Prayer is a simple yet powerful way to reconnect ourselves with the Lord.

There may be times when burnout is rampant in our lives, so it is essential to be intentional with time.

Taking the time to find support through prayer or peers is key to keeping faithful interactions meaningful.

Knowing your own schedule and capacity increases the quality of leadership, relationships, friendships, and service.

Chris Johnson">Chris Johnson, the Pastor of First Baptist Church - San Antonio">First Baptist Church - San Antonio, chatted with us about the importance of taking time for yourself and connecting with the Lord.

In this episode, we delve into the different aspects of pastoral life and the journey to get there.

Join us as we discuss: 

- [6:30] Defining a calling

- [18:37] Combating burnout

- [21:58] Being intentional as a Pastor

- [32:33] Modern-day church challenges

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Contemplative Pastor by Eugene Peterson">Contemplative Pastor by Eugene Peterson

- First Baptist Church Website">First Baptist Church Website

Want more great conversations like this? Subscribe to The Stark Difference: A Conversation About Calling on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, on Spotify">Spotify, or here">here.

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Meaningful conversations with a support system are necessary to empower spiritual growth.

Growing spiritually can foster confidence in God’s calling for you.

Being confident in God’s calling can allow you to be a bridge builder in connecting others to His word.

Katie Frugé">Katie Frugé, the Director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas">the Baptist General Convention of Texas, trusted in God’s calling for her even in times of hardship. Through her work, she’s been able to follow her passion for building the Kingdom of God.

In this episode, we explore the importance of having confidence in God’s calling for you.

Join us as we discuss: 

- [7:23] Confidence in God’s calling

-  [10:27] Being a professional listener

- [15:12] The Christian Life Commission

- [21:14] Discerning your calling

Want more great conversations like this? Subscribe to The Stark Difference: A Conversation About Calling on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, on Spotify">Spotify, or here">here.

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It takes time to discern the path God has called you to.

But don’t look at other adventures or careers as wasted time.

Jesus was the original influencer, who Himself was also a carpenter.

We can learn and grow to better serve Him as we trust in His plan for us.

We’re joined by Albert Reyes,">Albert Reyes, the President & CEO of Buckner International">Buckner International.

Growing up, Reyes was taught the importance of serving others and answered God’s call to carry those principles into his career.

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of God’s calling.

Join us as we discuss: 

- [6:57] Our call is embedded in our salvation

- [20:02] Is God calling fewer people into ministry?

- [31:13] Breaking through culture with the Gospel

- [45:10] Advice to those seeking God’s call in 2024

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- The Making of a Leader by Robert J. Clinton">The Making of a Leader by Robert J. Clinton

- Home Grown Leaders">Home Grown Leaders

- The Serving Leader">The Serving Leader

- Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze">Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze

- www.albertlreyes.com">www.albertlreyes.com

- Albert Reyes on Linkedin">Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook

- www.buckner.org">www.buckner.org 

- [email protected]

Want more great conversations like this? Subscribe to The Stark Difference: A Conversation About Calling on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, on Spotify">Spotify, or here">here.

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God has called us all to different vocational experiences.

But when was the last time you truly sat down and listened to what God was calling you to do?

Learning about our gifts and being guided by Him will ultimately lead us to understand our true calling.

We are joined by Dr. Norma Hedin">Dr. Norma Hedin, Provost at Dallas Baptist University">Dallas Baptist University. By trusting, learning, and listening to the Lord, Dr. Hedin found her true calling and let the Lord guide in her leadership journey.

In this episode, we explore the importance of accepting God and trusting His path for you.

Join us as we discuss:

- Finding faith through different experiences (7:23)

- Spending time with God before people (20:33)

- The importance of continuing education (25:46)

- Academic Leadership in the New Normal">Academic Leadership in the New Normal by Dr. Jeffrey L. Buller 

- Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership">Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton

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Dr. Alvin Sanders">Dr. Alvin Sanders grew up as a third culture kid who lived all over the world. This experience motivated him to answer God’s calling: to help bridge the diversity gap within communities.

As President and CEO of World Impact">World Impact, he helps bring effective ministry training that’s affordable and accessible to pastors in poverty-stricken communities worldwide.

Dr. Sanders talks to us about his incredible journey, shares some tips on effective leadership, and gives us some advice on how to bring God’s children closer together.

Join us as we discuss: 

- Why World Impact exists and how it helps communities (04:50)

- Tips for leaders who struggle with the time factor (12:38)

- A final thought on how to bridge the diversity gap (24:21)

Want more great conversations like this? Subscribe to The Stark Difference: A Conversation About Calling on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, on Spotify">Spotify, or here">here.

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After several years of pastoring his church in Lubbock, Texas, Jesse Rincones">Jesse Rincones got comfortable. And that bothered him. After all, how often does God call on His children on their time?

So when Jesse felt the call to become the Executive Director of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas">Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, he and his wife, Brenda, answered.

Jesse shares his inspiring story of working with the state’s Hispanic community and encourages other Christ followers in bivocational ministry.  

Join us as we discuss: 

- How God uses His Spirit to call pastors to be uncomfortable (9:30)

- The joys and challenges of bi-vocational ministry (15:04)

- A history of Hispanic Baptist church work in Texas (22:21) 

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In the gospel of Matthew, Christ commanded His followers to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations. It sounds so straightforward, doesn’t it? But how often do we excuse ourselves from carrying out this Great Commission because life “gets in the way?”

Welcome to The Stark Difference, a show featuring people just like you who have overcome life’s obstacles to embrace God’s calling and help change lives through His grace.

Hosts Dr. Tony Celelli">Dr. Tony Celelli and Rochelle Roots of Stark College and Seminary">Stark College and Seminary give a sneak peek of the inspirational testimonies you’ll hear in this fresh new podcast about God’s call.

Join us as we discuss: 

- The challenges facing God’s servants in our modern world (11:25)

- What those who wrestle with God’s call can expect (14:39) 

- Who should tune in and a teaser for upcoming guests (17:08)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Want more great conversations like this? Subscribe to The Stark Difference: A Conversation About Calling on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, on Spotify,">Spotify, or here. ">here.  

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