The Saul Syndrome is all about the Christian minister who is a bit like King Saul....   certainly called to ministry but carrying a lot of baggage, ranging from paranoia - depression - anxiety - to some basic behaviors of control and manipulation.   There may be the external persona of success, but behind the scene's the spears get thrown frequently!  

This  episode is the second half of the Saul Syndrome, and it addresses some of the remedies for narcisistic pastors.... as well as some suggestions for those who have to work along side them.

The next episode will dig into Part 3 "Pauls Keys For Success"

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ed+vainio&crid=2A3B5UHHLLI3O&sprefix=%2Caps%2C412&ref=nb_sb_ss_recent_1_0_recent

This episode starts Part 2 of the book "INSIGHTS OF PASTORAL SIGNIFICANCE" with a look at what we sometimes refer to as the 'dark-side' of ministry...... The Saul Syndrome.  

It is important to restate from the introduction that this book was intended for ministers, bible college students and professors, so that these 'dark sides' would not catch them off guard, that they would not be intimidated or manipulated by them.  It is a healing salve for those who have been affected by such Saul-like leadership, not a baseball bat to attack the offender.  Please keep this in mind while listening. 

It is our prayer that this would bolster the drive of the minister while sharpening his/her wits about such challenging matters.  May God, through His Spirit, guide you step by step through such times!!

Insights of Pastoral Significance from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Insights-Pastoral-Significance-Ed-Vainio/dp/0557339812/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2UOUXEZAR65C0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eDt5-reJemmPWLQ5aROb9wCGgcuh0Fa3Q437OSmON_fGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.XJgQLunREkvN_0Z9yGBeHAmcoVn3wWJvGCiSeIi_-4A&dib_tag=se&keywords=ed+vainio&qid=1737659161&sprefix=ed+vainio%2Caps%2C241&sr=8-1

In this episode we wrap up Part 1, Peter's Paradigm, with chapters 4 (presenting the paradigm to pastors), 5 (history validates the paradigm), and the conclusion.

Next week we dig into Part 2, The Saul Syndrome.

This episode continues through the DO's & DON'TS of Shepherding (according to Peter's Paradigm)

Just a heads up:   I do not have a transcript for these episodes.  Pastor Vainio's book can be purchased on Amazon, the link is below.    Also, due to time and production dynamics, not all quotes in the book are attributed in this audio format.  This book has at least 155 citations, and a bibliography that runs about 4 pages long.  It is well researched!!!   That being said, please keep in mind that if you would like to get references to quotes that may not have been atributed in these episodes, you will need to get a copy of the book.     



https://www.amazon.com/Insights-Pastoral-Significance-Ed-Vainio/dp/0557339812/ref=sr_1_1?

This week we dig a little bit deeper into the job description of the Shepherd.  

Again it should be noted that management and leadership styles in different areas of life don't translate well to  the leadership style of 'shepherd'.  As this chapter begins to define the role more specifically, we start into the "DO'S & DON'T'S" of being a shepherd.   

Just a heads up:   I do not have a transcript for these episodes.  Pastor Vainio's book can be purchased on Amazon, the link is below.    Also, due to time and production dynamics, not all quotes in the book are attributed in this audio format.  This book has at least 155 citations, and a bibliography that runs about 4 pages long.  It is well researched!!!   That being said, please keep in mind that if you would like to get references to quotes that may not have been atributed in these episodes, you will need to get a copy of the book.     



https://www.amazon.com/Insights-Pastoral-Significance-Ed-Vainio/dp/0557339812/ref=sr_1_1?

This week we spend some time on the last two of the eight imparitives behind Peter's Paradigm...... "The Empire Strikes" & "Sheep Behaving Baaaadly".

Just a heads up:   I do not have a transcript for these episodes.  Pastor Vainio's book can be purchased on Amazon, the link is below.    Also, due to time and production dynamics, not all quotes in the book are attributed in this audio format.  This book has at least 155 citations, and a bibliography that runs about 4 pages long.  It is well researched!!!   That being said, please keep in mind that if you would like to get references to quotes that may not have been atributed in these episodes, you will need to get a copy of the book.     



https://www.amazon.com/Insights-Pastoral-Significance-Ed-Vainio/dp/0557339812/ref=sr_1_1?

In a church world that is prone to adopt leadership styles from places other than the Bible, or Jesus Himself, this book takes a look at what made Peter the pastor/church leader that he was.  In this episode we will dive into chapters 1 & 2 and begin taking a look at Peter's Paradigm, a biblical model for pastoral leadership.   

This episode we will cover the mandate, as well as 6 of the 8 imperitives surrounding Peter's Paradigm.    

Just a heads up:   I do not have a transcript for these episodes.  Pastor Vainio's book can be purchased on Amazon, the link is below.    Also, due to time and production dynamics, not all quotes in the book are attributed in this audio format.  This book has at least 155 citations, and a bibliography that runs about 4 pages long.  It is well researched!!!   That being said, please keep in mind that if you would like to get references to quotes that may not have been atributed in these episodes, you will need to get a copy of the book.     



https://www.amazon.com/Insights-Pastoral-Significance-Ed-Vainio/dp/0557339812/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LMUMC7CLCEFR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eDt5-reJemmPWLQ5aROb9wCGgcuh0Fa3Q437OSmON_fGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.TA8dkcGtOBlOkflmZZismvG2Pw6iuNOgRadDoNPuu0I&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ed+Vainio+pastoral&qid=1730481096&sprefix=ed+vainio+pastoral%2Caps%2C396&sr=8-1

In a church world where corporate leadership styles and growth techniques run rampant, does it really jive with the biblical model - and more specifically, the instruction that Jesus gave Peter?

Listen in on this episode and subsequent episodes as we dive in to "Peter's Paradigm", "The Saul Syndrome", and "Paul's Key's to Success", three studies by my dad, Pastor Ed Vainio, MTh, with regard to the biblical model of shepherding/leading.

This is an Audible style presentation of the book he published in 2010 on the matter... and it was truly a labor of love, love for the Lord, love for His Church, and a love and a desire to see those who strive to be Christian leaders succeed in all that God has called them to do.

This is the beginning of the series and a simple introduction to the book.

Amazon Link:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ed+vainio+pastoral+significance&crid=NCPGRKR75ZM2&sprefix=ed+vainio+pastoral+significan%2Caps%2C501&ref=nb_sb_noss

Have you ever met a smug person?  A pious person?  An arrogant person?  or better yet, an arrogant person who has a beautiful way of trying to make themselves look good in the midst of absolute stupidity?   Strange twists of wisdom justify every stupid, or dare I say... evil, act.  

Well that's King Ahaz, and the has had plenty of time and opportunity to turn his life around....   and on today's episode God calls him out.

Not only that, but we are going to take a few minutes and see how a few Messianic Prophecies are woven into this text as well..... It's truly a beautiful thing!!!   So sit back and enjoy the next few minutes!!!

God Bless

There was a 4 part message from God to King Ahaz:  Be Careful, Be Quiet, Don't Fear, and Don't lose heart.    In the past two episodes we covered "Be Careful" and addressed the fear and losing heart issues.     This episode tackles the "Be Quiet Statement".   Quite possibly one of the most difficult things for us humanoid's to do!!!

This episode starts in Alaska, jumps back in time to Joshua and Jericho, bypasses Isaiah 7 to hit a verse or two in James, at which point in time we will be ready to hit Isaiah 7:4.

I think this will be a solid challenge to anyone who takes the time to listen, especially those who want to take their game to the 'next level'.... there is a challenge for you right at the end!!!  (that's not too much of a teaser is it?    I suppose you could jump to the end tho.....   anyhow, enjoy, God Bless!   Nate