Jesus gave clear instructions to His disciples regarding who would plant the churches that Jesus would "build." The process is one-to-one and works effectively if we do not get too distracted or create too many plans around the plan Jesus gave us. 

In today's episode, we want to remind our pastors and lay leaders that we are called to make disciples and help our disciples make disciples. We'll talk about trusting the process and avoiding the distractions. 

This week in the circle, Stan and the guys talk false believers among the saints, what to do with them, and why a lot of people think they are saved based on cultural values rather than Scriptural truth. 

Church can be messy — and no, we're not talking about the nursery or the pastor's office. This episode addresses the varieties of people we minister to within our churches and how God works with them. 

This week in the circle, Stan sits down with Hurley Baptist Church Lead Pastor Lance Sudduth to discuss training up the next generation of leaders from within the walls of the local church, particularly small churches. The guys will chat about Lance's vision that is already stretching across Mississippi with over 100 men learning practical ministry skills. 

Stay tuned to the end of the episode for announcements about our upcoming Shepherds Summit. 

This week in the circle: Stan and the guys have some fun with a short discussion about the upcoming Shepherds Summit [March 26-28] and what topics you can expect to encounter there. 

Here's a little of what you have to look forward to in session topics: 

1) "A.I. and the Digital Front Door: How Pastors Can Use A.I. and Social Media Wisely [Without Selling Your Soul or Losing Your Sanity]" — Josh Givens 

2) "Longterm Ministry Endurance" — Stan Givens 

3) "Great Commission Discipleship" — Dale Gooding 

4) "Preaching or Protesting" — Victor Herman

5) "Who Are The Wicked?" — Matt Rutland 

Interested in attending the Summit? Be sure to register online here: https://614ministries.org/shepherds-summit-2026

This week in the circle: Stan and the guys discuss the need to keep church services active, aware, and alert in the current climate of our country — when potential protests can become seemingly large disruptions. Should you send your church members home in the midst of protests or should you tell protestors to leave your property? We'll tackle that and more in this very timely discussion.  

Articles mentioned in this episode: 

"Protesting at Alabama churches would be felony under new bill"

"Protecting Houses of Worship" 

This week in the circle: Stan & the guys discuss a recent article from BARNA research that highlights the friendship gap in pastoral life: 

Strong Marriages, Strained Friendships. Over 90 percent of pastors report strong marriages—but two in five feel lonely, and just one in three have a trusted confidant outside church. [BARNA] 

Relational Health Lags Behind Other Areas. Despite high scores in faith and vocation, pastors score lowest in relational well-being (67/100)—yet few ask for help in this area. [BARNA] 

This week in the circle, Stan and the guys discuss multiple aspects of what it meant for Pastor Victor Herman to go on "cruise control." 

Season 2, Episode 15: Planning Your Year

After a brief December break, Stan and the guys are back around the table for a timely and practical conversation about planning the year ahead in ministry.

In this episode, they talk through how to thoughtfully plan Bible book studies and sermon series, shape meaningful ministry themes, and prepare well for key moments like Easter, Christmas, and outreach opportunities. The discussion also dives into the importance of evaluating what’s working, what’s not, and having the courage to eliminate “sacred cows” that may be holding your church back.

This conversation is all about learning from the past without letting it hinder the future—working harder to build healthier, stronger ministry rhythms as you look ahead to the year God has placed before you.

Whether you’re in the early stages of planning or feeling stuck, this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, and practical insight for shepherds who want to lead well in the season ahead.

This week in the circle, Stan and the guys discuss the things that make ministry heavy for pastors and share Scriptures and encouragement to help lighten the load. 

Stan and the guys tackle the importance of networking with other pastors for fellowship and support.