Rethink & Return with Jason Shepperd

This episode covers what happens when pastors get honest about their shortcomings, their struggles with comparison, and the temptation to trade conviction for comfort. Jason sits down with Peter Mutabazi — foster dad, leader, and advocate — to talk about why so many churches feel like corporations, why some leaders feel stuck on stage, and how authenticity can rebuild trust in a lonely calling. 

Additional Resources

• Watch or listen to Past Sermons
• Start With 7 (Daily Audio Devotionals)
• GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL. (How to Have Conversations Toward Salvation)
• Learn about Church Project Network and follow our NEW Instagram (@churchprojectofficial)
• Read this book by Jason: “A Church of House Churches: An Articulated and Applied Ecclesiology”
• Website

This episode covers the journey from rescue to redemption through the lens of Peter Mutabazi’s remarkable story. In this episode of Rethink and Return, Jason and Dave reflect on Peter’s transformation—from a nameless orphan in a gutter to a man fathering dozens through foster care—and how his life vividly illustrates the gospel. They challenge us to move beyond healing into purpose, from survival to sacrifice, and into the kind of selfless living that reflects Jesus. Because true wholeness isn’t the finish line—it’s the launch point. It takes a church. It takes us all.

Additional Resources

• Watch or listen to Past Sermons
• Start With 7 (Daily Audio Devotionals)
• GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL. (How to Have Conversations Toward Salvation)
• Learn about Church Project Network and follow our NEW Instagram (@churchprojectofficial)
• Read this book by Jason: “A Church of House Churches: An Articulated and Applied Ecclesiology”
• Website

This episode covers the weight of pastoring and how easily ministry can distort your identity. From comparison and discouragement to decentralization and leadership clarity, this conversation challenges pastors to stay rooted in who God created them to be. Faithfulness requires grit, but also a willingness to say “no,” stay small, and remember why you started.

Additional Resources

• Watch or listen to Past Sermons
• Start With 7 (Daily Audio Devotionals)
• GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL. (How to Have Conversations Toward Salvation)
• Learn about Church Project Network and follow our NEW Instagram (@churchprojectofficial)
• Read this book by Jason: “A Church of House Churches: An Articulated and Applied Ecclesiology”
• Website

This episode covers the sacred nature of work and the call to pursue both rest and excellence. From the beginning, God modeled meaningful work in creation, revealing that labor is not a curse but a reflection of His character. Rooted in Genesis 1 and 2, this conversation reframes work—not as a means to earn or prove, but as an act of worship. Whether in ministry or the marketplace, we’re invited to work with all our might, not for money or recognition, but for the Lord, trusting that even in eternity, meaningful work will continue.

Additional Resources

• Watch or listen to Past Sermons
• Start With 7 (Daily Audio Devotionals)
• GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL. (How to Have Conversations Toward Salvation)
• Learn about Church Project Network and follow our NEW Instagram (@churchprojectofficial)
• Read this book by Jason: “A Church of House Churches: An Articulated and Applied Ecclesiology”
• Website

This episode is a continuation of Jason's conversation with Jeff about church planting. While planting a church is a huge step in the process, Jason and Jeff break down the weight of building a team that loves Jesus and loves the mission of the church. To be part of a church is to be part of the whole church, united in Christ to spread the gospel throughout our city.

Additional Resources

• Watch or listen to Past Sermons
• Start With 7 (Daily Audio Devotionals)
• GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL. (How to Have Conversations Toward Salvation)
• Learn about Church Project Network and follow our NEW Instagram (@churchprojectofficial)
• Read this book by Jason: “A Church of House Churches: An Articulated and Applied Ecclesiology”
• Website

This episode covers the qualities needed to plant a church. Church planting is hard, but not impossible. Having people by your side, resting well, and enduring the struggle are all ways pastors can remain diligent in their pursuit of bringing the gospel to their local community and beyond. 

Additional Resources

• Watch or listen to Past Sermons
• Start With 7 (Daily Audio Devotionals)
• GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL. (How to Have Conversations Toward Salvation)
• Learn about Church Project Network and follow our NEW Instagram (@churchprojectofficial)
• Read this book by Jason: “A Church of House Churches: An Articulated and Applied Ecclesiology”
• Website

This episode covers the hope and purpose found in suffering. Through the lens of the gospel, we see that pain is never wasted—God uses it to refine us, draw us closer to Him, and reveal His strength in our weakness. Suffering is not the absence of God’s love, but often the place where His presence is most deeply known. In Christ, even our hardest moments are filled with eternal meaning and future glory.

Additional Resources

• Watch or listen to Past Sermons
• Start With 7 (Daily Audio Devotionals)
• GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL. (How to Have Conversations Toward Salvation)
• Learn about Church Project Network and follow our NEW Instagram (@churchprojectofficial)
• Read this book by Jason: “A Church of House Churches: An Articulated and Applied Ecclesiology”
• Website

This episode covers the importance of evangelism and discipleship in the church. The local church is a gift, and a local church is about people. But it is a pastor's responsibility to properly equip the church to spread the gospel and make more disciples.

// ABOUT TIM HAWKS //

Tim Hawks has served as the Lead Pastor of Hill Country Bible Church Austin for over 30 years which, by God’s grace and faithful provision, has formed the Association of Hill Country Churches and planted 39 churches in the Greater Austin area. He has been instrumental in founding and shaping Christ Together – a citywide and nationwide cooperative movement of churches and kingdom leaders across denominations and throughout major cities – unifying the church to saturate their cities with the love of Jesus. Tim has also enjoyed training international church planters, serving on the Board of EastWest Ministries International, and collaborating with Exponential to develop multiplying churches.

Additional Resources

• Watch or listen to Past Sermons
• Start With 7 (Daily Audio Devotionals)
• GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL. (How to Have Conversations Toward Salvation)
• Learn about Church Project Network and follow our NEW Instagram (@churchprojectofficial)
• Read this book by Jason: “A Church of House Churches: An Articulated and Applied Ecclesiology”
• Website

This episode covers the danger of spiritual ignorance and the burden of trying to earn God's favor through our own efforts. We unpack the contrast between living by the flesh versus living by divine promise, and what it means to be truly free in God's grace and in His covenant. This conversation challenges listeners to consider their spiritual path and let Scripture shape every part of life. 

Additional Resources

• Watch or listen to Past Sermons
• Start With 7 (Daily Audio Devotionals)
• GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL. (How to Have Conversations Toward Salvation)
• Learn about Church Project Network and follow our NEW Instagram (@churchprojectofficial)
• Read this book by Jason: “A Church of House Churches: An Articulated and Applied Ecclesiology”
• Website

This episode covers the importance of returning to the practices of discipleship we see in the New Testament. With so much emphasis these days placed on the size of a church, it is crucial that discipleship be at the center of the church's efforts. Dedicating our time a resources to discipleship will cause a cultural revolution that will help change the trajectory of the modern church.

// ABOUT BOBBY HARRINGTON // 

Bobby Harrington is the co-founder of discipleship.org and the founding and lead pastor of Harpeth Christian Church (19 years). He is the chairman of the board for the Relational Discipleship Network and the co-author of DiscipleShift, Dedicated: Training Your Children to Trust and Follow Jesus, and Discipleship that Fits. He has been married to Cindy for over 35 years and they have two adult children who are disciples of Jesus.

Additional Resources

• Watch or listen to Past Sermons
• Start With 7 (Daily Audio Devotionals)
• GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL. (How to Have Conversations Toward Salvation)
• Learn about Church Project Network and follow our NEW Instagram (@churchprojectofficial)
• Read this book by Jason: “A Church of House Churches: An Articulated and Applied Ecclesiology”
• Website