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What sustains a pastor through decades of ministry in one church? In this deeply personal conversation, Jonathan Sole interviews his father, Pastor Jim Sole, about his remarkable 23-year journey leading Quinnessett Baptist Church.

The conversation traces Pastor Jim's unlikely path from Navy sailor to church leader, beginning with his conversion at age 21 aboard a destroyer in the Mediterranean Sea. Unlike traditional seminary routes, his ministerial formation happened organically through Navy service, church involvement, and Bible institute studies. Most powerfully, we witness how meaningful discipleship shaped his ministry philosophy—the quiet sailor who "never preached a sermon" but "loved my soul" became his model for authentic spiritual leadership.

With refreshing candor, Pastor Jim addresses the challenges every minister faces. "You can't avoid sheep bites, but you can keep them from getting infected," he notes, sharing wisdom about handling criticism without becoming bitter. Equally insightful is his warning about praise: "Praise can be a well-intended thing that can ruin a man" when ministers become dependent on affirmation rather than finding satisfaction in faithful service.

The discussion reveals how ministry priorities evolve with experience. Looking back, Pastor Jim wishes he'd spent more time in prayer and intercession, especially during difficult seasons. Yet his greatest joy has been witnessing cultural transformation as the church shifted from being perceived as "exclusive and stuffy" to becoming known for community engagement and care.

Perhaps most remarkable is the successful father-son leadership transition now underway—a rarity in church settings. As Pastor Jim prepares to pass the baton completely, he expresses confidence that the church stands poised for even greater community impact under his son's leadership.

Want to hear more? Join us for our next episode as we continue exploring discipleship within the local church context and discuss encouragement for the next generation of ministry leaders.

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What does it truly mean to follow Jesus? In a world where Christianity is often reduced to Sunday attendance and general morality, we need to rediscover the radical nature of discipleship that Jesus actually calls us to.

The call to follow Jesus is fundamentally personal. When Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee calling his first disciples, he wasn't inviting them to join a religion or adopt a philosophy—he was calling them to himself. Simon, Andrew, James, and John didn't hesitate; they immediately left their nets, boats, and livelihoods to follow him. This teaches us a profound truth: for everything we say yes to, we must say no to something else. Saying yes to Jesus means leaving our old life behind.

Jesus never sugarcoated the cost of discipleship. He explicitly told his followers to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow him. Self-denial means surrendering control and saying no to our own desires when they conflict with Christ's calling. Taking up our cross involves daily dying to self—putting to death our selfish ambitions. Yet here's the beautiful paradox: through this death comes true life. As Jesus said, "Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." While the world promises freedom but delivers slavery, Jesus demands surrender but gives abundant life.

The question we must each answer is this: Are we followers of Jesus or merely fans? Have we responded to his personal call? Are we willing to count the cost? What comfort or security are we unwilling to surrender? Take a moment to identify one act of obedience you've delayed, and commit to taking that step this week. Remember, the Christ who calls you is the Christ who walks with you—"Christ in you, the hope of glory."

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Jonathan and Katelyn return with a fresh start in Season 4, sharing life updates and discussing the challenges and blessings of remaining faithful to God during difficult seasons.

• Season 4 begins with personal updates, including the addition of twin boys to their family of seven children

• Biblical perspective on faithfulness from James 1:2-4 - counting trials as joy because they produce steadfastness

• Four practical ways to remain steadfast: relying on relationships, immersing in Scripture, preaching the gospel to yourself, and maintaining proper perspective

• The importance of church community in supporting believers through challenging times

• Shifting focus from self to serving others during difficult seasons as modeled by Christ

• Galatians 6:9-10 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, knowing we will reap a harvest

• A reminder that trials are temporary, but the character they develop is lasting

Weekly episodes will drop every Tuesday morning, with a new Pleasing God Weekly newsletter available on Wednesdays. Subscribe on Substack through the link in the show notes. If this show blessed you, please share it with someone who might need encouragement.

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Stock Music provided by wolfgangwoehrle, from Pond5

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: Jonathan’s Substack | Jonathan Sole | Substack