? Is it gossip? Is it consistent with Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 18? 

We explore how some of our "safe" practices may sidestep scripture — and how following Christ’s harder path can lead to spiritual growth, honesty, and healthier leadership.

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390 

When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838

Website for Braden Parsons Photography

Braden Parsons' email: [email protected]

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390

This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.

Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse

Subscribe to my two blogs:

New Shepherds Orientation

Between Preachers

...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie

What does it mean to love someone enough to ask gentle questions instead of making harsh accusations?

Could we change the culture of our churches by learning how to listen, confront, and encourage without gossip?

In this episode, we explore how to recognize, address, and prevent gossip—not with guilt trips, but with grace and truth.

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390 

When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838

Website for Braden Parsons Photography

Braden Parsons' email: [email protected]

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390

This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.

Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse

Subscribe to my two blogs:

New Shepherds Orientation

Between Preachers

...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie

Do you have a safe place to speak openly — and be truly heard? What if you could meet regularly with people who understand your struggles and celebrate your victories?

In this episode, I share how people meeting consistently can grow into a decades-long tradition of support, encouragement, and deep connection. You’ll learn how to start and sustain a monthly group that feeds your soul and strengthens your ministry.

3rd Monday Workshop


Guidelines for a Good Discussion  

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390  

When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838

Website for Braden Parsons Photography

Braden Parsons' email: [email protected]

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390

This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.

Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse

Subscribe to my two blogs:

New Shepherds Orientation

Between Preachers

...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie

Are we living with the consequences of the leaders we’ve shaped—or failed to shape?

Have you ever wondered why toxic conflict lingers in churches, even after a problem person is gone?

Could your family background be silently shaping your leadership—for better or worse?

What can we do to improve leadership in the family, church, business, and softball team?

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390 

When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838

Website for Braden Parsons Photography

Braden Parsons' email: [email protected]

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390

This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.

Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse

Subscribe to my two blogs:

New Shepherds Orientation

Between Preachers

...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie

Why is transition to new elders sometimes difficult, especially when a preacher has been with a church for decades?

Why is a preacher often surprised when he is suddenly dismissed and he has a contract?

Here's a method I discovered in 1988, and it's been helpful to me.

Website for Braden Parsons Photography

Braden Parsons' email:  [email protected]

When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838

Website for Braden Parsons Photography

Braden Parsons' email: [email protected]

If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390

This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.

Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse

Subscribe to my two blogs:

New Shepherds Orientation

Between Preachers

...