On this week’s episode of the Art of Pastoring, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin dig beneath the practical ins and outs of ministry to ponder the wellspring of God’s love.

They explore reasons why pastors may resist embracing God’s love deeply in their own lives, or why they may hesitate to emphasize it from the pulpit. They talk about caring for people who may enter church on a Sunday morning without having heard “I love you” all week. And they remind one another that God’s love does not run dry—either for pastors or for the people God has given to them to love.

Produced by Mike Cosper

Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie

Theme Song "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella

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To be human is to be limited, but sometimes pastors aren’t sure if they’re allowed to apply that truth to themselves.

When congregants ask their pastors to serve as functional messiahs, or when pastors present themselves as saviors, codependency arises and interferes with true care. On this episode of The Art of Pastoring, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin talk about seasons when they’ve struggled with codependency in their church relationships. Listen in as Jared and Ronnie remind one another of the true savior, discuss setting boundaries and expectations, and talk about providing genuine care.

Produced by Mike Cosper, Ronnie Martin, and Jared Wilson

Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie

Theme Song "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella

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If a sermon isn’t a lecture, lesson, or chance to raise your voice, then what is it? 

On this episode of The Art of Pastoring, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin talk about the role of preaching in the local church. They discuss the trends they’ve noticed among preachers in the past few years, remaining true to the Biblical text, and how to preach according to the needs of a congregation. And they encourage listeners to remember that all parts of the body come together to glorify God and build up his church. 

Produced by Mike Cosper

Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie

Theme Song "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella

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Many pastors are looking back at 2020 with a mixture of exhaustion and uncertainty. The combined financial, relational, and social pressures of the past year have led many to wonder about their futures in ministry, questioning whether it's time to move on to different role, a different church, or even a different career. Those questions – like hard seasons themselves – are perfectly normal, and they're times God uses to continue his work in remaking us in Jesus' image. 

Join Ronnie Martin and Jared Wilson for a conversation about pastoring through hard seasons, seeking God's face in the midst of them, and discerning what's next.

Produced by Mike Cosper

Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie

Theme song "Guide Me O, Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella

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As much as we may wish differently, a new year doesn’t come with a blank slate. On this episode of The Art of Pastoring, Ronnie Martin and Jared Wilson talk about how pastors can greet 2021 with a grounded hopefulness. They discuss what shepherding might look like in this season, and what it means to embrace what God has given even as we grieve disappointments and losses. And they address pastors with specific, timely encouragement for entering January with grace and faith.

Produced by Mike Cosper

Edited by Aaron Leslie

Theme Song "Guide Me O, Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella

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On this episode of The Art of Pastoring, Ronnie Martin and Jared Wilson talk about why pastors can and should be hopeful both about the near future and the kingdom to come. They discuss how pastors can hope for what they cannot see and what it looks like to trust that God’s kindness and patience will result in their good. Ronnie and Jared also share their favorite books of 2020, and their hopeful approaches to entering 2021.

Produced by Mike Cosper

Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie

Theme Song "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella

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Every pastor has days when they don’t want to do the ministry set before them. This lack of desire can lead to guilt, worries about faithlessness, and deep confusion over the feeling of separation between head and heart. In this episode of The Art of Pastoring, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin discuss what it’s like to preach, counsel, and disciple when energy or passion run low. And they remind one another that the Lord works in spite of our weakness to minister to his church.

The Art of Pastoring is a production of Christianity Today.

Produced by Mike Cosper

Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie

Theme Song "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella

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Many pastors are attracted to the flashier and more attention-grabbing aspects of ministry, but the most important work is often unnoticed.

On this episode of the podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin reflect on the ways the less exciting and less interesting aspects of ministry can be some of the most critical places for us to show up and serve our congregations. Whether it's counseling at a hospital bedside or a short prayer in the hallway of a church, the ordinary, everyday work of pastoring may not be the most glamorous or thrilling, but it can be the very thing God uses to reach and transform his church.

The Art of Pastoring is a production of Christianity Today.

Produced by Mike Cosper

Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie

Theme Song "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella

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Most of our culture lives in a deficit of self-awareness. On this episode of The Art of Pastoring, Ronnie Martin and Jared Wilson explore the topic, challenging pastors to ask themselves and others "how do you experience me?"

Pastors can often be woefully unaware of how they're impacting staff and leaders in their churches, leaving a residual impact on them that can do real harm to their hearts and souls. As Jared puts it, "the way we adorn our preaching and teaching with our lives is crucial,"

By cultivating a sense of self awareness, we can be come better leaders, more faithful servants, and more loving Christians.

The Art of Pastoring is a production of Christianity Today.

Produced by Mike Cosper

Edited and Mixed by Aaron Leslie

Theme Song "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" by Jeremy Casella

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Often, when pastors gather to discuss what’s happening in ministry, it becomes an opportunity to lament. Ministry can be grueling, disappointing, and frustrating. But it can also be tremendously rewarding. Few people have such a front-row seat to the things God is doing in the lives of their congregations – births, marriages, conversions, recovery from addiction, and much more.

On this episode, Jared and Ronnie reflect on the aspects of ministry that have been the most joyful and life-giving and discuss how to lean into those moments so they can sustain you for the long haul.

This episode was produced by Mike Cosper, Ronnie Martin, and Jared Wilson

It was edited and mixed by Aaron Leslie

Our theme song is “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah” by Jeremy Casella

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