The PursueGOD Training Podcast

In this episode, we take a look at some principles of effective and compelling preaching. Also in the episode is an interview with author Phil Campbell, who has great insight in how to make sure your congregation stays awake!

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

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The Three C’s of Preaching

• PG sermons are designed to give you a simple skeleton for your sermon. The preacher’s job is to prayerfully put “flesh” on it using scripture, exposition, and personal stories.
• Prep with the “3 C’s” in mind. Be clear. Be concise. Be compelling. Great preaching engages everyone – seekers as well as believers, young and old, male and female.

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

• Ethos speaks to the credibility of the speaker. Are you believable? What qualifies you to preach in the first place?
• Pathos speaks to the emotions of the audience. Why should they listen? Have you prepared the message in a way that connects to them?
• Logos speaks to the logic of the message. Does it make sense? Have you connected the big idea to the talking points with simplicity in mind?

Get Phil Campbell's book Saving Eutychus.

In today's episode, we look at the transformative impact of shepherding relationships, emphasizing that true growth often occurs outside the pulpit. We discuss the vital role of preachers in equipping believers for discipleship, fostering unity and maturity in the body of Christ.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

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• Real transformation happens in the shepherding context (families, small groups, and one-on-one mentoring relationships), not in the preaching context. Matthew 9:35-37
• Matthew 9:35-38 (NLT) 35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
• The preacher’s job is to equip regular Christians to do the work of the ministry. A great sermon empowers conversations throughout the week. Ephesians 4:11-12
• Ephesians 4:11-16 (NLT) 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
• 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. 
• Ultimately, PG sermons are designed to help people pursue God – and this means getting more people to go “full circle”. Matthew 28:19-20
• Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT) 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
• We build resources with one distinctive in mind: to equip the preacher to support the discipleship infrastructure of the church. If conversations aren’t happening after the sermon, we’ve missed the point.

Today we’re starting a 3-week series called Preacher Training – with a focus on preaching sermons based on the pursueGOD discipleship resources.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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In this episode we introduce five questions for self-reflection to determine if you’re qualified to preach in a local church. 

Before we get to those questions, let’s talk for a minute about the PG resources.

• PG uses podcasts on a variety of topics to offer biblical answers to everyday questions. Then we organize these podcasts into series so you can use them to make disciples at church, home, or in the world. 
• Local churches can freely preach sermons based on our series and then point small groups, families, and mentors to the series page for sermon-based curriculum. You’re welcome to adapt your sermon as needed.
• Ultimately, PG curriculum is designed to help people pursue God – and this means getting more Christians to be disciple-makers. We’ll explain this philosophy of ministry in detail in lesson 2 of this series.

Five Questions before you preach:

• Are you connected to Jesus? Preaching in the early church was a function of spending time with Jesus, not of seminary training. Acts 4:13
• 13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
• Are you honoring God in everyday life? Preachers are qualified by solid character and sound doctrine. Titus 1:5-9
• 5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. 6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife,* and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. 7 A church leader* is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker,* violent, or dishonest with money.
• 8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. 9 He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
• Do you care about people? Godly preachers are not motivated by ego or financial gain, but rather by a desire to help people pursue God. 1 Timothy 6:3-4
• 3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions.
• Are you personally making disciples? You can’t lead someone to a place you’ve never been. Matthew 28:19-20
• 19 Therefore, go and ma ke disciples of all the nations,* baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
• Do you have a teaching gift? 1 Corinthians 12:29-30
• 29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not!

Excerpt

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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In this episode, Bryan and Ross discuss the practices of a great board member. They emphasize the importance of being prepared for board meetings and understanding the purpose of the meetings. They also talk about the spiritual side of board membership and the need to hear the Spirit in decision-making. They discuss the process of voting and seeking consensus, as well as the responsibility of breaking the ice when there is a holdout on the board. They also highlight the importance of participating constructively and cultivating emotional maturity as a board member. Finally, they discuss the importance of teamwork and defining success in team terms.

Takeaways

• Being prepared for board meetings is crucial and shows that you take your role as a board member seriously.
• Board meetings have a spiritual side and it is important to hear the Spirit and seek God's leading in decision-making.
• Participating constructively in board meetings involves speaking respectfully, listening patiently, and asking tough questions without being demeaning or aggressive.
• Board members should continue to grow in their skills and wisdom as board members, as well as in their relationship with Jesus.

This is a general series that many churches will find helpful. It should be a great conversation starter for established boards, and it might even help your church rethink your leadership structure.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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In this episode, Bryan and Ross discuss the traits of a great board and common pitfalls to avoid. They emphasize the importance of board members being spiritually attuned, relationally healthy, fully invested in the mission, focused on strategy rather than operations, and self-policing. They also highlight the need for good record-keeping, attention to finances, and avoiding relationship dysfunction and personal preferences over the mission. To do this, the pastors introduce three practical tools: a board member covenant, an annual board calendar, and a prime responsibility chart.

Takeaways

• Board members should be spiritually attuned, relationally healthy, fully invested in the mission, focused on strategy, and self-policing.
• Good record-keeping is essential for legal requirements, credibility, and resolving disputes.
• Board members should pay attention to finances, have checks and balances, and build financial reserves.
• Relationship dysfunction and personal preferences can hinder the effectiveness of a board.
• Practical tools like a board member covenant, annual board calendar, and prime responsibility chart can help improve board functioning.

This is a general series that many churches will find helpful. It should be a great conversation starter for established boards, and it might even help your church rethink your leadership structure.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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In this episode, Bryan and Ross discuss the relationship between the governing board and the senior pastor. This conversation explores the role of a governing board in a church and the importance of supportive yet accountable board members. It discusses the nature of board approval, decision-making, budget approval, performance evaluation, and the removal of the senior pastor. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear processes and guidelines to ensure effective governance and accountability within the church.

Takeaways

• Avoid an adversarial or submissive attitude towards the senior pastor.
• Support the senior pastor by providing encouragement, resources, and wise counsel.
• Hold the senior pastor accountable and ask tough questions to improve decision-making.
• Buy into the church's mission and be supportive of the pastor's vision, but avoid becoming yes-men. Board members should provide support and accountability to the senior pastor, ensuring that decisions align with the church's vision and goals.
• The relationship between the board and the senior pastor should be both supportive and accountable, with a balance between working for and working with the board.

This is a general series that many churches will find helpful. It should be a great conversation starter for established boards, and it might even help your church rethink your leadership structure.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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In this episode, Bryan and Ross discuss the key responsibilities of a board member in a church. They cover three different hats that board members wear: the governance hat, the volunteer hat, and the participant hat. They emphasize the importance of understanding foundational principles, engaging in strategy rather than operations, and being a positive force in the church. They also discuss the boundaries of a board member, including no individual authority, no personal agendas, confidentiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Takeaways

• Board members play different roles and wear different hats, including the governance hat, the volunteer hat, and the participant hat.
• Understanding foundational principles and documents is crucial for board members to fulfill their responsibilities.
• Board members should focus on strategy and the big picture, rather than getting involved in operational details.
• Board members should be a positive force in the church, nurturing relationships, growing in faith, and praying for the church and its leaders.

This is a general series that many churches will find helpful. It should be a great conversation starter for established boards, and it might even help your church rethink your leadership structure.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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This episode is the introduction to a five-week series on church board training. The series aims to help churches think through their governing structure and prepare new board members. The topics covered include key responsibilities of a church board, legal responsibilities, financial responsibilities, missional responsibilities, responsibilities with the senior pastor, and the overall well-being of the church. The series emphasizes the importance of prayer, biblical principles, and collaboration in board governance.

Takeaways

• Churches need to have a governing structure to make important decisions and ensure legal compliance.
• The board has key responsibilities in areas such as legal, financial, missional, senior pastor support, and overall church well-being.
• Board members should be committed to prayer, promoting the church's mission and values, and assessing and improving the board's performance.
• The biblical basis for board governance is found in the roles of elders and deacons, although the specific structure may vary among churches.
• The PursueGod resources can be used to facilitate discussions and training for church boards.

Today we look at the story of Peter’s betrayal of Jesus, a classic example of “mission drift” in the Bible. Jesus had called Peter to make disciples, but now his commitment was in question. Peter, as with the other disciples, is brimming with confidence that his faith will not fail. But then it does, in shocking fashion. So that’s the famous story, but today we’re putting the story in the context of a broader question:  Have you ever experienced mission drift?

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The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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Q. Have you ever experienced mission drift?

• Examples in marriage, in the workforce
• Marriage vows: Chris, do you take Brandi to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor her and keep her, and forsaking all others remain loyal to her as long as you both shall live? If so, say “I do”.
• Kodak: Founded in the late 19th century, Kodak was a pioneer in the photography industry with the mission of making photography accessible to the masses ("You press the button, we do the rest.") However, as digital photography began to emerge in the late 20th century, Kodak struggled to adapt and continued to prioritize its traditional film business. In 2012, Kodak filed for bankruptcy, a stark reminder of the consequences of mission drift and the failure to adapt to changing market dynamics.
• What it looks like in Christianity: (Go make disciples…)
• Matthew 28:19 (NLT) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
• So many churches just miss this. So many Christians never get it.

Before we get to our text today in ch 14, we need to set the stage by going all the way back to chapter 1, when Jesus first called his disciples. Pay attention to where this all happens, because it’s going to come up again in ch 14:

Mark 1:16-18 (NLT) One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

Talk about mission of Jesus, they left their nets, spent 3 years with Jesus

• Amazing faith! What sacrifice!
• Their expectation - this is going to be good. We’ll be famous! Rich!?

Now let’s get to our text today from Mark 14. 

Last week we covered the Last Supper, and Jesus’ identification of the one who would betray him. Luke adds context in his account: Luke 22:24 (NLT) Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.

• Can you imagine? Hilarious! 
• In the Luke account Jesus goes on to define greatness: (NLT) Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.

So let’s stitch this together the timeline: 

• Jesus said “one of you will desert me”
• They all wondered, “Am I the one?” (last week’s episode)
• Somehow that turned into an argument about who would be the greatest among them!?
• And the very next “scene” in Mark’s gospel says this

Mark 14:27-28 (NLT) On the way, Jesus told them, “All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,

‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

A couple of things here: 

First, notice that Jesus says “All of you will desert me.” - Right after “all” of them drank the cup!? Right after they argued about who would be the greatest. 

• He knew they would fail to stay on mission (it was prophesied!)
• Yet he believed in them, he knew their journey wasn’t over
• He would meet them where it all started, where he first called them.

This was Galilee - Mission Central

• It’s where Jesus first called his disciples
• Remember the verse we started with today?
• It’s where Jesus will meet them after his resurrection to restore them 
• not in Jerusalem - because this message was for the whole world, not just Jews
• Fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 9:1-3) about “enlarging Israel” - and eventually including Gentiles (see the unfolding of this in Acts).

So let’s sum up: Jesus says they will ALL desert him. But he’s not phased by that fact - it was prophesied! He’ll stay on mission, and he knows eventually they will, too. 

• So Jesus doesn’t panic when our faith falters. (Say it again.)
• But here’s the thing: Peter didn’t think his faith would fail! Back to the text:

Mark 14:29,31 (NLT) Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.”

… And all the others vowed the same.

Peter throws everyone else under the bus! Yet he is confident in his faith. Peter’s not the only one with confidence. They all vowed to stay faithful. (Note: Judas wasn’t there at this point? See John 12.)

Mark 14:30-31 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” 

Peter learned what most believers have experienced: It’s one thing to be bold when you’re surrounded by believers. It’s another thing to stay on mission when the world is against you. 

• Story of spiritual retreat or worship night or Sunday morning, then Monday comes

That’s what we see as we FF in the chapter to see how the story ended: 

Mark 14:66-68 (NLT) Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.”

But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed.

Bryan’s idea about starting the sermon with Mark 1 in Galilee to provide context for the tumultuous situation in our passage, pointing out verse 28 where Jesus says he will meet them in Galilee again after the Resurrection. Love how it can tie in with Galilee as a symbolic place of their origin and their mission to reach the Gentiles.

Mark 14:69-70 (NLT) When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” But Peter denied it again.

A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.”

There it is again. What a reminder for Peter - that’s where he first met Jesus. That’s where he left his net to “fish for people” and join Jesus on his mission, just 3 short years earlier. And now, probably not 3 hours after he vowed to never betray Jesus, he denies him for the third time:

Mark 14:71-72 (NLT) Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.

Nugget: Peter doesn’t even say his name! Just “this guy”. Shameful!

(Pillar New Testament Commentary) The third accusation is the boldest, and so is Peter's denial. The Gk. is coarse and explicit, "He began to curse and swear, 'I do not know this man you speak of'" (v. 71).

Back to the question:

Q. Have you ever experienced mission drift?

Close:

More context from Luke’s version of this account (Mark leaves this part out): 

Luke 22:31-32 (NLT) “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus’ reunion with the disciples in Galilee was just as assured as their denial after Gethsemane. Staying on mission is less about the quality of our faith and more about the power of God’s grace.

PursueGOD is a podcast-based discipleship library. In this episode we'll give you a quick tutorial on how to use our resources with your family, small group, or one-on-one mentoring relationship.

Learn more at www.pursueGOD.org/about.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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1. Pick a series from our homepage. There's plenty to choose from!
2. Each series contains multiple lessons. Click on the numbered tabs to open each lesson.
3. Each lesson includes an audio podcast. Start by listening to the podcast on your own, before you meet as a group. Take notes as needed, and listen again if it helps. Consider starting a discipleship journal to track what you're learning.
4. Meet with your family, group, or mentor to talk through what you learned from the podcast. Each lesson includes shownotes, talking points, and discussion questions. Listen to the podcast below for tips on how to have a better pursueGOD conversation.
5. Click on the # tab to explore additional topics when you're done.