Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Pastor Rob Paugh to talk about an incredible story of faith, vision, and God’s provision happening right now at the Hocking Hills Retreat Center.

Visit hockinghillretreatcenter.org to learn more.

What started as a dream—and a field—has become a thriving ministry space where kids are already encountering Jesus. With cabins built, a lake filled with laughter, and camps underway this very week, God is moving in powerful ways.

🙌Pastor Rob shares how volunteers, prayer, and obedience have turned vision into reality—and what’s next as the team steps out in faith to build a dining hall that will take this ministry to the next level.

🔥 In this episode:

• The journey from raw land to active youth camps
• Why camp experiences are so spiritually powerful
• Stories of God’s faithfulness and provision
• The future vision for a world-class Christian retreat center
• How YOU can be part of what God is doing

This is more than a project—it’s an investment in the next generation of world changers for the Kingdom.

👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org
🎧 Watch more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast
📩 Send feedback or questions: [email protected]

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread what God is doing!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome + Episode Intro
00:30 The Vision for Hocking Hills Retreat Center
02:00 First Camp Experience Happening Right Now
03:00 A Promise from God Comes to Life
04:30 Why Youth Camp Is So Powerful
06:00 From Soybean Field to Camp Lake
07:30 Activities, Partnerships & Camp Life
09:00 The Need for a Dining Hall
10:30 Inside the Future Dining Hall Vision
12:00 A Year-Round Ministry Opportunity
13:30 Community Impact & Partnerships
14:30 Funding the Dream (Faith + Giving)
16:00 Why This Matters for the Church
17:30 How You Can Get Involved
18:30 Final Encouragement + Call to Action

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Pastor Zach Carpenter from Freedom Naz in Sunbury, Ohio for a powerful Worship Wednesday conversation.

This episode dives deep into:

• The power of your personal testimony
• Hearing and following God’s calling
• Transitioning from worship pastor to lead pastor
• Why “Jesus changes everything” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a lifestyle
• Leading from overflow instead of emptiness

Pastor Zach shares his journey of growing up in the church, stepping into ministry at a young age, and faithfully walking through seasons of growth, challenges, and calling. This episode is packed with wisdom for worship leaders, pastors, and anyone seeking to follow Jesus more fully in everyday life.

🙌 Key takeaway: Your story matters—and God can use it in powerful ways.

🔗 Learn more about Shepherd Church:
👉 https://shepnaz.org
🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📩 Have questions or want to connect? Email us at: [email protected]

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay connected with daily encouragement from the Shepnaz Podcast!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Worship Wednesday
00:40 Introducing Pastor Zach Carpenter
02:00 Why your testimony matters
03:00 Growing up in the church & early calling
06:00 Ministry journey across churches and states
08:30 “Jesus Changes Everything” – core belief
10:00 Marriage, family, and protecting relationships
12:30 When did God call you into ministry?
14:00 A defining calling moment at age 17
16:30 Encouragement for those who feel their story isn’t "powerful”
18:30 God’s vision for the next generation
21:00 Transitioning from worship pastor to lead pastor
24:30 Discernment and saying “yes” to God
28:30 Leadership lessons and humility in ministry
31:00 What would you tell your younger self?
33:00 Leading from overflow, not empty
36:30 Final encouragement: walk with Jesus daily

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack is joined by Kevin as they dive into Part 2 of Jonah’s story—and uncover a powerful truth many people miss.

We often think Jonah is just about obedience… but what if it’s really about God’s overwhelming grace?From the storm… to the fish… to Nineveh’s repentance… and Jonah’s anger—this episode challenges us to rethink how we view God’s mercy, especially toward people we struggle to love.

👉 Key takeaway: God’s grace isn’t just for you—it’s for everyone.

💬 Who in your life have you written off that God still loves?🙏 About Shepherd Church:
We’re all about helping people grow in faith, live with purpose, and experience the love of Jesus.
🌐 Learn more: https://shepnaz.org
🎧 More episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📩 Have questions or feedback?

Email us: [email protected]

👍 If this episode encouraged you:

• Subscribe to the channel
• Share it with a friend
• Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!

Chapters

00:00 Intro & “Dance Party” Start
00:25 Why Pastor Zack Needed a Co-Host
01:05 Jonah Recap: Thrown Overboard
01:45 God “Arranged” the Fish
03:30 Inside the Belly of the Fish (Not What You Think!)
04:55 Jonah’s Prayer & Realization
06:40 Gratitude in the Middle of the Mess
07:55 Jesus & the Sign of Jonah
08:40 The Long Journey to Nineveh
10:05 Jonah’s 5-Word Sermon
11:30 Why God Still Used That Message
12:00 Nineveh’s Massive Repentance
13:15 Even the Animals Fast?!
14:05 God Shows Mercy
14:25 Jonah Gets Angry at God
16:00 Waiting for Nineveh to Be Destroyed
16:45 God “Arranges” the Plant & the Worm
18:00 The REAL Lesson of Jonah
18:45 Grace for Jonah, Sailors, and Nineveh
21:00 The Hard Truth: God Loves “Those People” Too
24:30 Two Big Challenges for Us
27:00 Final Encouragement & Call to Action

What happens when God calls you… and you run the other direction?

In today’s episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack (joined by Kevin) dives deeper into his Sunday message from our Lessons from the Legends series, focusing on the powerful and sometimes misunderstood story of Jonah.

We explore:

• Why Jonah ran from God
• The role of fear and hatred in disobedience
• How God still works—even through our mistakes
• The unexpected transformation of the sailors
• The truth that God teaches us while He uses us

This conversation is real, relatable, and packed with insight you can apply to your own walk with Christ.

👉 Missed the sermon? Catch up at:
https://shepnaz.org/media

📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church:
https://shepnaz.org

🎧 Find more Shepnaz Podcast episodes:
https://shepnaz.org/podcast

💬 We’d love to hear from you!
Email us at: [email protected]

👍 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share to encourage others!

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Welcome & why this episode is “different”
02:44 Lessons from the Legends series overview
03:33 Jonah vs. Gideon – contrasting “origin stories”
05:14 God uses us while He teaches us
06:11 The challenge of preaching to kids + adults
07:20 What is a prophet?
08:04 Jonah’s assignment to Nineveh
10:05 Jonah runs from God
10:35 Why Jonah ran: hate & fear
12:30 Jonah’s escape plan (Tarshish)
14:23 The sailors & spiritual chaos on the ship
16:00 The storm hits
17:13 “Pray to your god!” – desperation on deck
18:15 Casting lots reveals Jonah
18:57 Jonah’s revealing statement
20:04 The sailors’ fear grows
21:13 Jonah’s “solution” – throw me overboard
22:11 The sailors cry out to God
22:32 The storm stops & transformation begins
23:28 God works even through disobedience
24:38 Faith isn’t invalidated by flawed messengers
25:17 The great fish cliffhanger
25:37 Final encouragement & preview of Part 2

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack continues Pastor Nick’s message from our Lessons from the Legends series, focusing on Elijah in 1 Kings 18.

After the dramatic victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah asks a powerful question that still speaks to us today:
“How long will you waver between two opinions?”

This episode challenges us to examine our hearts and ask:
👉 Are we fully following Jesus—or trying to live with divided loyalty?

We’re reminded that partial allegiance isn’t true allegiance… it’s compromise. God doesn’t want part of your heart—He wants all of it. And when we go all in, we discover that He alone provides life, hope, and purpose.

🙌 Whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or you’re still exploring faith, this message is an invitation to choose today—and choose fully.

📍 About Shepherd Church

Shepherd Church of the Nazarene is located in Ohio and is passionate about helping people follow Jesus fully.

🌐 Learn more: https://shepnaz.org
🎧 More episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast

💬 Let’s ConnectHave questions or want prayer?

Email us at [email protected]
We’d love to hear your story.

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to encourage others!

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Weekend Invitation
00:23 Recap: Elijah on Mount Carmel
00:47 Scripture Reading – 1 Kings 18
01:45 Fire from Heaven: God Reveals Himself
02:44 The Big Question: “How Long Will You Waver?”
03:40 Why Partial Allegiance Doesn’t Work
04:40 Illustration: Following Two Leaders
06:32 You Can’t Serve Two Masters (Matthew 6:24)
07:33 Modern “Baal”: Money, Security, and Control
08:23 The Danger of Half-Hearted Faith
09:03 The Call to Go All In
10:06 God’s Faithfulness in Elijah’s Life
10:59 Elijah’s Lowest Moment (1 Kings 19)
12:39 Why We Go All In for Jesus
13:57 God Wants Your Whole Heart
14:27 Invitation: Choose Today
16:15 What Are You Really Following?
16:47 Prayer: Returning Fully to God
19:14 Final Reflection & Challenge

Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast! 🎙️
Hosted by Pastor Zack, today’s episode features a powerful message from Pastor Nick Shaner (Johnstown Campus) as we kick off our brand-new series: Lessons from the Legends.

In this episode, we step into the story of the prophet Elijah and King Ahab in 1 Kings 18—a moment leading up to one of the most dramatic showdowns in Scripture. But before the fire falls, Elijah asks a question that still challenges us today:

👉 “How long will you waver between two opinions?”

This message explores:

• What happens when we try to follow God AND something else
• The danger of compromise and “syncretism”
• Why we often chase the “good life” apart from God
• How Elijah points us back to full devotion

🔥 This is just Part 1—don’t miss what comes next!

📖 Scripture: 1 Kings 18:16–21

🏡 Learn more about Shepherd Church:
👉 https://www.shepnaz.org

🎧 Watch more episodes:
👉 https://www.shepnaz.org/podcast

💬 We’d love to hear from you!
Email: [email protected]

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to encourage others!

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Welcome from Pastor Zack00:30 Introduction to the series: Lessons from the Legends01:20 Elijah: A legend who never died02:50 Scripture reading (1 Kings 18:16–21)04:10 Why Elijah was called a "troubler of Israel"05:00 Judges vs. Kings explained07:10 Israel rejects God as King08:30 The role of prophets09:30 King Ahab: one of the worst kings11:00 Understanding Baal worship12:20 What is syncretism?13:00 The “good life” idol13:40 Elijah brings drought15:00 The real conflict: Yahweh vs Baal16:00 The Mount Carmel showdown setup17:00 Prophets of Baal cry out18:10 Elijah’s challenge and preparation19:30 Part 2 teaser: The real question for us

On this Worship Wednesday episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with longtime worship pastor Brian Redman from Newark Church of the Nazarene.

Brian shares his powerful journey from focusing on music excellence and production to realizing that true worship ministry is about people first. From church transitions and leading through change, to balancing excellence with grace, this conversation dives deep into what it really means to lead in today’s church.

💬 Key topics include:

• Navigating change in worship styles
• Reaching people who don’t go to church
• Balancing excellence and authenticity
• The shift from performance to pastoring
• Why relationships matter more than production

Whether you’re on a worship team, serving in ministry, or simply seeking a real and authentic faith community—this episode is for you.

👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org
🎧 Watch more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast
📩 Share feedback or suggest topics: [email protected]👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help grow the Kingdom!

Chapters

0:00 Welcome to Worship Wednesday0:25 Introducing Brian Redman2:12 Brian’s Worship Ministry Journey6:24 A Church Transformed by Mission8:30 Creativity, Excellence, and Weekly Worship Design10:34 Church Culture Shift & Reaching the Lost14:27 Authentic Church vs “Church Personality”17:19 Loving People While Calling Them Higher19:13 When Worship Becomes About People22:19 Excellence vs Relationship in Worship Ministry25:45 Advice to Younger Leaders26:12 “Listen More, Love More”28:20 God Uses Imperfect People29:17 Building Team Through Prayer31:25 Final Thoughts + Church Invitation

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack is joined by Pastor Kevin to continue unpacking Sunday’s message on Gideon—a story that reminds us God doesn’t call the most qualified… He calls the willing.

Gideon was hiding when God called him a “mighty warrior.” Sound familiar? So often we feel unqualified, overlooked, or unsure—but this episode dives into the truth that God specializes in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.

If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, questioned where God is, or felt like you’re not “enough,” this conversation will challenge and encourage you to make room for God to work through you.

👉 Key takeaway: God doesn’t call the strongest—He empowers the ones He calls.

🙏 Connect with us:

• Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org
• Watch more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast
• Email us your story: [email protected]

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE if this encouraged you!
💬 Comment below: Where is God calling you to step out in faith?

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Introducing Pastor Kevin
00:45 – What Makes a “Legend” in God’s Kingdom?
02:20 – Gideon’s Doubt: “Why Is This Happening?”
04:00 – God Is Present… Even in Chaos
06:00 – “Am I Sending You?” – The Turning Point
07:50 – God Empowers the Called (Not the Strongest)
10:00 – Real-Life Struggles & Feeling Unqualified
11:30 – Why God Uses the “Unexpected”
13:20 – Boasting in God Alone (Paul’s Example)
15:00 – God Specializes in the Impossible
16:25 – What If YOU Are the Answer?
18:00 – Make Room for God
19:30 – Final Challenge & Call to Respond

What if the very place you feel weakest is where God wants to call you?

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Pastor Kevin to kick off our new series, “Lessons from the Legends.” We’re diving into the story of Gideon—a man who went from hiding in fear to being called a “mighty warrior” by God.

In this powerful and relatable conversation, you’ll discover:

• How God calls ordinary people in everyday moments
• Why feeling unqualified might actually be the point
• How God sees who you can become, not just who you are
• What it means to fully surrender and trust His calling

If you’ve ever doubted yourself or wondered if God could use you—this episode is for you.

👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org
👉 Watch more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📩 We’d love to hear from you!

Email us at: [email protected]

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today!

⏱️Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Monday energy ☀️
00:49 New Series: Lessons from the Legends
01:40 Meet Gideon (“Giddy Up Gideon!”)
02:29 What makes someone a legend?
03:19 Gideon’s insecurity & imposter syndrome
04:29 Israel’s cycle of disobedience
06:05 When life spirals out of control
07:41 Gideon hiding in fear
09:22 God uses ordinary people
10:44 Called in the routine moments
12:10 How God speaks personally
13:46 Confidence comes from God
15:48 Seeing what God sees in you
17:08 Called beyond yourself
18:20 The place of surrender
19:09 Personal calling stories
21:08 You don’t have to be “qualified”
23:15 Final challenge: Trust God’s calling

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack continues Part 2 of Pastor Nick’s powerful message from Galatians chapter 6.

What does it really mean to live out our faith in community? How do we respond when someone struggles? And how can we carry each other's burdens while still taking responsibility for our own spiritual walk?

In this episode, we explore:

• The importance of Christian community
• What it means to restore others gently
• The balance of mutual accountability and personal responsibility
• Why humility is essential in following Jesus

This is a practical and convicting message that challenges us to love like Christ—walking with others while allowing God to search our own hearts.

💬 We’d love to hear from you:
How can you help carry someone’s burden today?

📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church:
👉 https://shepnaz.org
🎧 More episodes:
👉 https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📧 Send feedback or questions: [email protected]

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to encourage others!

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Recap (Freedom in Christ)
00:40 – Why We Need the Church
01:30 – Carrying Each Other’s Burdens Explained
03:30 – The Power of Community (Real-Life Illustration)
04:20 – “Love One Another” — Jesus’ Command
05:30 – Restoring Those Who Fall
06:15 – What Does Gentleness Really Mean?
07:30 – Gentleness Is Power Under Control
08:40 – Avoiding Pride While Helping Others
10:00 – The Danger of Spiritual Comparison
11:30 – “Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself”
12:30 – Personal Responsibility in Faith
13:30 – Speck vs. Plank (Self-Examination)
14:40 – Oxygen Mask Analogy (Help Yourself First)
15:30 – A Church Where No One Walks Alone
16:00 – Prayer: “Lord, Search Me”
17:00 – Who Needs Your Help Today?
18:00 – Final Encouragement & Challenge