R3 Ministry Network Podcast

What can pastors gain from having trusted voices speak honestly into their ministry?

In this episode of the R3 Ministry Network Podcast, host Greg Joyner sits down with Pastor Andrew Harris of Evansville Baptist Church in Niles, Ohio, to discuss his experience with a Pastor Advisory Team and how it has provided encouragement, perspective, accountability, and practical wisdom during an important season of ministry.

Pastor Andrew shares how Evansville Baptist Church has experienced significant spiritual and numerical growth since he and his family began serving there in 2023. What was once a church with mostly older members is now seeing younger families and children become part of the church family, creating new opportunities and challenges.

Before that growth, Pastor Andrew was navigating significant ministry pressures, including financial difficulties, an aging building, needed renovations, and outdated sound equipment. Through a connection with R3 Ministry Network and a matching grant, Evansville Baptist was able to invest in improvements to the church facilities while also connecting Pastor Andrew with a Pastor Advisory Team.

Pastor Andrew explains why he was willing to invite outside voices into his ministry, how he overcame initial reservations about who would be advising him, and what the monthly advisory meetings actually look like. He also shares how honest conversations with experienced pastors have helped him think more clearly, make sustainable decisions, and recognize which responsibilities he needed to release.

Throughout the conversation, Pastor Andrew emphasizes the importance of godly counsel, mentorship, prayer, humility, and shared wisdom. His experience demonstrates how pastors can benefit from having trusted leaders who care about both their ministry and their personal well-being.

Whether you're a pastor considering an advisory team, a ministry leader navigating growth, or someone looking for encouragement in ministry, this episode offers practical insight into the value of having others walk alongside you.

In This Episode

• How Evansville Baptist Church has experienced spiritual and numerical growth

• The ministry challenges Pastor Andrew faced when he first arrived at the church

• How financial difficulties and building needs affected the church

• How an R3 matching grant helped the church make important improvements

• Why Pastor Andrew chose to seek outside counsel and mentorship

• What happens during a typical Pastor Advisory Team meeting

• How honest feedback can help pastors lead more clearly and confidently

• Learning to distinguish biblical commands from personal expectations

• Why pastors need to prioritize personal health and sustainable ministry

• The encouragement that comes from knowing other pastors are praying for you

• Why seeking counsel is not a sign of weakness

• How pastors can benefit from learning from others who have walked similar paths

• Preparing for new challenges that come with church growth

Key Takeaway

Pastors were never meant to carry the work of ministry alone. Seeking godly counsel, listening to experienced leaders, and allowing others to speak honestly into ministry decisions can provide valuable perspective and encouragement. Pastor Andrew's experience with a Pastor Advisory Team shows how trusted relationships can help pastors stay focused on what is biblical, sustainable, and most important for their church and family.

What does it take to lead a struggling church through seasons of renewal?

In this episode of the R3 Ministry Network Podcast, host Greg Joyner sits down with Pastor Brian Norman of Bethel Baptist Church in Cary, North Carolina, to discuss a ministry journey shaped by faith, humility, and obedience.

Pastor Brian shares how God repeatedly called him away from comfort and into churches facing difficult transitions. From serving in a small congregation of just 25 people in Illinois to leading revitalization efforts in New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, and North Carolina, each assignment prepared him for the next.

Rather than pursuing larger ministries or ideal opportunities, Pastor Brian learned that lasting impact comes from faithfully serving wherever God places you.

Throughout the conversation, he explains how prioritizing prayer, missions, and community outreach helped transform struggling congregations into healthy, growing churches. His testimony reminds pastors and ministry leaders that success isn't measured by attendance or budgets but by obedience to God's calling.

Whether you're leading a church through change, considering a ministry transition, or simply seeking encouragement in your calling, this episode offers practical wisdom and hope that God is faithfully directing every step.

In This Episode

• Why God often calls leaders to difficult ministries before larger opportunities

• Lessons learned from serving in multiple church revitalization efforts

• The importance of prayer as the foundation of church renewal

• How missions and community outreach strengthen local churches

• Discerning God's direction during seasons of uncertainty

• Leading your family through ministry transitions with unity

• Why faithfulness matters more than church size or visible success

• Encouragement for pastors serving in struggling congregations

  
  

Key Takeaway

God often prepares His servants through challenging assignments long before they understand His purpose. When pastors remain faithful in prayer, committed to the Great Commission, and willing to serve wherever He leads, God can bring renewal to both churches and communities.

Listen now to discover how ordinary obedience can lead to extraordinary ministry impact.

Healthy Leaders…Strong Churches

Refresh A Pastor (and his wife)! 

Everyone could use a regular refreshment and pastors and their wives are no exception. That’s why we want to help refresh as many pastors and their wives as we are afforded. We know pastors keep long hours and full days. Often their wives work outside the home as well. Additionally, some pastors work part-time jobs to help make ends meet. Extra finances for a much-needed date outing are just not available. We want to help. So, we began the Refresh a Pastor ministry. Refresh a Pastor commits $100 per month for 12 months to needy pastors used exclusively for a once per month date outing. It has been a huge encouragement to many, and we want to bless many more! 

Pastor Advisory Team Summary

The need for pastors we serve at R3 is access to godly counsel that is experienced, caring, strong in character, and willing to help. Could you use a team that recognizes your unique tasks as a pastor, church planter, or revitalizer?  If so, we designed a Pastor Advisory Team with you in mind. To learn more, email [email protected] 

Proverbs 11:14, 15:22

Our Iron Team calls are designed to sharpen and influence one another, as iron sharpens iron according to Proverbs 27:17. The goal is to enhance our ministry impact while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

During these calls, we bring together pastors, missionaries, and full-time ministry leaders, with one designated leader per team. Your presence and active participation are highly valued and beneficial. 

To learn more about IRON Team calls and how to get involved, please click here: (r3ministrynetwork.org)

In this podcast episode, the guest is Pastor Carlos Navarrete of Greater Rhode Island Baptist Temple, who shares his inspiring journey of faith, perseverance, and leadership in church revitalization. Pastor Carlos talks about his background, migration from El Salvador to the United States, and his calling to ministry. 

He shares his early experiences revitalizing a Spanish ministry in California while still in Bible college, highlighting the challenges and the importance of patience and trust in God. After years of fruitful ministry in California, Carlos and his family were called to lead a struggling church in Rhode Island. He details the difficulties they faced, including a period of emotional and physical preparation, and how God provided for them during this transitional time.

Pastor Carlos emphasizes the significance of prayer, family, and maintaining a God-given pace in ministry. He also provides guidance for pastors going through tough times, stressing the importance of faithfulness and trusting God's timing. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer for pastors who may be experiencing similar challenges and uncertainty

What we discuss:

• Pastor Carlos' Early Life and Calling

• Taking Over a Ministry in College

• Challenges and Growth in Ministry

• Family and Personal Struggles

• A New Calling and Transition

• Moving to Rhode Island

• Settling into the New Ministry

• A Challenging Start: Delayed Flights and Unexpected Interviews

• The Lengthy Interview: Answering Tough Questions

• Preaching and the Unexpected Invitation

• Deciding to Candidate: Seeking God's Confirmation

• First Year as Pastor: Letting the Dust Settle

• Leadership Changes and the Impact of COVID

• Revitalization Efforts: Small Groups and New Beginnings

• Personal Reflections: Patience and Trust in God's Timing

Contact Information:

Healthy Leaders…Strong Churches

Refresh A Pastor (and his wife)! 

Everyone could use a regular refreshment and pastors and their wives are no exception. That’s why we want to help refresh as many pastors and their wives as we are afforded. We know pastors keep long hours and full days. Often their wives work outside the home as well. Additionally, some pastors work part-time jobs to help make ends meet. Extra finances for a much-needed date outing are just not available. We want to help. So, we began the Refresh a Pastor ministry. Refresh a Pastor commits $100 per month for 12 months to needy pastors used exclusively for a once per month date outing. It has been a huge encouragement to many, and we want to bless many more! 

Pastor Advisory Team Summary

The need for pastors we serve at R3 is access to godly counsel that is experienced, caring, strong in character, and willing to help. Could you use a team that recognizes your unique tasks as a pastor, church planter, or revitalizer?  If so, we designed a Pastor Advisory Team with you in mind. To learn more, email [email protected] 

Proverbs 11:14, 15:22

Our Iron Team calls are designed to sharpen and influence one another, as iron sharpens iron according to Proverbs 27:17. The goal is to enhance our ministry impact while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

During these calls, we bring together pastors, missionaries, and full-time ministry leaders, with one designated leader per team. Your presence and active participation are highly valued and beneficial. 

To learn more about IRON Team calls and how to get involved, please click here: (r3ministrynetwork.org)

In this podcast episode, the guest is Pastor Carlos Navarrete of Greater Rhode Island Baptist Temple, who shares his inspiring journey of faith, perseverance, and leadership in church revitalization. Pastor Carlos talks about his background, migration from El Salvador to the United States, and his calling to ministry. 

He shares his early experiences revitalizing a Spanish ministry in California while still in Bible college, highlighting the challenges and the importance of patience and trust in God. After years of fruitful ministry in California, Carlos and his family were called to lead a struggling church in Rhode Island. He details the difficulties they faced, including a period of emotional and physical preparation, and how God provided for them during this transitional time.

Pastor Carlos emphasizes the significance of prayer, family, and maintaining a God-given pace in ministry. He also provides guidance for pastors going through tough times, stressing the importance of faithfulness and trusting God's timing. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer for pastors who may be experiencing similar challenges and uncertainty

What we discuss:

• Pastor Carlos' Early Life and Calling

• Taking Over a Ministry in College

• Challenges and Growth in Ministry

• Family and Personal Struggles

• A New Calling and Transition

• Moving to Rhode Island

• Settling into the New Ministry

• A Challenging Start: Delayed Flights and Unexpected Interviews

• The Lengthy Interview: Answering Tough Questions

• Preaching and the Unexpected Invitation

• Deciding to Candidate: Seeking God's Confirmation

• First Year as Pastor: Letting the Dust Settle

• Leadership Changes and the Impact of COVID

• Revitalization Efforts: Small Groups and New Beginnings

• Personal Reflections: Patience and Trust in God's Timing

Contact Information:

Healthy Leaders…Strong Churches

Refresh A Pastor (and his wife)! 

Everyone could use a regular refreshment and pastors and their wives are no exception. That’s why we want to help refresh as many pastors and their wives as we are afforded. We know pastors keep long hours and full days. Often their wives work outside the home as well. Additionally, some pastors work part-time jobs to help make ends meet. Extra finances for a much-needed date outing are just not available. We want to help. So, we began the Refresh a Pastor ministry. Refresh a Pastor commits $100 per month for 12 months to needy pastors used exclusively for a once per month date outing. It has been a huge encouragement to many, and we want to bless many more! 

Pastor Advisory Team Summary

The need for pastors we serve at R3 is access to godly counsel that is experienced, caring, strong in character, and willing to help. Could you use a team that recognizes your unique tasks as a pastor, church planter, or revitalizer?  If so, we designed a Pastor Advisory Team with you in mind. To learn more, email [email protected] 

Proverbs 11:14, 15:22

Our Iron Team calls are designed to sharpen and influence one another, as iron sharpens iron according to Proverbs 27:17. The goal is to enhance our ministry impact while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

During these calls, we bring together pastors, missionaries, and full-time ministry leaders, with one designated leader per team. Your presence and active participation are highly valued and beneficial. 

To learn more about IRON Team calls and how to get involved, please click here: (r3ministrynetwork.org)

In this episode, Pastor Jason MacRae recounts his journey after moving with his family to Coronado Baptist Church in Tucson, Arizona, in June 2021. Initially faced with numerous challenges, including budget shortfalls and facility issues, Pastor MacRae discusses his struggles with self-doubt and the pressures of pastoral duties. 

He highlights the turning points that reinvigorated the church, such as a miraculous provision for a new roof, as well as the invaluable support from R3 Ministry Network and its panel of seasoned pastors. Jason emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, community support, and the profound impact of missions on revitalizing the church and strengthening his personal faith and family bonds. 

This narrative showcases the transformative power of faith, perseverance, and community in overcoming adversity.

What we discuss:

Contact Information:

Healthy Leaders…Strong Churches

Refresh A Pastor (and his wife)! 

Everyone could use a regular refreshment and pastors and their wives are no exception. That’s why we want to help refresh as many pastors and their wives as we are afforded. We know pastors keep long hours and full days. Often their wives work outside the home as well. Additionally, some pastors work part-time jobs to help make ends meet. Extra finances for a much-needed date outing are just not available. We want to help. So, we began the Refresh a Pastor ministry. Refresh a Pastor commits $100 per month for 12 months to needy pastors used exclusively for a once per month date outing. It has been a huge encouragement to many, and we want to bless many more! 

Pastor Advisory Team Summary

The need for pastors we serve at R3 is access to godly counsel that is experienced, caring, strong in character, and willing to help. Could you use a team that recognizes your unique tasks as a pastor, church planter, or revitalizer?  If so, we designed a Pastor Advisory Team with you in mind. To learn more, email [email protected] 

Proverbs 11:14, 15:22

Our Iron Team calls are designed to sharpen and influence one another, as iron sharpens iron according to Proverbs 27:17. The goal is to enhance our ministry impact while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

During these calls, we bring together pastors, missionaries, and full-time ministry leaders, with one designated leader per team. Your presence and active participation are highly valued and beneficial. 

To learn more about IRON Team calls and how to get involved, please click here: (r3ministrynetwork.org)

This episode of the R3 Ministry Network podcast features Pastor James O'Brien from Greater Light Baptist Church in Lillington, North Carolina. Pastor James shares his personal story of becoming a bi-vocational pastor, the challenges he faced such as having low attendance and struggling with doubt, and how he relied on faith and his relationship with Christ to persevere.

He recounts the discouragement of times when no one came to his church and how his faith was tested, leading him to find solace in scripture. Pastor James emphasizes the importance of being faithful despite the lack of visible results and the unexpected help he received from a community member that transformed his church's building situation. 

This podcast offers encouragement to other pastors facing similar struggles, reminding them of the importance of patience, faith in God’s timing, and maintaining strength through the Word.

What we discuss:

Contact Information:

Healthy Leaders…Strong Churches

Refresh A Pastor (and his wife)! 

Everyone could use a regular refreshment and pastors and their wives are no exception. That’s why we want to help refresh as many pastors and their wives as we are afforded. We know pastors keep long hours and full days. Often their wives work outside the home as well. Additionally, some pastors work part-time jobs to help make ends meet. Extra finances for a much-needed date outing are just not available. We want to help. So, we began the Refresh a Pastor ministry. Refresh a Pastor commits $100 per month for 12 months to needy pastors used exclusively for a once per month date outing. It has been a huge encouragement to many, and we want to bless many more! 

Pastor Advisory Team Summary

The need for pastors we serve at R3 is access to godly counsel that is experienced, caring, strong in character, and willing to help. Could you use a team that recognizes your unique tasks as a pastor, church planter, or revitalizer?  If so, we designed a Pastor Advisory Team with you in mind. To learn more, email [email protected] 

Proverbs 11:14, 15:22

Our Iron Team calls are designed to sharpen and influence one another, as iron sharpens iron according to Proverbs 27:17. The goal is to enhance our ministry impact while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

During these calls, we bring together pastors, missionaries, and full-time ministry leaders, with one designated leader per team. Your presence and active participation are highly valued and beneficial. 

To learn more about IRON Team calls and how to get involved, please click here: (r3ministrynetwork.org)

In this episode, the Pastor Bane and Pastor Duncan Smith  share’s a personal testimony of being called to preach during active duty, emphasizing the importance of faith over fear.

The discussion covers the role of a shepherd in guiding a church through transitions, reassuring congregants of God's unwavering love and care. Key points include the reminder that the church belongs to Christ, not any individual pastor, and the encouragement to do more for God's cause as the Lord's return approaches. 

This episode concludes with the assurance that God's will and grace will always provide guidance and support.

What we discuss:

Contact Information:

Healthy Leaders…Strong Churches

Refresh A Pastor (and his wife)! 

Everyone could use a regular refreshment and pastors and their wives are no exception. That’s why we want to help refresh as many pastors and their wives as we are afforded. We know pastors keep long hours and full days. Often their wives work outside the home as well. Additionally, some pastors work part-time jobs to help make ends meet. Extra finances for a much-needed date outing are just not available. We want to help. So, we began the Refresh a Pastor ministry. Refresh a Pastor commits $100 per month for 12 months to needy pastors used exclusively for a once per month date outing. It has been a huge encouragement to many, and we want to bless many more! 

Pastor Advisory Team Summary

The need for pastors we serve at R3 is access to godly counsel that is experienced, caring, strong in character, and willing to help. Could you use a team that recognizes your unique tasks as a pastor, church planter, or revitalizer?  If so, we designed a Pastor Advisory Team with you in mind. To learn more, email [email protected] 

Proverbs 11:14, 15:22

Our Iron Team calls are designed to sharpen and influence one another, as iron sharpens iron according to Proverbs 27:17. The goal is to enhance our ministry impact while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

During these calls, we bring together pastors, missionaries, and full-time ministry leaders, with one designated leader per team. Your presence and active participation are highly valued and beneficial. 

To learn more about IRON Team calls and how to get involved, please click here: (r3ministrynetwork.org)

In this episode of the R3 ministry podcast, Pastor Corey Bane from Advanced Pastoral Concepts and Pastor Duncan Smith of Park Meadows Baptist Church discuss the intricacies of the interim pastoral process and the transition into senior pastorship. 

The conversation highlights the importance of prayer, structured processes, and thorough preparations. Pastor Smith shares his journey from candidacy to acceptance, emphasizing the impact of organized and genuine interactions with the church community. 

This episode underscores the significance of doing things decently and in order, ensuring a smooth and uplifting transition for all parties involved.

What we discuss:

Contact Information:

Healthy Leaders…Strong Churches

Refresh A Pastor (and his wife)! 

Everyone could use a regular refreshment and pastors and their wives are no exception. That’s why we want to help refresh as many pastors and their wives as we are afforded. We know pastors keep long hours and full days. Often their wives work outside the home as well. Additionally, some pastors work part-time jobs to help make ends meet. Extra finances for a much-needed date outing are just not available. We want to help. So, we began the Refresh a Pastor ministry. Refresh a Pastor commits $100 per month for 12 months to needy pastors used exclusively for a once per month date outing. It has been a huge encouragement to many, and we want to bless many more! 

Pastor Advisory Team Summary

The need for pastors we serve at R3 is access to godly counsel that is experienced, caring, strong in character, and willing to help. Could you use a team that recognizes your unique tasks as a pastor, church planter, or revitalizer?  If so, we designed a Pastor Advisory Team with you in mind. To learn more, email [email protected] 

Proverbs 11:14, 15:22

Our Iron Team calls are designed to sharpen and influence one another, as iron sharpens iron according to Proverbs 27:17. The goal is to enhance our ministry impact while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

During these calls, we bring together pastors, missionaries, and full-time ministry leaders, with one designated leader per team. Your presence and active participation are highly valued and beneficial. 

To learn more about IRON Team calls and how to get involved, please click here: (r3ministrynetwork.org)

In this episode of the R3 Ministry Network podcast, host Pastor Corey Bane is joined by Pastor Rick Finley of Fellowship Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina. They discuss the crucial topic of maintaining joy in pastoral ministry. 

They share personal experiences and practical advice on how to find joy amidst the challenges of ministry. Topics covered include the importance of joy in the pulpit and pew, balancing ministry with family life, and maintaining a positive spirit in difficult seasons. They also touch on the role of social media and the significance of mentoring and support networks for pastors.

What we discuss:

 Contact Information:Pastor Rick Finley at  [email protected]

Pastor Corey Bane at Advanced Pastoral Concepts via www.apcministry.com

Healthy Leaders…Strong Churches

Refresh A Pastor (and his wife)! 

Everyone could use a regular refreshment and pastors and their wives are no exception. That’s why we want to help refresh as many pastors and their wives as we are afforded. We know pastors keep long hours and full days. Often their wives work outside the home as well. Additionally, some pastors work part-time jobs to help make ends meet. Extra finances for a much-needed date outing are just not available. We want to help. So, we began the Refresh a Pastor ministry. Refresh a Pastor commits $100 per month for 12 months to needy pastors used exclusively for a once per month date outing. It has been a huge encouragement to many, and we want to bless many more! 

Pastor Advisory Team Summary

The need for pastors we serve at R3 is access to godly counsel that is experienced, caring, strong in character, and willing to help. Could you use a team that recognizes your unique tasks as a pastor, church planter, or revitalizer?  If so, we designed a Pastor Advisory Team with you in mind. To learn more, email [email protected] 

Proverbs 11:14, 15:22

Our Iron Team calls are designed to sharpen and influence one another, as iron sharpens iron according to Proverbs 27:17. The goal is to enhance our ministry impact while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

During these calls, we bring together pastors, missionaries, and full-time ministry leaders, with one designated leader per team. Your presence and active participation are highly valued and beneficial. 

To learn more about IRON Team calls and how to get involved, please click here: (r3ministrynetwork.org)

Pastor Greg celebrates the introduction of Peter Rall, who is joining the R3 team as an ambassador. With a friendship spanning 33 years, Peter shares his powerful journey of faith, including mission trips that left lasting impacts on both him and those he served. Throughout the conversation, Peter and Greg discuss Peter's background, his calling, and the immense value of connecting directly with pastors.

Peter also shares moving stories from his past experiences, emphasizing the importance of using one's gifts for God's work, no matter one's occupation. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer for pastors and encouragement for those in ministry.

What we discuss:

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Mobile : 215.828.4630