The Shepherds Circle

Stan and Caleb sit down with 6:14 Communications & Creative Director Josh Givens for a candid conversation about artificial intelligence and its growing role in local church ministry. From sermon prep to social media graphics, this episode digs into where AI genuinely helps — and where it can quietly hurt — a church's witness.

Josh unpacks a viral idea making the rounds in the design world: as AI-generated content floods the internet, polished and professional no longer wins the algorithm — authentic does. Small churches, it turns out, may be uniquely positioned to thrive in this new landscape, because real relationships and real stories can't be manufactured by a machine.

Along the way, the guys talk through:

• Using AI as a study aid for Greek & Hebrew word studies — and why it can never replace the pastor's own heart and voice in the pulpit
• The dangers of asking AI (or Google) theological questions without guardrails, and how to train your AI on trusted, conservative sources
• Why a simple cell-phone photo of real people often outperforms a professionally designed graphic
• How social platforms are now flagging AI-generated content — and a practical workaround for churches who want to use AI tools without the label
• Building brand consistency so your church is recognizable even without your logo
• Five practical principles for church communicators navigating AI: start with truth, use AI to accelerate (not originate), build repeatable systems, keep humans as the final editor, and protect credibility over convenience

Whether you're a one-person media team or leading a growing communications ministry, this episode offers a grounded, gospel-centered framework for using AI wisely — without losing what makes your church, your church.

Connect with us: 614ministries.org
Connect with Josh: [email protected]
Josh's Digital Portfolio: jdgivens.myportfolio.com
Become a 6:14 Ministry Partner: 614ministries.org/ministry-partners

Resources mentioned in this episode:

"Authenticity in the Age of AI: Why trust and brand discipline matter more than ever" — at comprend.com

ChurchVisuals.com
Unsplash.com
Lightstock.com
ChatGPT.com
Canva.com
Claude.ai

Not Many Mighty | Pastor Matt Rutland

What happens when God takes a skeptical young man who walked away from church, spiraled into addiction, chased a music career, and transforms him into a faithful shepherd serving the same congregation for nearly a quarter century?

In this episode of Not Many Mighty, Stan sits down with Pastor Matt Rutland, Senior Pastor of First Congregational Christian Church in Douglas, Georgia, for an honest conversation about grace, calling, and the quiet faithfulness that marks a lifetime of ministry.

Matt shares his remarkable testimony—from growing up in a Christian home but rejecting the faith, to a dramatic conversion that changed the trajectory of his life forever. Along the way, he opens up about the pain of divorce, battling addiction, wrestling with a sense of God's call despite believing his past had disqualified him from ministry, and how the Lord faithfully opened doors no one expected.

Together, Stan and Matt discuss:

• The surprising realities of long-term pastoral ministry
• Why integrity matters more than talent
• The joys of watching spiritual fruit mature over decades
• Raising children who love and serve Christ
• Encouragement for pastors serving faithfully in small churches
• Practical wisdom for young leaders discerning God's call

Pastor Matt's story is a powerful reminder that God delights in using ordinary, broken people for extraordinary Kingdom work. Faithfulness—not fame—is Heaven's measure of success.

"God doesn't call us to build our kingdoms. He calls us to faithfully serve where He plants us."

Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or simply someone wondering if God can redeem your past for His purposes, this conversation will encourage your heart and strengthen your resolve to stay the course.

The Shepherds Circle is the official podcast of 6:14 Ministries, equipping and encouraging pastors, church leaders, and healthy churches across the Southeast.

Not Many Mighty is a special interview series from The Shepherds Circle, highlighting faithful pastors who may never be widely known but whose quiet obedience is making an eternal difference in God's Kingdom.

Not Many Mighty | Pastor Jeff Abell: God Still Calls Ordinary People

What does it look like to follow God's call when the path makes no sense?

In this week's Not Many Mighty episode of The Shepherd's Circle, Stan sits down with Pastor Jeff Abell of Enigma Congregational Christian Church in Enigma, Georgia, to hear the remarkable story of how God transformed his life—and faithfully directed every step of his journey into ministry.

Jeff shares his testimony of coming to Christ after a difficult upbringing, being radically set free from addiction, and discovering that God's guidance often comes one faithful step at a time. From leaving Illinois for the South, to meeting his wife Judy, to an unforgettable series of confirmations that ultimately led him into pastoral ministry exactly 40 years to the day after his conversion, Jeff's story is a powerful reminder that God is never finished writing our story.

Along the way, Jeff and Stan discuss:

• Why God's calling becomes an anchor during difficult seasons of ministry.
• The joy of watching lives transformed by the gospel.
• Lessons learned from serving faithfully before ever becoming a pastor.
• The value of mentorship for young ministry leaders.
• Why ordinary, willing servants are exactly the kind of people God delights to use.

If you've ever questioned your calling, wondered whether God can use your past, or simply needed encouragement to remain faithful where He's planted you, this conversation is for you.

"Consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise..." — 1 Corinthians 1:26–27

Not Many Mighty is a special interview series from The Shepherd's Circle, the official podcast of 6:14 Ministries, highlighting faithful pastors who may never be widely known but whose quiet obedience is making an eternal difference in God's Kingdom.

What does God's call to ministry really look like?

In this episode of The Shepherd's Circle, Stan sits down with Lance Sudduth, senior pastor of Hurley Baptist Church in Mississippi, for an honest conversation about calling, perseverance, and the joy of investing in people.

Lance shares how a teenager who barely grew up in church spent years running from God's call before finally surrendering—and how that journey shaped the pastor he is today. Along the way, he reflects on the realities of bivocational ministry, the emotional highs and lows every pastor faces, and why community with other ministry leaders is essential for finishing well.

Whether you're a pastor, church leader, ministry volunteer, or someone discerning God's direction for your own life, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and a refreshing reminder that God delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.

In this episode:

• How Lance came to faith and recognized God's call on his life
• Why he spent years running from ministry—and what finally changed
• The unique blessings and challenges of bivocational ministry
• The greatest joys (and biggest surprises) of pastoral leadership
• Three pieces of advice for young men sensing a call to ministry
• Why pastors need a "band of brothers" to endure the difficult seasons
• An inside look at the growing Pastor Training School and its mission to equip faithful shepherds across multiple states. 

No celebrity pastors. No shortcuts. Just faithful servants pointing people to Christ and helping strengthen His Church—one leader at a time. One shepherd at a time. 

"Consider your calling, brothers... Not many were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth..." — 1 Corinthians 1:26

Not Many Mighty is a special interview series from The Shepherds Circle, the official podcast of 6:14 Ministries, sharing the stories of faithful pastors who are quietly serving Christ and His Church every week.

Not Many Mighty | Pastor Jimmy Proulx: Holding On to the Call

What keeps a pastor going when ministry gets hard?

In this episode of Not Many Mighty, Stan sits down with Pastor Jimmy Proulx of Pleasant Hill Congregational Christian Church in Roberta, Georgia, to talk about the calling that has carried him through every season of ministry.

Jimmy shares his testimony of coming to faith as a teenager, the unexpected path that led him into pastoral ministry, planting a church in his living room, navigating the heartbreak of seeing that church eventually close, and the joy of faithfully serving where God has called him today.

Along the way, Stan and Jimmy have an honest conversation about the realities of pastoral life:

• Why a clear calling is essential for enduring difficult seasons.
• The privilege and weight of preaching God's Word faithfully.
• The importance of making disciples—not just filling church seats.
• What Bible colleges often don't teach future pastors.
• Encouragement for the next generation of ministry leaders.

Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or simply someone who wants to better understand the heart behind faithful shepherding, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and a refreshing reminder that God delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary Kingdom work.

"Consider your calling, brothers... Not many were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth..." — 1 Corinthians 1:26

Not Many Mighty is a special interview series from The Shepherds Circle, the official podcast of 6:14 Ministries, sharing the stories of faithful pastors who are quietly serving Christ and His Church every week.

How do pastors and church leaders guard the spiritual health and purity of the church in an increasingly challenging culture?

On this episode of The Shepherds Circle, Stan is joined by Vic and Caleb for an honest conversation sparked by insights from Stan's current preaching series. Together, they explore the biblical responsibility of overseers to protect the flock, maintain the integrity of the church, and lovingly guide families toward faithful discipleship.

The discussion touches on practical challenges facing churches today, the role of spiritual leadership in safeguarding sound doctrine, and ways pastors can help cultivate healthy, Christ-centered congregations.

This is a thoughtful and timely conversation for pastors, elders, ministry leaders, and anyone who cares about the future of the local church. We hope you'll find it encouraging and helpful—and this is likely just the beginning of a much larger conversation we'll continue in future episodes.

What should the primary goal of children’s ministry be?

In this episode of The Shepherd’s Circle, Stan sits down with children’s ministry leader, author, and speaker Amber Pike of RenewANation to discuss why discipleship—not entertainment—must remain at the center of every kids ministry.

Amber shares her journey from serving in children’s ministry at age 15 to now training church leaders and parents across the country. Together, she and Stan explore practical ways churches can create intentional discipleship environments for children, equip parents as primary disciple-makers, build meaningful intergenerational relationships, and ensure kids are learning the truths of Scripture rather than simply being entertained.

They also discuss:

• Why curriculum matters more than most churches realize
• How to partner effectively with parents
• Creative family ministry ideas that reinforce discipleship at home
• The role pastors play in championing children’s ministry
• Building a culture of safety and security for kids
• Why children are not just the future of the church—they are part of the church today

Whether you're a pastor, children's ministry leader, volunteer, parent, or church leadership team member, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement for helping the next generation know, love, and follow Jesus.

Resources Mentioned:

• Amber Pike: https://amberpike.org
• RenewANation: https://www.renewanation.org/
• RenewANation Family Ministry: https://familyministry.org
• The KidMin Huddle Podcast
• Intentional Children's Ministry by Amber Pike
• Top 50 Bible Lessons About Ordinary People in God's Extraordinary Plan by Amber Pike

After a brief break for our Not Many Mighty series, Stan, Caleb, and Vic are back around the table for a candid conversation about one of the most revealing indicators of church health.

How does your church feel about lost people?

It's a simple question, but the answer may reveal more about a congregation than attendance numbers, budgets, buildings, or programs ever could.

In this episode, the guys discuss five common ways churches respond to people who are far from God—ignoring them, fearing them, becoming disgusted by them, growing angry toward them, or genuinely loving them as Christ does. Along the way, they share real ministry stories, practical insights, personal challenges, and biblical examples that force every pastor and church leader to examine the culture they're creating.

You'll hear:

• Why evangelism is often the easiest ministry to neglect
• How fear can quietly reshape a church's priorities
• Why celebrating salvation and baptism matters
• The critical role leadership plays in cultivating a heart for the lost
• Practical ways churches can move from comfort and self-preservation to kingdom-minded mission

From washing curtains to ice cream celebrations, from bus ministry challenges to life-changing gospel conversations, this episode offers both encouragement and conviction for anyone who wants to see their church more closely reflect the heart of Jesus.

As Charles Spurgeon famously said, "Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor."

Take "The Lost Test" with us and ask the question every church needs to answer:

Do we truly love the lost?

In this installment of Not Many Mighty, Stan sits down with longtime pastor, church planter, and Bible college president Dr. Bill Korver for a rich conversation about calling, perseverance, humble faithfulness, and the quiet fruit of a life spent serving Christ.

From growing up in a blue-collar Christian home in Tulsa… to planting a church while working bi-vocational jobs… to eventually leading Carolina College of Biblical Studies, Bill shares honest stories about ministry fears, God’s surprising direction, the realities of pastoral life, and the importance of character over charisma.

This episode is filled with encouragement for pastors, church leaders, and faithful servants who sometimes wonder if the work is making a difference. Through stories of God’s provision, lessons learned through hardship, and reflections on decades of ministry, Dr. Korver reminds us why steadfast faithfulness still matters.

Topics include:

• Bi-vocational ministry and church planting
• Persevering through discouragement and “friendly fire”
• Mentorship and spiritual formation
• Why character matters more than giftedness
• Learning to trust God’s provision
• The long-term fruit of faithful ministry

“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing your labor is not in vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58

Presented by The Shepherd’s Circle & 6:14 Ministries.

In this episode of The Shepherd’s Circle, part of the Not Many Mighty series, Stan sits down with longtime Louisiana pastor Sam Burchard for a candid conversation about calling, ministry formation, and decades of faithful pastoral work.

Rooted in 1 Corinthians 1, Not Many Mighty highlights the truth that God often calls the unlikely, the ordinary, and the overlooked to do His work—so that all glory belongs to Him alone. Pastor Sam’s story captures that reality with honesty and humility, tracing his journey from a Christian home and Christian schooling to a growing awareness that personal faith in Christ must be his own, not inherited.

In this conversation, Sam shares how his path toward ministry unfolded gradually rather than dramatically—shaped by mentors, unexpected opportunities, and faithful obedience in each season. What began as a desire to teach eventually became a lifetime of pastoral leadership, including over 25 years serving Dry Creek Bible Church.

Together, Stan and Sam explore:

• Coming to faith when “you realize you don’t have a testimony”
• The role of Christian education and influential mentors in shaping a calling
• How ministry often develops through faithful steps rather than clear signs
• The transition from youth ministry to pastoral leadership
• The importance of community, consistency, and showing up week after week
• The realities of long-term ministry in a rural church setting
• Persevering when every Sunday keeps coming faster than expected

With humor, clarity, and hard-earned wisdom, Pastor Sam offers encouragement to young leaders: be faithful where you are, stay teachable, and don’t underestimate how God leads through ordinary obedience over time.

Whether you’re in ministry, considering ministry, or simply learning to trust God with your calling, this conversation will ground you, encourage you, and remind you that God is faithful to use what the world overlooks.

Presented by 6:14 Ministries.