Issue #72 – Truth, Texts, and Transformation: A Conversation with Pastor Joe Shakour

In this thought-provoking conversation, Pastor Stephen Russ and Martin Wickens sit down with Pastor Joe Shakour, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Wilson, North Carolina. They discuss the Shakour’s remarkable journey from a Catholic-Charismatic background to his engagement with deep theological issues.

Pastor Shakour opens up about:

• His parents’ conversion during the Jesus Movement and his own early faith journey

• Wrestling with textual criticism, biblical languages, and why he holds to the King James Bible and the Textus Receptus

• His perspective on staying biblically grounded without checking your brain at the door

• Lessons learned through his battle with Calvinism and how returning to simple, contextual Bible study brought clarity

• His heart for addiction recovery ministry and what it looks like to be light in dark and difficult places

This episode challenges young men in ministry to think deeply, live purely, and lead humbly—anchored in Scripture and driven by love for Christ.

📖 “The Bible wasn’t given to make you smart—it was given to make you holy.” – Pastor Joe Shakour