Shepnaz Podcast

What keeps people connected to a church beyond personalities, programs, and preferences?In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack and Pastor Rob continue their conversation from yesterday's episode as they unpack the powerful concept of the "Upper Room" and how it shapes the future vision of Shepherd Church. They discuss the church's mission, values, measures, and strategy, while sharing how the upcoming 100-year celebration is inspiring a renewed commitment to helping people take their next step with Jesus.Discover:The difference between the Lower Room and Upper RoomWhy church purpose matters more than personalities and programsShepherd Church's updated mission statementThe five values driving ministry and discipleshipWhat success looks like in spiritual growthThe vision behind "The Resurgence"How every believer is called to make a differenceAs Shepherd Church approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, this conversation provides a glimpse into where God is leading the church in the next generation.📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org🎧 More Shepnaz Podcast episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast📺 Watch messages and media: https://shepnaz.org/media📧 Questions or feedback? [email protected] this episode encouraged you, be sure to: ✅ Subscribe ✅ Like the video ✅ Leave a comment ✅ Share with someone who needs encouragement#ShepnazPodcast #ShepherdChurch #TheResurgence #ChurchVision #ChristianPodcast #Discipleship #FaithJourneyChapters00:00 Introduction and Recap of Yesterday's Episode 00:47 Lower Room vs. Upper Room 01:39 Why Purpose Creates Deeper Connection 02:38 Every Church Has a Unique Calling 03:31 Mission: Helping People Take Their Next Step with Jesus 04:16 Why "People Helping People" Matters 05:03 What Makes the Upper Room Different 06:00 Finding Fulfillment Through God's Purpose 07:19 The Vision Frame Explained 07:51 Shepherd Church Values 10:19 What Success Looks Like: Measuring Spiritual Growth 10:56 Step Up: Discover God's Purpose 11:16 Step In: Love, Serve, and Give 12:10 Step Out: Share Faith and Impact the Community 13:16 Strategy: How the Mission Becomes Reality 13:45 The Vision for the Next 100 Years 15:08 The Resurgence and the Founding Fire 16:01 Equipping Every Believer for Ministry 17:18 Passing the Flame to the Next Generation 18:05 Final Encouragement and Closing

As Shepherd Church approaches its 100th Anniversary Celebration on July 4, 2027, Pastor Zack and Pastor Rob begin unpacking an exciting vision for the future. In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, they reflect on the remarkable history of Shepherd Church, discuss plans for the centennial celebration, and introduce an important concept that helps explain why people connect with churches.Pastor Rob shares four common connection points that often draw people into a church: Places, Personalities, Programs, and People. While each of these can play an important role in our spiritual journey, they can also change over time. So what happens when they do? More importantly, what should our faith and church connection ultimately be built upon?This conversation launches a powerful series on Shepherd Church's future vision and the foundations that can sustain a church for generations to come.📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org🎙️ Find more podcast episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast📺 Watch messages and media content: https://shepnaz.org/media✉️ We'd love to hear from you: [email protected] this episode encouraged you, be sure to: ✅ Subscribe ✅ Like the video ✅ Leave a comment ✅ Share with a friendThe Shepnaz Podcast is a weekday podcast from Shepherd Church of the Nazarene featuring conversations on faith, leadership, discipleship, church life, and practical Christian living.Chapters00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:27 Shepherd Church's 100-Year Anniversary Plans01:17 Save the Date: July 4, 202702:00 Former Pastors and Church Legacy05:05 Centennial Celebration Cookout Plans07:24 Fireworks and Community Celebration08:05 Why Some Churches Last and Others Don't09:46 Four Reasons People Connect to a Church10:08 Place: Spiritual Moments and Sacred Spaces12:50 Personality: The Influence of Spiritual Leaders13:10 Programs: Ministries That Help People Grow13:48 People: Relationships and Community15:26 The Danger of Staying in the "Lower Room"16:18 What Happens When Things Change?17:20 When Buildings and Traditions Change19:30 When Leaders Move On20:16 Why Programs Must Evolve23:25 The Need for a Deeper Connection23:57 Introducing the "Upper Room"24:25 Looking Ahead to the Next Episode

What if the most important character in the Prodigal Son story isn't the younger brother who ran away?In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack shares a message from Pastor Nick that explores the often-overlooked older brother in Jesus' parable of the lost son. While one son was lost in rebellion, the other was lost in pride and self-righteousness. Both needed the same thing: a loving father.Discover how God's grace, mercy, and compassion extend not only to those who have wandered far from Him, but also to those who believe they've earned His favor. This powerful teaching challenges us to examine our hearts, celebrate God's work in others, and respond to His invitation of grace.Whether you identify with the younger son, the older son, or somewhere in between, this message reminds us that God pursues us with extravagant love.📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church of the Nazarene: https://shepnaz.org🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast📺 Watch messages and media: https://shepnaz.org/media📧 We'd love to hear from you: [email protected] this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear about God's amazing grace today.#ShepnazPodcast #ProdigalSon #Luke15 #GraceOfGod #ChristianPodcast #PastorNick #ShepherdChurch #FaithJourney #BibleTeachingChapters00:00 Introduction from Pastor Zack 00:23 The Forgotten Character in the Story 01:01 The Father's Radical Welcome 02:16 Heaven Rejoices Over Repentance 03:18 Act Two Begins: The Older Brother 04:18 Discovering the Celebration 05:01 Anger, Resentment, and Comparison 06:23 The Father's Unchanging Love 07:55 Why Jesus Told This Story 09:20 A Father with Two Lost Sons 10:31 The Lostness of Self-Righteousness 11:37 Resentment Toward Grace 12:25 Pride and Spiritual Danger 14:05 Lost in Rebellion vs. Lost in Pride 15:02 Finding Yourself in the Story 16:03 God's Initiating Love 17:15 The Prodigal God 18:42 An Unfinished Ending 19:51 A Prayer for Response 23:09 Final Reflection and Challenge 24:04 Podcast Closing

In today's Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Nick Shaner from Shepherd Church's Johnstown Campus walks through one of Jesus' most beloved parables, the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Through this powerful message, we see the devastating effects of selfishness, sin, and separation, but we also discover the incredible grace of a Father who never stops loving and never stops pursuing His children.Whether you're feeling distant from God, walking through difficult circumstances, or helping someone you love who has wandered away, this message offers hope and reminds us that God's desire is always restoration.In This Episode:✅ The true meaning of the Prodigal Son story ✅ Why freedom without God often leads to emptiness ✅ Understanding spiritual "rock bottom" ✅ How sin causes separation and brokenness ✅ The Father's heart of compassion and restoration ✅ Why God's grace meets us even in our darkest momentsSpeaker: Pastor Nick Shaner Host: Pastor Zack Scripture: Luke 15:11-20Learn more about Shepherd Church: 🌐 https://shepnaz.orgWatch messages and media: 🎥 https://shepnaz.org/mediaListen to more Shepnaz Podcast episodes: 🎙️ https://shepnaz.org/podcastHave questions or feedback? 📧 [email protected] this episode encouraged you, be sure to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment 📤 Share 🔔 Subscribe for new Shepnaz Podcast episodes every weekday#ProdigalSon #Luke15 #ChristianPodcast #ShepnazPodcast #PastorNickShaner #GodsGrace #FaithJourney #ChristianLiving #JesusParables #ShepherdChurchChapters00:00 Introduction by Pastor Zack 00:24 The Heart Behind the Prodigal Son Story 00:44 Luke 15:11-20 Reading 02:43 Why Jesus Told Parables 03:46 What Does "Prodigal" Mean? 04:45 The Younger Son's Shocking Demand 06:54 "I'd Rather Have Your Gifts Than You" 08:53 God Gives Us Freedom to Choose 10:52 The Son Leaves Home 12:34 Freedom Isn't Always What We Expect 13:20 Losing Everything 14:18 Coming to His Senses 15:20 Sin Creates Separation 16:49 A Story About Rock Bottom 18:17 Nobody Plans to End Up There 19:02 When Rock Bottom Leads Us to God 19:58 Deciding to Go Home 20:50 Fear of Facing the Consequences 23:21 The Journey Home 23:38 The Father Runs to Meet His Son 24:15 God's Grace and Restoration 24:41 Closing Thoughts and Tomorrow's Preview

Welcome to another Worship Wednesday on the Shepnaz Podcast!In this episode, Pastor Zack and Pastor Jeff continue our Tabernacle series by exploring the Altar of Sacrifice, one of the most significant elements in the Old Testament worship system. Why was it placed at the entrance of the Tabernacle? What did animal sacrifices represent? And how does the altar point directly to Jesus Christ?Together, we discuss:✅ The purpose and design of the Altar of Sacrifice ✅ Why sacrifice was central to worship in the Old Testament ✅ How Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins ✅ What it means to be a "living sacrifice" today ✅ Why worship is a response to God's grace, not a performance for His approvalAs followers of Christ, we no longer bring animal sacrifices to God. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we have direct access to the Father. Our worship becomes a daily life of surrender, gratitude, and obedience.If this conversation encouraged you, leave a comment and let us know:How would your worship change if you viewed it as a response to what Jesus has already done for you?🔗 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org 🎙️ More podcast episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📺 Watch sermons and media: https://shepnaz.org/media 📧 Send feedback or questions: [email protected] sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help others discover biblical encouragement and practical discipleship through the Shepnaz Podcast.#WorshipWednesday #Tabernacle #AltarOfSacrifice #JesusChrist #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalWorship #Shepnaz #PastorZack #PastorJeff #ChurchOfTheNazarene #ChristianLivingChapters00:00 Welcome to Worship Wednesday 00:32 Week 3 of the Tabernacle Series 01:05 What Was the Altar of Sacrifice? 01:49 Construction and Design of the Altar 03:31 Why the Altar Was Near the Entrance 04:18 The Meaning of Sacrifice and Surrender 06:26 The Cost of an Unblemished Sacrifice 07:15 What the Altar Symbolized 08:07 How the Altar Points to Jesus 09:33 Our Response to Christ's Sacrifice 10:31 Access to God Through Jesus 12:07 Why the Altar Came First 13:21 Worship as a Life of Surrender 14:08 Is Worship a Performance or a Response? 16:35 The Consumer Mindset in Worship 18:16 A Symbolism Insight About Acacia Wood and Bronze 19:57 Final Challenge and Closing Thoughts

What will our relationships be like in Heaven? Will married couples still be married? Will there be animals and even our beloved pets?In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack and Pastor Rob continue their discussion from Sunday's message by answering two of the most frequently asked questions about Heaven. Together, they explore Jesus' teaching on marriage in Heaven, the ultimate relationship between Christ and His Church, and biblical passages that suggest animals will be part of God's renewed creation.Whether you're curious about eternity, wondering about loved ones, or simply looking for biblical encouragement, this conversation offers hope and practical insight grounded in Scripture.📖 Scriptures Referenced:Matthew 22:23-30Ephesians 5:31-32Revelation 21:5Romans 8:19-212 Kings 2:11Revelation 6 & 19Isaiah 65:25🎙️ Shepnaz Podcast Hosted by Pastor Zack with special guest Pastor Rob.🌐 Learn more about Shepherd Church of the Nazarene: https://shepnaz.org🎧 More episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast📺 Watch sermons and media: https://shepnaz.org/media📧 We'd love to hear from you! Send your questions or feedback to: [email protected]👍 If this episode encouraged you:SubscribeLike this videoShare it with a friendLeave a comment with your biggest question about Heaven#Heaven #ChristianPodcast #MarriageInHeaven #AnimalsInHeaven #BibleQuestions #ShepnazPodcast #PastorZack #PastorRob #ChristianLiving #EternityChapters00:00 Introduction & Continuing the Heaven Conversation00:45 Will We Be Married in Heaven?01:38 The Sadducees' Question to Jesus02:48 What Jesus Taught About Marriage After Resurrection04:22 Why Relationships Will Be Better in Heaven06:06 Earthly Marriage Points to Christ and the Church07:44 Why Heaven Won't Be a Disappointment09:12 Will There Be Animals in Heaven?10:07 God Is Making All Things New10:50 Creation Awaits Redemption11:31 Horses in Heaven According to Scripture13:17 Animals Living in Peace in God's Kingdom14:17 What About Our Pets?14:57 Final Encouragement and Closing Thoughts

Do people become angels when they die? Will we recognize our loved ones in heaven? Can relationships continue beyond this life?In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Rob Paugh continues the "Heaven on My Mind" series by answering some of the most common and important questions people ask about heaven. Using Scripture, he explores what happens after death, the role of angels, whether we'll recognize friends and family in eternity, and why these truths can bring hope and encouragement to believers.Whether you've wondered about reunion with loved ones, the reality of heaven, or what the Bible actually teaches, this conversation offers practical biblical insight and encouragement.📖 Scriptures discussed include:2 Corinthians 5:8Luke 23:43Nehemiah 9Psalm 148Job 38Revelation 5:11Hebrews 1:14Hebrews 12Genesis 25:82 Samuel 12:23Matthew 8:11John 201 Thessalonians 4:17🎙️ Hosted by Pastor Zack and featuring Pastor Rob Paugh from Shepherd Church of the Nazarene.🔗 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org🎧 More podcast episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast🎥 Watch sermons and messages: https://shepnaz.org/media📧 Send questions or feedback: [email protected]👍 If this episode encouraged you:SubscribeLike this videoShare with a friendLeave a comment with your biggest question about heaven#ShepnazPodcast #HeavenOnMyMind #PastorRobPaugh #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTruth #Heaven #Angels #Eternity #FaithQuestionsChapters00:00 Introduction to Heaven Q&A 00:39 Questions Submitted by the Church 01:17 Do People Become Angels When They Die? 02:14 What Happens After Death? 03:21 How Angels Were Created 04:28 Were Angels Present at Creation? 06:02 Angels and Their Role Today 07:11 What Heaven's Throne Room Looks Like 08:47 Angels Serve God's People 09:04 Can Loved Ones Watch Over Us? 10:13 Will We Recognize People in Heaven? 10:57 "Gathered to His People" Explained 11:52 David's Hope of Seeing His Son Again 12:57 Dining with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob 13:24 Recognizing Jesus After His Resurrection 14:36 Loved Ones and the Rapture 15:46 Relationships in Heaven 16:03 Why Scripture Matters Most 16:22 Share Your Heaven Questions

What does it really mean to be "in Christ"?In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Nick dives into Colossians 3 and reminds us that salvation is about more than reaching heaven someday. Through Jesus, we are made new and invited into a transformed life right now.Pastor Nick explores what it means to set our hearts and minds on things above, put to death our old way of living, and cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He shapes us into the image of Christ. This powerful message challenges believers to move beyond self-centered living and embrace a life marked by holiness, compassion, humility, forgiveness, and love.If you've ever wondered what spiritual transformation looks like in everyday life, this episode provides practical encouragement and biblical truth for your journey.📖 Scripture: Colossians 3🎙️ Speaker: Pastor Nick ⛪ Shepherd Church of the NazareneLearn more about Shepherd Church: 🌐 https://shepnaz.orgWatch more messages and media: 📺 https://shepnaz.org/mediaListen to more Shepnaz Podcast episodes: 🎧 https://shepnaz.org/podcastWe'd love to hear from you! 📧 [email protected] this episode encouraged you: 👍 Like the video 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 📤 Share with a friend 🔔 Subscribe for more daily biblical encouragement from Shepherd Church#ShepnazPodcast #Colossians3 #PastorNick #ChristianLiving #Holiness #Sanctification #FaithInJesus #ChristianPodcastChapters00:00 Introduction 00:26 What Transformation in Christ Looks Like 00:43 Setting Your Mind on Things Above 01:39 The Problem with Earthly Priorities 02:43 Seek First God's Kingdom 03:03 You Don't Accidentally Become Like Jesus 03:33 Dying to Self-Gratification 04:30 Colossians 3 and the Old Nature 05:35 Taking Off the Old Self 06:30 Living Consistently with Your New Identity 07:15 Refurbished vs. Made New 08:54 Sanctification and Spiritual Growth 09:23 Putting On Christlike Character 10:16 What Gospel Transformation Looks Like 11:10 An Invitation to Respond 12:21 Living Heaven's Reality Today 13:55 God's Goal: Holiness, Not Just Heaven 15:22 What Needs to Be Put to Death? 16:21 Clothing Yourself with Christ 17:03 Final Challenge and Encouragement

Is following Jesus simply about making it to heaven someday, or is God doing something bigger in us right now?In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, host Pastor Zack shares the first half of Pastor Nick's message," More Than Heaven." As part of the Heaven on Our Mind series, Pastor Nick explores what it means to be united with Christ, why the resurrection matters, and how the hope of heaven is meant to shape the way we live today.Discover how the resurrection is not only a future promise but a present reality that transforms believers through the power of Christ.Key topics include:The resurrection of the deadUnion with ChristThe "already but not yet" Kingdom of GodSanctification and spiritual growthSetting our hearts and minds on things aboveGod's desire for holiness in our livesJoin us as we learn how Jesus isn't just preparing us for heaven someday, but transforming us today.🌐 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org 🎙️ More podcast episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📺 Messages and media: https://shepnaz.org/media📧 We'd love to hear from you! Email us at: [email protected] this episode encouraged you, be sure to: ✅ Subscribe ✅ Like the video ✅ Share with a friend ✅ Leave a comment below: How has the hope of resurrection changed your life?#ShepnazPodcast #PastorNick #PastorZack #Resurrection #HeavenOnOurMind #ChristianPodcastChapters00:00 Introduction from Pastor Zack 00:24 Is Christianity only about getting to heaven? 00:43 Colossians 3:1-4 02:21 Why heaven matters in Christian theology 03:43 The resurrection of the dead explained 06:10 The consequences if there is no resurrection 08:24 The "already but not yet" Kingdom of God 09:53 What does it mean to be raised with Christ? 11:20 Understanding union with Christ 13:04 Baptism and the new life in Jesus 13:56 Resurrection as present reality and future hope 14:54 Setting your heart and mind on things above 16:13 Sanctification and spiritual transformation 18:02 God's goal is more than getting us to heaven 18:57 Becoming like Christ through the Holy Spirit 20:05 Closing encouragement and preview of Part 2

Welcome to another Worship Wednesday on the Shepnaz Podcast! This week, Pastor Zack and Jeff McClish continue their special series, A Journey Through the Tabernacle, exploring how the layout and purpose of the Tabernacle can deepen our understanding of worship today.In Part 2, the focus is on Praise and Thanksgiving, inspired by Psalm 100 and the Tabernacle's entrance. Jeff shares why praise is more than an internal feeling. It is an outward expression of gratitude that aligns our hearts for worship. Together, Zack and Jeff discuss why God deserves our praise in every season, whether we're standing on the mountaintop or walking through the valley.You'll also hear a powerful conversation about:Entering God's presence with thanksgivingWhy praise must be expressedAuthentic worship during difficult seasonsThe difference between feelings and faithHow gratitude prepares our hearts for deeper worshipWhy some of the most meaningful praise happens when life is hardestScripture Highlight: Psalm 100Connect with Shepherd Church: 🌐 https://shepnaz.org 🎧 More episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📺 Messages & media: https://shepnaz.org/mediaHave a question or feedback for the podcast? 📧 [email protected] this episode encouraged you, be sure to: ✅ Subscribe ✅ Like the video ✅ Share with a friend ✅ Leave a comment telling us: What are you praising God for today?#Shepnaz #WorshipWednesday #Psalm100 #PraiseAndWorship #Tabernacle #ChristianPodcast #PastorZack #JeffMcClish #FaithJourney #ChurchPodcastChapters00:00 Welcome to Worship Wednesday 00:27 Introducing the Tabernacle Series 01:38 A Journey Through the Tabernacle: Part 2 02:43 The First Stop: Thanksgiving & Praise 03:02 Favorite Praise Songs and Personal Worship 04:48 Reading Psalm 100 05:44 Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving 06:22 Praise for What God Has Done and Will Do 07:26 Why Praise Must Be Expressed 08:00 Joy in Worship 08:38 How Praise Aligns Our Hearts for Worship 11:08 Worship Is Not About Us 12:04 Praising God When You Don't Feel Like It 13:27 Authentic Praise in Difficult Seasons 14:06 When All You Have Is Hallelujah 15:25 Authentic Worship Over Perfect Worship 16:09 The Challenge: Praise God First 16:53 Closing Thoughts