Transforming the Church with Dr. Derwin L Gray

In this episode, Pastor Derwin Gray sits down with Dr. Crawford Loritts, a seasoned pastor and leader in the Christian community, to discuss the essentials of maintaining a flourishing ministry and marriage. Dr. Loritts shares insights from his 50 years of ministry experience, emphasizing the importance of a personal relationship with God, the dangers of pride and entitlement, and the need for gratitude and rest. The conversation also touches on the current cultural climate and the role of the church in navigating these challenges.

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

• The Foundation of Ministry: The most important aspect of ministry is maintaining a personal and genuine relationship with God. Everything else flows from this foundation.
• Dangers of Pride and Entitlement: Visibility and success can lead to pride and a sense of entitlement. It's crucial to remember that we are not the source of people's strength but rather a resource dependent on God.
• Gratitude and Dependency: Gratitude is a key indicator of our dependency on God. When gratitude wanes, it may signal a drift towards self-reliance and entitlement.
• Importance of Rest and Perspective: Taking time for rest and reflection is vital for maintaining perspective and avoiding burnout. This includes building rhythms of rest and sabbaticals into ministry life.
• Marriage and Ministry Balance: A flourishing marriage is essential for effective ministry. Prioritizing one's spouse and family is crucial, and ministry should not become an idol.
• Cultural Engagement: The church must avoid being co-opted by political ideologies and should focus on embodying the teachings of Jesus. The church's role is to be a prophetic voice, not a political entity.
• Responding to the Cultural Moment: The church should be known for its love and transformation, not for engaging in cultural wars. It's important to maintain the fruit of the Spirit in all interactions.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

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One of the best ways to help your congregation be discipled is by bringing intentionality to your sermons by crafting them into a series. But where do you even start? This week, Dr. Derwin Gray is going to give you the inside scoop on his creative process for developing a sermon series. By sharing his insights and experiences, you will be encouraged to adopt a proactive mindset as a church leader and preacher. Dr. Gray emphasizes the significance of preparation and prayer in delivering engaging and Christ-centered messages. He’ll show you how crafting a sermon series can help you grow as a communicator and can nurture a transformed church that can have a profound impact on the world.

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:
-Unleash Your Creative Process for Sermon Series Development: Unlock innovative methods to craft engaging and impactful sermon series that resonate deeply with your congregation.
-Plan Ahead for Sermon Series with Precision: Master the art of strategic planning for sermon series, ensuring each message aligns seamlessly with your church's vision and goals.
-Understand The Power Of A Sermon Series- Pastor Derwin helps us understand the rhythms and power of focusing our teaching on a single idea or theme for an extended period. 

FEATURED QUOTES
"The Holy Spirit allows us to be proactive and not just reactive. If I could say this respectfully, don't blame your lack of action on the Holy Spirit." - Dr. Derwin Gray

"In preparing a sermon series, I walk through and answer multiple questions to prepare and then share those with the staff, specifically our creatives, our comms team, and our music team." - Dr. Derwin Gray

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Derwin L. Gray provides actionable advice for preachers and church leaders on crafting impactful sermons. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared by Jesus before preparing a sermon, stressing intimacy with God and reliance on the Holy Spirit's power. Additionally, he discusses the head, heart, hands approach, advocating for simplicity in preaching and the significance of reaching both believers and non-believers with the Gospel. Dr. Gray's practical guidance is rooted in his experience of preaching to a diverse congregation, shaping him into a better preacher and disciple.

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

• Mastering Christocentric preaching techniques to bring depth and relevance to your sermons.
• Understanding the profound impact of family decline on faith and how it shapes your congregation.
• Crafting sermons that resonate with multiethnic congregations, fostering inclusivity and understanding.
• Gaining insights from a nationwide study on faith and relationships will enrich your pastoral approach.
• Implementing effective strategies to authentically engage and connect with digital congregations.

A Few Great Quotes From This Episode:
To preach is to open up the inspired text with such faithfulness and sensitivity that God's voice is heard and God's people obey him. - John Stott

When a man or a woman is preaching, and they catch on fire, people will come everywhere to see them burn. - John Wesley

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of pastoral ministry? Have you been told to just tough it out and push through the difficulties? The pressure of ministry can be draining, leaving you feeling inadequate, betrayed, and questioning your calling. It's time to break free from ineffective advice and cultivate the grit you need for lasting ministry impact.

In this episode, you'll be encouraged by Pastor Derwin Gray to cultivate pastoral ministry grit in these ways:

• Develop unwavering resilience in pastoral leadership amidst challenges.
• Understand the profound impact of family dynamics on church attendance.
• Utilize research to gain deeper insights into evolving faith trends.
• Embrace fundamental leadership principles for high school sports programs.
• Navigate and conquer the unique challenges of pastoral ministry with confidence.

Here Are Some Huge Takeaway Moments From This Episode:

00:01:20 - Cultivating Grit in Ministry 
Grit is essential for ministry leaders. Dr. Derwin L. Gray shares the importance of grit in ministry, drawing from his experience as a high school football player and relating it to the challenges of pastoral ministry.

00:07:31 - Remembering Your Calling 
In times of doubt and difficulty, it's important to remember that Jesus called you, not man. Standing in the grace of God and being gracious in adversity are key aspects of embracing your calling.

00:11:44 - Jesus' Indwelling and Provision
Jesus indwells ministry leaders, providing the strength and adequacy needed to fulfill the calling. Understanding that Jesus gives the vision and provision for ministry tasks is crucial for cultivating grit.

00:15:27 - Finding Grit in Praise and Transformation
Grit in pastoral ministry is ultimately found in praise and the enduring presence of Jesus. Dr. Derwin emphasizes the lasting nature of Jesus amidst tough times and the transformative impact of a transformed church on the world.

FEATURED QUOTES:

Jesus will last; tough times will not. - Dr. Derwin Gray

Grit is passion and perseverance for long-term goals- Dr. Angela Duckworth.

Often, when we have so much, we have so little of Him. - Dr. Derwin Gray

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

Christine Caine is known worldwide for her work with A21 and Propel Women. But today, Pastor Derwin gets a chance to dive into conversation with Christine and hear more about her journey from brokenness to healing. Christine's story will transform your view of ministry. You'll discover the surprising truth about ministry and personal healing that Christine shares in this raw and authentic conversation. Embrace genuine healing and authenticity in ministry leadership as you dive into this compelling discussion with Dr. Derwin Gray. Get ready to be challenged and inspired as you learn why ministry won't heal you and what will.

Here Are Some Huge Takeaway Moments From This Episode:


00:01:50 - Overcoming Personal Trauma and Finding Faith


00:05:39 - Racism and Immigrant Experience


00:09:17 - Healing and Transformation Through Faith


00:12:38 - Patience and Preparation for Ministry


00:14:03 - The Dangers of Hiding Behind Gifts


00:15:12 - Safeguards for Personal Sanctification


00:19:26 - Excitement for the Future of the Global Church


00:21:54 - Embracing Healing and Transformation


FEATURED QUOTES:

I'm excited because I know the word revival gets thrown around, but I'd have to admit I really think we're on the edge of it. I really do. - Christine Caine


Let's not hide behind our gifts. Let's hide in Christ. - Dr. Derwin Gray

The most powerful people in ministry are those whose origin story they've allowed Jesus to redeem, that the pain becomes purpose, that the tragedy becomes triumph. - Dr. Derwin Gray

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

In this episode of Transforming the Church, Dr. Derwin Gray dives deep into the crucial topic of healing past pain and trauma in ministry. Drawing from his own experiences and personal insights, Dr. Gray shares the importance of acknowledging and addressing unresolved issues to lead with emotional and spiritual health. He introduces the 'HEAL' acronym, emphasizing the significance of being honest about past pain, expecting turbulence in the healing process, accepting and mourning past events, and celebrating the transformative work of Jesus. Through relatable anecdotes and practical guidance, Dr. Gray highlights the necessity for ministry leaders to prioritize their own healing in order to effectively serve and lead others.

In this episode, Pastor Derwin helps us think through:

• Why it's critical to embrace the power of healing past pain and trauma in ministry to unlock emotional and spiritual growth.
• Uncover the profound impact of pornography on church leaders and learn how to address and overcome this challenge with empathy and understanding.
• Prioritize emotional and spiritual health in ministry to cultivate resilience, compassion, and sustainable leadership.
  
  

All this and MORE in today's episode of Transforming The Church with Dr. Derwin L. Gray. 

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

In this episode, Pastor Derwin L. Gray shares a transformative message on the essence of sharing faith and the true nature of evangelism. Through personal stories and biblical insights, Pastor Gray unfolds the concept that our reluctance to share the Gospel stems not from a lack of evangelistic commitment but from a deeper issue—a worship problem. He challenges us as church leaders to re-examine our worship, urging that a genuine encounter with Jesus's holiness and grace naturally compels us to evangelize. This episode is not just a call to action but a journey into the heart of worship, encouraging believers to live out their faith boldly and with authentic passion.

Here Are Three Huge Takeaways From This Episode:

• Worship is not just a ritual but a transformative experience that shapes our understanding of God and our relationship with Him. Dr. Gray's insights underscore the significance of genuine worship as the catalyst for personal and communal transformation. By digging into the transformative role of worship, you'll be able to cultivate a deeper connection with Jesus. 
• Fear often hinders us from sharing our faith, but overcoming this fear is crucial for spreading the Gospel authentically and effectively. Dr. Gray's discussion on conquering the fear of sharing Jesus encourages church leaders and pastors to step out in faith, trusting in the Gospel's transformative power. By addressing and conquering this fear,  churches can build a culture of boldness and confidence in sharing the love of Christ with others.
• Sharing personal stories can deeply impact and inspire others, creating a profound sense of connection and understanding within the community. These narratives are not just stories, they are bridges of empathy and relatability, breaking down barriers and inviting others to share their own experiences. Dr. Gray's emphasis on the power of personal stories in the episode highlights the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in cultivating meaningful relationships within the church.

 Quotes To Marinate On:

"We are a sent people. If you are not exemplifying and embodying being on mission, your people aren't going to." - Pastor Derwin L. Gray

"When you've drunk deeply from the well of God's grace, you want others to drink from His well of grace." - Pastor Derwin L. Gray

"We don't have an evangelism problem; we have a worship problem. Whatever we behold, we want others to behold." - Pastor Derwin L. Gray

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

In this episode of Transforming the Church Podcast, Dr. Derwin L. Gray and friend  Dave Schnitter, the lead pastor of Mosaik Berlin, delve into the dangers of the Prosperity Gospel, ministry in Germany, and a message to American Christians. Schnitter's background growing up in a Christian family in Germany, the founding of Mosaik Berlin, and the church's response to ethnic diversity in a post-Christian culture offer valuable insights for pastors and church leaders navigating similar challenges. His emphasis on the power of the Gospel, the need for spiritual revival, and intentional discipleship provides a compelling perspective for those seeking to engage with shifting cultural dynamics in the contemporary church. Schnitter's passion for Gospel-centered ministry and his experiences in Germany make this episode essential listening for those seeking to understand the profound impact of the Gospel in a rapidly changing world.

A Few Quotes From This Episode:

I think a lot of American pastors probably should wake up and not assume that the people in their pews know the Gospel. You’ve really got to be bold to preach the Gospel that's maybe so, like, basic, but it's... I hear a lot of, like, self-help talk and just good psychology, and I'm sure there's truth in it, but the power's in the Gospel. - Pastor Dave Schnitter

When the church is transformed, the world will be transformed. - Dr. Derwin L. Gray

The powers in the Gospel. If there is a growing percentage of the population who does not know who Jesus is and what He has done for us on the cross, please, please tell them before the whole nation becomes post-Christian, and you have to start again from scratch. - Pastor Dave Schnitter

In This Episode, Listen For These Key Takeaways:

Understanding the Shift: Faith and Family Decline in the US - Explore the impact of societal changes on the church and family dynamics.

Leading with Diversity: Multiethnic Church Leadership - Learn strategies for building inclusive and diverse church communities.

Relevance in Today's World: Gospel Contextualization in Modern Society - Uncover the power of adapting the timeless message of the Gospel to resonate with contemporary culture.

Pathways to Discipleship: Nurturing Spiritual Growth in Church Ministry - Gain insights into effective discipleship methods for guiding individuals in their faith journey.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

Dr. Derwin L. Gray unpacks the power of effective vision casting for life transformation within the church. Drawing from the words of Jesus, he shares personal stories of forgiveness and reconciliation, highlighting the need for unity in a world plagued by division and racism. By outlining practical steps for casting vision and emphasizing the call to love God and others, Dr. Derwin L. Gray inspires us as church leaders to join in the mission of spreading God's grace and love. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the church and the profound impact that individuals can have when they align their vision with the values of Jesus. Tune in to be inspired and equipped to lead a church of purpose and impact.

Here are a few key takeaways from this episode:

• The Importance of Vision Casting:  Learn about the "God-inspired ability to see a future that does not yet exist but should," and how it can transform lives by inspiring people to bring that vision into their present reality.
• Leading with Love: Discover how Jesus's teachings on loving God, ourselves, and our neighbors can serve as the ultimate framework for personal growth and community leadership.
• The Power of Racial Reconciliation: Hear a powerful story of reconciliation and the critical role of overcoming prejudices within the church and our communities to foster a more united church.
• Implementing the Vision: Dr. Gray shares practical steps for effectively casting and implementing a vision that addresses real-world problems with eternal solutions.
• The Role of Every Leader: Whether you're in a formal position of leadership or not, find out how you can cast visions that captivate and motivate others towards positive change.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

In this episode of The Transforming the Church Podcast, we have one driving question: Should we even exist if our community doesn’t change?

Join Dr. Derwin L. Gray as he shares his stories on cultivating communities that bless those around them through the driving question. He boils it down to 4 Key Characteristics of churches that positively impact their cities.

Tune in and learn more about it with us!

Do you desire to see your church make a lasting impact on the community? I will be sharing the key to creating a Jesus-centered church that transforms its influence on the local area. You can achieve a church that leaves a lasting imprint on the community by implementing the solution I will provide. With this approach, your church can become a powerful force for positive change in the community.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand the profound impact of church blessings on the local community.
• Embrace the essential characteristics of a Jesus-centered church to foster positive change in the community.
• Discover the transformative power of a Gospel-shaped church on its surrounding community.
• Learn how a mission-driven church can lead to tangible community transformation.
• Harness the potential of a prayer-empowered church to drive impactful community outreach.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.