In this episode of the Transforming the Church Podcast, Pastor Derwin Gray delves into the essential skills needed for effective pastoral leadership, focusing on engaging in difficult conversations. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical principles, Pastor Derwin offers practical advice for ministry leaders and followers of Jesus who are committed to discipleship and mentoring. This episode is part of a series titled "What I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Became a Pastor," providing insights that transcend specific ministry roles and apply to all believers.

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

• The Importance of Difficult Conversations: Engaging in difficult conversations is crucial for anyone in ministry. Avoiding these conversations can lead to greater issues later on.
• Character Over Celebrity: Ministry is not about fame or celebrity status but about developing Christ-like character. Holiness and the fruit of the Spirit are paramount.
• Practical Tips for Difficult Conversations: Never Raise Your Voice: Maintain a gentle and calm demeanor, even when discussing challenging topics.
• Never Have a Difficult Conversation Alone: Always have another ministry leader present to ensure clarity and accountability.
• Security in Christ: The more secure you are in your identity in Christ, the more maturely you can handle difficult conversations.
• Biblical Foundation: Referencing 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Pastor Derwin emphasizes the importance of character and self-control for church leaders.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Understand the cultural context of your audience and adapt your communication style accordingly.

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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In this episode of the Transforming the Church Podcast, Pastor Derwin begins a three-part series exploring the insights and lessons he wishes he had known before stepping into pastoral leadership. This episode focuses on effective pastoral leadership, emphasizing the importance of serving beyond preaching, the necessity of excellent systems and processes, and the inevitability of resistance to change. Join us as we delve into the heart of ministry, discovering how to lead with love, humility, and resilience in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

1. Ministry as Service: Ministry is about serving the Lord, the body of Christ, and those yet to know Jesus. It is rooted in the priesthood of all believers.
2. Beyond Preaching: Effective pastoral leadership involves more than just preaching. It requires sharing life with the congregation, demonstrating Christ-like character, and working hard in service.
3. Systems and Processes: Healthy leadership necessitates excellent systems and processes. Organization and teamwork are vital to managing the pressures of ministry.
4. Resistance to Change: Expect and prepare for resistance when leading change. Understanding and addressing fears of power loss, status, and the unknown are crucial.
5. God's Calling and Empowerment: God, who calls and seats leaders, empowers them to be servant leaders through the life of Jesus within them.

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, Pastor Derwin L. Gray welcomes the esteemed New Testament scholar, Reverend Dr. N.T. Wright. Together, they explore the depths of Jesus' mercy, the challenges and glories of ministry, and the importance of prayer and scripture in spiritual growth. Dr. Wright shares personal anecdotes, including his interactions with the late Queen of England, and offers insights into the global state of the church. This conversation is rich with wisdom, encouragement, and a call to embody the transformative power of the Gospel.

Here are a few of the key takeaways you’ll learn in this episode:

• Inexhaustible Mercy of Jesus: Dr. Wright emphasizes the profound and surprising depths of Jesus' mercy, which continues to reveal itself in new ways throughout his life.
• The Call to Ministry: Dr. Wright shares his early sense of calling to ministry and the importance of having mentors and role models who speak life into young people.
• Challenges and Glories of Ministry: Ministry is described as both more challenging and more glorious than one can imagine, with the potential to push back darkness and reveal God's light.
• Importance of Prayer and Scripture: Dr. Wright stresses the necessity of engaging deeply with the Bible and prayer as foundational practices for spiritual growth.
• Global Church Dynamics: While some areas show decline, there are also signs of new growth and vitality in the church, particularly in places like London.
• Personal Stories and Influence: Dr. Wright shares personal stories, including his interactions with the Queen, highlighting the importance of grace and good manners.

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.