In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Steve Schwanke to discuss his decades of ministry experience as an evangelist and his transition into pastoral ministry ten years ago. Pastor Schwanke shares the story behind God's leading from the evangelistic field to the pastorate and reflects on the unique joys and challenges of both callings.Our conversation covers a wide range of practical ministry topics, including Pastor Schwanke's personal Bible memorization habits, his approach to sermon preparation and the journey "from the road to the sermon," and the importance of creating a welcoming church culture for guests and visitors. We also discuss lessons learned through years of ministry, pastoral leadership, evangelism, and the enduring importance of faithfully shepherding God's people.Whether you are a pastor, church leader, or faithful church member, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights from a seasoned servant of Christ who has spent a lifetime preaching the Gospel and investing in people.

In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, Pastor Jack Young sits down with Pat LaBarbera, Executive Director of International Gospel Missions, for a fascinating conversation about missions, church planting, and the work of the gospel around the world.Pat shares stories from his twenty years serving as a missionary in Ukraine, discussing both the opportunities and challenges of ministering in a nation that has experienced tremendous political, cultural, and spiritual change. He reflects on God’s faithfulness through decades of ministry and offers insight into how the Lord continues to work in Eastern Europe.The conversation also explores practical missions philosophy, including the importance of partnering with and training national pastors and church leaders. Pat explains why developing indigenous leadership is essential for long-term gospel impact and how missionaries can best serve local churches without creating unhealthy dependence.Whether you are a pastor, missionary, missions supporter, or simply interested in how the Great Commission is being fulfilled around the world, this episode provides valuable encouragement and biblical perspective on reaching the nations with the gospel.Topics discussed:Twenty years of missionary ministry in UkraineLessons learned from serving cross-culturallyThe role of national pastors and church leadersIndigenous church planting and discipleshipModern missions philosophyEncouragement for churches engaged in world evangelismThe future of global missions“The gospel advances most effectively when missionaries faithfully invest in local believers who can reach their own people for Christ.”

In this special Father’s Day episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, Pastor Jack Young is joined by his father, Pastor Tim Young, for a conversation on the greatest example of fatherhood—the Heavenly Father Himself.Together, they explore what Scripture reveals about God as a loving, faithful, patient, and gracious Father, and how earthly fathers can reflect His character in their homes. From His provision and discipline to His compassion and steadfast love, the Lord gives us the perfect pattern for biblical fatherhood.Whether you are a father, grandfather, son, or simply someone seeking to better understand the heart of God, this episode will encourage you to look to the Father from whom “the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 3:15).Join us as we celebrate Father’s Day by considering the example of our Heavenly Father and His call to faithful fatherhood.

In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, Pastor Jack Young sits down with Pat LaBarbera, Executive Director of International Gospel Missions, for a fascinating conversation about missions, church planting, and the work of the gospel around the world.Pat shares stories from his twenty years serving as a missionary in Ukraine, discussing both the opportunities and challenges of ministering in a nation that has experienced tremendous political, cultural, and spiritual change. He reflects on God’s faithfulness through decades of ministry and offers insight into how the Lord continues to work in Eastern Europe.The conversation also explores practical missions philosophy, including the importance of partnering with and training national pastors and church leaders. Pat explains why developing indigenous leadership is essential for long-term gospel impact and how missionaries can best serve local churches without creating unhealthy dependence.Whether you are a pastor, missionary, missions supporter, or simply interested in how the Great Commission is being fulfilled around the world, this episode provides valuable encouragement and biblical perspective on reaching the nations with the gospel.Topics discussed:Twenty years of missionary ministry in UkraineLessons learned from serving cross-culturallyThe role of national pastors and church leadersIndigenous church planting and discipleshipModern missions philosophyEncouragement for churches engaged in world evangelismThe future of global missions“The gospel advances most effectively when missionaries faithfully invest in local believers who can reach their own people for Christ.”

In this special Father’s Day episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, Pastor Jack Young is joined by his father, Pastor Tim Young, for a conversation on the greatest example of fatherhood—the Heavenly Father Himself.

Together, they explore what Scripture reveals about God as a loving, faithful, patient, and gracious Father, and how earthly fathers can reflect His character in their homes. From His provision and discipline to His compassion and steadfast love, the Lord gives us the perfect pattern for biblical fatherhood.

Whether you are a father, grandfather, son, or simply someone seeking to better understand the heart of God, this episode will encourage you to look to the Father from whom “the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 3:15).

Join us as we celebrate Father’s Day by considering the example of our Heavenly Father and His call to faithful fatherhood.

#FathersDay #BiblicalFatherhood #HeavenlyFather #PastoralThoughtsPodcast

What does it mean to truly preach the Word of God?The Expound Preaching Workshop was hosted at Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church to help sharpen, strengthen, and stir up faithful Bible preaching. Featuring sessions from Dr. Johnny Pope and Pastor Dolton Robertson, this workshop is designed to challenge both seasoned preachers and those just beginning to handle the Scriptures.Each session aims to deepen conviction, refine delivery, and elevate the priority of preaching in our generation.

What does it mean to truly preach the Word of God?The Expound Preaching Workshop was hosted at Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church to help sharpen, strengthen, and stir up faithful Bible preaching. Featuring sessions from Dr. Johnny Pope and Pastor Dolton Robertson, this workshop is designed to challenge both seasoned preachers and those just beginning to handle the Scriptures.Each session aims to deepen conviction, refine delivery, and elevate the priority of preaching in our generation.

What does it mean to truly preach the Word of God?

The Expound Preaching Workshop was hosted at Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church to help sharpen, strengthen, and stir up faithful Bible preaching. Featuring sessions from Dr. Johnny Pope and Pastor Dolton Robertson, this workshop is designed to challenge both seasoned preachers and those just beginning to handle the Scriptures.

Each session aims to deepen conviction, refine delivery, and elevate the priority of preaching in our generation.

What does it mean to truly preach the Word of God?

The Expound Preaching Workshop was hosted at Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church to help sharpen, strengthen, and stir up faithful Bible preaching. Featuring sessions from Dr. Johnny Pope and Pastor Dalton Robertson, this workshop is designed to challenge both seasoned preachers and those just beginning to handle the Scriptures.

Each session aims to deepen conviction, refine delivery, and elevate the priority of preaching in our generation.

What does it mean to truly preach the Word of God?The Expound Preaching Workshop was hosted at Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church to help sharpen, strengthen, and stir up faithful Bible preaching. Featuring sessions from Dr. Johnny Pope and Pastor Dalton Robertson, this workshop is designed to challenge both seasoned preachers and those just beginning to handle the Scriptures.Each session aims to deepen conviction, refine delivery, and elevate the priority of preaching in our generation.