The Shepherds Circle

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. 

This week in the circle, Stan and the guys chat with Northside Bible Church elder Josh Hovel about the marks of a healthy church member as they relate to receiving the Word of God. 

What do booty dances, baptism swims, nuclear sirens, women's slips, and Dawn soap all have in common? Stan is back with 10 pastors from our Louisiana network and several stories that help us remember ministry can be fun and funny. 

This week in the circle, Stan continues his discussion with 10 pastors from our Louisiana network (over 400 years of combined experience) and together they cover: 

• Topics they're teaching and why 
• Advice for young pastors 
• The importance of taking personal time for family 

This week in the circle, Stan sits down with 10 pastors from our Louisiana network (over 400 years of combined experience) and together they cover everything from loneliness in ministry to good things happening in local churches and much more. 

Part one of a three part conversation.