The Shepherds Circle

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

What's Cool These Days | S3 E2

Is the era of the “cool church” coming to an end? In this week’s episode of The Shepherds Circle, we dive into a thought-provoking conversation sparked by insights from Karl Vaters—exploring the rise (and possible decline) of the attractional, mega-church model. Are bigger churches really reaching the unchurched… or just reshuffling believers? Are people still drawn to hype—or are they hungry for something deeper and more authentic? From real-life pastoral stories to eye-opening stats, this episode challenges ministry leaders to rethink what healthy church actually looks like today. ➡️ If you’re serving in a small or mid-sized church, this one will encourage you to stay faithful, stay grounded, and stay focused on what truly matters: discipleship, community, and Spirit-led leadership. 💥 And yes… the now-legendary “sploosh” moment makes another appearance. ___________ 🙏 This episode is sponsored by Kelley & Mullis Wealth Management Inc. An independent investment firm based in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, with over 35 years of experience helping individuals and families plan wisely for the future. Their commitment to long-term stewardship, integrity, and relationship-driven financial guidance makes them a trusted partner for ministry leaders and beyond. ___________ 🎧 Listen now on your favorite platform (including Pandora!) 📲 Like, share, and send this to a pastor or ministry leader who needs the encouragement today.

The Shepherds Summit Goes Sploosh | S3 E1

Season 3, Episode 1 — Shepherds Circle Podcast Welcome to Season 3 of The Shepherds Circle. We’re kicking things off fresh off the Shepherds Summit 2026 with a raw, honest, and deeply encouraging conversation among a room full of small church pastors and ministry leaders reflecting on what God did over the weekend—and what it means for life and ministry moving forward. Hosted by Stan Givens, Caleb Howell, and Victor Herman, this episode captures the real conversations that don’t always make it to a stage: the weight pastors carry, the tension of calling and discouragement, the ongoing challenge of discipleship, and the importance of staying faithful when ministry feels heavy. From laughter-filled moments (yes… we talk about “sploosh”) to deeply vulnerable stories about perseverance, calling, and healing, this episode reminds us that ministry was never meant to be done alone. In this conversation, we'll touch on:  * What God stirred in hearts at the Shepherds Summit 2026 * The hidden burdens pastors carry in small church ministry * Why transparency and vulnerability matter among leaders * The simplicity—and challenge—of making disciples * How social media and modern communication is reshaping ministry outreach * Why endurance in your calling matters more than ever Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or someone walking closely with church leadership, this episode will encourage you, challenge you, and remind you that you are not alone in the work. 🎧🐑 Pull up a chair.🪑You’re in the circle. ________________ 🙏 This episode is sponsored by Kelley & Mullis Wealth Management Inc. A trusted, independent firm based in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, serving individuals and families with a long-term, relationship-first approach to financial stewardship. We’re grateful for their support of pastors and the local church. Learn more at kmwealthmanagement.com [https://kmwealthmanagement.com]