In today's episodes, we are answering a listener's questions about studying in the Holy Land. Though it has not previously come up on the podcast, it's a topic both Pastor Jim and Chase are passionate about. We'll discuss how it can impact your study of scripture and answer some common questions and concerns about the trip. 

We never know how long God will keep us in one place. God often calls leaders to new work and new places, but there are both benefits and challenges to staying in one calling for a long time. In this episode, Pastor Jim discusses his own transitions in ministry and why longevity can be both a gift and a benefit to a church. 

Most churches participate in giving to support missions and missionaries, but in today's episode, we discuss why missions matter to every believer. We all play a role and bear responsibility for Jesus' great commission. So, how can people participate in missions and, as leaders, how can we inspire greater support? Pastor Jim shares about his personal passion for global missions and how he participates in what God is doing around the world. 

Some people seem to be naturally wired to take risks. Others seem more naturally cautious and risk-averse. Is courage just a personality trait? The scriptures often call us to boldness and to take up difficult work, so how can we find the courage to take risks, and when does our risk-taking reflect a lack of wisdom? In Today's conversation, Pastor Jim explores the topic of courage and who he thinks about taking risks. 

The ministry is about people, but there are also plenty of administrative responsibilities in leading a church. For many pastors, the balance between relationships and administration can feel constantly out of balance. Ignore administration, and the organization falls apart; ignore people, and you're failing to do the real work of the ministry. In today's episode, pastor Jim explores how to evaluate that balance and how pastors should think about being faithful to the work of both relationships and administration. 

We live in the information age. The internet is full of voices, advice, and increasingly theological teaching and commentary. Every day, we're forced to evaluate what is true and who is worth listening to. In our conversation today, Pastor Jim explores the necessity of believers learning to recognize false teaching and why, as leaders, it's one of our primary jobs. 

While you may have a job at a church, our families are also a part of the church community. Sometimes churches can have expectations of the whole ministry family. And sometimes growing up in the pastor's home can come with both benefits and challenges. In our conversation, Pastor Jim and I explore how we've navigated raising a family while serving in ministry. How do we serve both our families and the church toward loving Christ? 

As we continue taking you’re listener questions, today we have a question about the role of prophets and apostles in the modern church. From the New Apostolic Reformation to online YouTubers who claim to be prophets, there seems to be a growing interest in apostleship and prophecy. In our discussion, pastor Jim and I explore what the Bible has to say about these roles, their function as offices in the church, and how Christians can discern the proper use of these gifts. 

Today, we have a question from a listener about the experience of loss in ministry. It doesn't take long serving in ministry to face disappointment and loss. As a pastor, we are asked to lead through death but also through conflict, division, and transitions. The loss can add up. Pastor Jim shares how he has experienced seasons of loss and how we can sustain our hope and optimism in the midst of sadness. 

While Pastor Jim spends most of his time preaching the Bible and leading a church, he still keeps up with his love of science. In today's episode, we talk about what advancements in science have him excited and how he continues to find the integration of faith and science strong. It was a fun conversation to explore deep into one of Pastor Jim's favorite topics and hopefully inspire future Christian scientists and students. It might be a great episode to pass on to a friend or child with similar interests.