The Lost Test: What Does Your Church Really Think About Lost People? | S3 E7

The Lost Test: What Does Your Church Really Think About Lost People? | S3 E7

After a brief break for our Not Many Mighty series, Stan, Caleb, and Vic are back around the table for a candid conversation about one of the most revealing indicators of church health. How does your church feel about lost people? It's a simple question, but the answer may reveal more about a congregation than attendance numbers, budgets, buildings, or programs ever could. In this episode, the guys discuss five common ways churches respond to people who are far from God—ignoring them, fearing them, becoming disgusted by them, growing angry toward them, or genuinely loving them as Christ does. Along the way, they share real ministry stories, practical insights, personal challenges, and biblical examples that force every pastor and church leader to examine the culture they're creating. You'll hear: * Why evangelism is often the easiest ministry to neglect * How fear can quietly reshape a church's priorities * Why celebrating salvation and baptism matters * The critical role leadership plays in cultivating a heart for the lost * Practical ways churches can move from comfort and self-preservation to kingdom-minded mission From washing curtains to ice cream celebrations, from bus ministry challenges to life-changing gospel conversations, this episode offers both encouragement and conviction for anyone who wants to see their church more closely reflect the heart of Jesus. As Charles Spurgeon famously said, "Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor." Take "The Lost Test" with us and ask the question every church needs to answer: Do we truly love the lost?

Not Many Mighty: Dr. Bill Korver | S3 E6

In this installment of Not Many Mighty, Stan sits down with longtime pastor, church planter, and Bible college president Dr. Bill Korver for a rich conversation about calling, perseverance, humble faithfulness, and the quiet fruit of a life spent serving Christ. From growing up in a blue-collar Christian home in Tulsa… to planting a church while working bi-vocational jobs… to eventually leading Carolina College of Biblical Studies [https://ccbs.edu], Bill shares honest stories about ministry fears, God’s surprising direction, the realities of pastoral life, and the importance of character over charisma. This episode is filled with encouragement for pastors, church leaders, and faithful servants who sometimes wonder if the work is making a difference. Through stories of God’s provision, lessons learned through hardship, and reflections on decades of ministry, Dr. Korver reminds us why steadfast faithfulness still matters. Topics include: * Bi-vocational ministry and church planting * Persevering through discouragement and “friendly fire” * Mentorship and spiritual formation * Why character matters more than giftedness * Learning to trust God’s provision * The long-term fruit of faithful ministry “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing your labor is not in vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 Presented by The Shepherd’s Circle & 6:14 Ministries.

Not Many Mighty: Sam Burchard | S3 E5

In this episode of The Shepherd’s Circle, part of the Not Many Mighty series, Stan sits down with longtime Louisiana pastor Sam Burchard for a candid conversation about calling, ministry formation, and decades of faithful pastoral work. Rooted in 1 Corinthians 1, Not Many Mighty highlights the truth that God often calls the unlikely, the ordinary, and the overlooked to do His work—so that all glory belongs to Him alone. Pastor Sam’s story captures that reality with honesty and humility, tracing his journey from a Christian home and Christian schooling to a growing awareness that personal faith in Christ must be his own, not inherited. In this conversation, Sam shares how his path toward ministry unfolded gradually rather than dramatically—shaped by mentors, unexpected opportunities, and faithful obedience in each season. What began as a desire to teach eventually became a lifetime of pastoral leadership, including over 25 years serving Dry Creek Bible Church. Together, Stan and Sam explore: * Coming to faith when “you realize you don’t have a testimony” * The role of Christian education and influential mentors in shaping a calling * How ministry often develops through faithful steps rather than clear signs * The transition from youth ministry to pastoral leadership * The importance of community, consistency, and showing up week after week * The realities of long-term ministry in a rural church setting * Persevering when every Sunday keeps coming faster than expected With humor, clarity, and hard-earned wisdom, Pastor Sam offers encouragement to young leaders: be faithful where you are, stay teachable, and don’t underestimate how God leads through ordinary obedience over time. Whether you’re in ministry, considering ministry, or simply learning to trust God with your calling, this conversation will ground you, encourage you, and remind you that God is faithful to use what the world overlooks. Presented by 6:14 Ministries.

Not Many Mighty: Sherman Soileau | S3 E4

In the debut episode of our Not Many Mighty segment, Stan sits down with longtime Louisiana pastor Sherman Soileau for an honest, encouraging conversation about ministry, perseverance, prayer, and the faithfulness of God across decades of shepherding people. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 1, Not Many Mighty highlights ordinary men whom God has used in extraordinary ways through humble, faithful service. Pastor Sherman shares his testimony of coming to Christ as a resistant teenager from a Catholic background, sensing God’s call to ministry at Camp Pearl, and serving churches across Louisiana, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, and beyond over a lifetime of pastoral ministry. Along the way, Stan and Sherman discuss: * The value of faithful mentors and older pastors * Why prayer sustains pastors through difficult seasons * The importance of marrying the right woman for ministry * Staying connected to your community * The joys and scars of long-term pastoral ministry * Expository preaching and teaching people to study Scripture for themselves * Seeing generational transformation through the Gospel With wisdom, humor, and decades of experience, Pastor Sherman offers practical encouragement for young pastors, church leaders, and anyone seeking to faithfully follow God’s calling. Whether you’re in ministry, preparing for ministry, or simply looking for encouragement from seasoned saints who have stayed the course, this episode will strengthen your faith and challenge your heart. Presented by 6:14 Ministries. Catch the video version of this Not Many Mighty interview over on our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@614rebuild]. _____________ This episode is sponsored by Rhonda’s Hope — a faith-based women’s recovery ministry in Mobile, Alabama committed to helping women rebuild their lives through stable housing, trauma-informed care, mentorship, life-skills development, accountability, and Christ-centered support. Guided by a deep commitment to dignity, integrity, and long-term restoration, Rhonda’s Hope creates a safe and supportive environment where women can heal, grow, and transition toward independent living. To learn more about Rhonda’s Hope or connect someone in need, contact 6:14 Ministries at 614rebuild@gmail.com or contact Stan directly at stan@614ministries.org

Better Burnout Numbers | S3 E3

Season 3, Episode 3 of The Shepherds Circle tackles a sobering but hopeful reality facing today’s church: pastoral burnout may be declining, but the need for healthy ministry relationships has never been greater. Drawing from new Barna research, Stan, Caleb, Vic, and Josh Hovel discuss the cultural shifts that followed COVID, why fewer pastors are considering leaving ministry, and how friendship, accountability, and authentic connection are helping sustain pastors in difficult seasons. The conversation explores: * The lingering impact of COVID on churches and pastors  * Why relational health is critical for ministry longevity  * The dangers of "lone wolf" ministry  * How churches unintentionally overload pastors * Why simplifying ministry helped many churches refocus on what matters the most * The growing pastoral shortage across the Southeast  * New efforts to train and equip the next generation of ministry leaders __________ This episode is sponsored by Rhonda’s Hope — a faith-based women’s recovery ministry in Mobile, Alabama committed to helping women rebuild their lives through stable housing, trauma-informed care, mentorship, life-skills development, accountability, and Christ-centered support. Guided by a deep commitment to dignity, integrity, and long-term restoration, Rhonda’s Hope creates a safe and supportive environment where women can heal, grow, and transition toward independent living. To learn more about Rhonda’s Hope or connect someone in need, contact 6:14 Ministries at 614rebuild@gmail.com or contact Stan directly at stan@614ministries.org