The Pillar Network

Nate gets to know Steven Carne, one of the plenary speakers at the upcoming Unite Conference in October, including if he might be a Secret Agent. Steven is the Senior Pastor of Hamilton Baptist Church in Hamilton, Virginia and a board member at Pillar. Find out more about Unite at pillarunite.org.

OVERVIEW

Most of us know the big story of the Bible: creation, fall, redemption, and consummation.

The harder part is remembering that story when we are tired, anxious, sitting in a waiting room, cleaning the kitchen, or wondering whether the work in front of us matters at all.

Because whether we realize it or not, we are always interpreting our lives. A hard season can start to feel like the whole story. A disappointment can begin to shape what we believe about God. Even our exhaustion can expose the stories we are telling ourselves about who we are and what depends on us.

So put your earbuds on and come back to what is true. In this episode, Betsy takes the great story of redemption and brings it into the ordinary places where we live, asking how creation, fall, redemption, and consummation help us understand what is right in front of us.

Be encouraged to lift your eyes, remember where your life fits within God’s greater story, and see the life in front of you in light of Christ and the promise that He is making all things new.

HIGHLIGHTS

“The truth of God’s Word is the ultimate authority in our lives. It shapes how we see God, how we understand ourselves, and how we interpret the life right in front of us.”

“Sometimes on Monday morning we need to remember what we confessed on Sunday.”

“The story began by His will and for His glory. That puts our lives in their proper place. There is a center, and we are not it. God is.”

“Ordinary life was never an obstacle to the glory of God.”

“The value of your life does not depend on every task feeling exciting.”

“No need is too ordinary for our High Priest.”

“Christ’s ascension does not mean that he has become distant from our ordinary lives.”

“A day is coming when work will have no thorns, our relationships will have no sin, and our bodies will have no death.”

DIG DEEPER

Dave Kiehn interviews Nate Akin and Jason Wredberg about their new book with Courier Publishing, "What is a Pastor?" They discuss the biblical foundation for the office of pastor, whether pastoring is an office or a gift, the pastoral office in historic confessions, and more. Get the book here - https://a.co/d/0gq4OCpE.

Brandon Langley talks with Jordan Cobb about transitioning to a plurality of elders in a revitalization, including shepherding the congregation and deacons through the process, spending “leadership coins” wisely, and more. Jordan is a member of our network and the Senior Pastor of Standing Springs Baptist Church in Simpsonville, SC

In this special episode of the Pillar Women Podcast, Betsy Gómez brings us a collection of gospel-centered encouragements recorded at the SBC Annual Meeting.

One of the sweetest gifts of gathering with faithful brothers and sisters in Christ is the reminder that we are not alone in the work God has given us to do. Whether we are serving in our homes, local churches, or communities, we all need fresh encouragement to persevere with our eyes fixed on Christ.

As Betsy walked through the convention, she stopped several friends and asked them one simple question: What word of encouragement would you give to a Pillar woman who is serving faithfully in her home and local church?

So, whether you're a pastor’s wife, a ministry wife, or a faithful church member, whether you're loving your family, discipling others, or going through a tough season in ministry or life, this episode is for you, wherever you are today.

This episode is a collection of short words of encouragement for the woman who needs to be reminded of God’s faithfulness, Christ’s sufficiency, and the joy of persevering in the work He has placed before her.

Wisdom Nuggets from the Episode:

“God has called you to be a faithful church member–no more and no less. Remember your role, and rely on the Lord.” –Jeanine Sanchez

“Don’t look at your circumstances, because that can easily steal your joy. Keep your heart and mind set on Jesus.” –Kay Millioni

“It is in those hard times that the Lord often uses us the most. It is when we are weak that He is strong.” –Karla Simpson

“We have a loving Father who welcomes us. He is not ashamed of us; He remembers that we are dust.” –Nira Abella

“You may not be known far and wide, but you are known by the Lord. He sees you, loves you, and cares for you.” –Nate Akin

“Peace is not dependent on the circumstances around us, but on the God who is in control over them.” –Eunice Comesañas

“Find other pastors’ wives who are theologically sound, who can walk hand in hand with you, pray for you, and help you when times are tough.” –Melissa Small

“Don’t waste the early moments of your day scrolling. Dig into God. Seek Him. Pray to Him. Lament. He hears you, knows you, and sees you.” –Emily Whitfield

“Do not fix your eyes on yourself, on another person, or on your circumstances. Fix your eyes on Jesus. He will not fail.” –Moisés Gómez

“When I could not find joy, the women in my church helped me see so much glory in what I was experiencing.” –Stephanie Kerns

“We need to remember that we are first daughters of God. It is okay to rest. It is okay to ask for help.” –Xenia Rodriguez

“You have redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ. You are forgiven. Rest in the riches of His grace.” –Dave Kiehn

“There may be some burdens you have been carrying that you do not need to carry. Maybe there are some things the Holy Spirit should bear.” –Dwayne Millioni

“Don’t let the busyness of life or the heaviness of life keep you from spending time alone with the Lord.” –Lina Granados

“He does not shame us for bringing that heavy load to Him. He is gentle and lowly, and in Him we find rest for our souls.” –Sarah Rogers

“Don’t let your soul become an inbox of unopened worry. Tell Him what you are facing, what you need, what you know, and how you feel.” –Liam Garvie

Dig Deeper