The Shepherds Circle

This week in the circle, Stan and Victor sit down with 6:14 Communications Director Josh Givens to talk about a topic many pastors are beginning to wrestle with: the growing role of A.I., social media, and the church’s digital presence . Josh shares why he believes every church—especially small churches—needs to think carefully about what he calls “the digital front door.” For many people today, a...

Jesus gave clear instructions to His disciples regarding who would plant the churches that Jesus would "build." The process is one-to-one and works effectively if we do not get too distracted or create too many plans around the plan Jesus gave us.  In today's episode, we want to remind our pastors and lay leaders that we are called to make disciples and help our disciples make disci...

This week in the circle, Stan and the guys talk false believers among the saints, what to do with them, and why a lot of people think they are saved based on cultural values rather than Scriptural truth.  Church can be messy — and no, we're not talking about the nursery or the pastor's office. This episode addresses the varieties of people we minister to within our churches and how God w...

This week in the circle, Stan sits down with Hurley Baptist Church Lead Pastor Lance Sudduth to discuss training up the next generation of leaders from within the walls of the local church, particularly small churches. The guys will chat about Lance's vision that is already stretching across Mississippi with over 100 men learning practical ministry skills.  Stay tuned to the end of the episod...

This week in the circle: Stan and the guys have some fun with a short discussion about the upcoming Shepherds Summit [March 26-28] and what topics you can expect to encounter there.  Here's a little of what you have to look forward to in session topics:  1) "A.I. and the Digital Front Door: How Pastors Can Use A.I. and Social Media Wisely [Without Selling Your Soul or Losing Your Sanity]...

This week in the circle: Stan and the guys discuss the need to keep church services active, aware, and alert in the current climate of our country — when potential protests can become seemingly large disruptions. Should you send your church members home in the midst of protests or should you tell protestors to leave your property? We'll tackle that and more in this very timely discussion.   A...

This week in the circle: Stan & the guys discuss a recent article from BARNA research that highlights the friendship gap in pastoral life:  Strong Marriages, Strained Friendships. Over 90 percent of pastors report strong marriages—but two in five feel lonely, and just one in three have a trusted confidant outside church. [BARNA]  Relational Health Lags Behind Other Areas. Despite high scores i...

This week in the circle, Stan and the guys discuss multiple aspects of what it meant for Pastor Victor Herman to go on "cruise control." 

Season 2, Episode 15: Planning Your Year After a brief December break, Stan and the guys are back around the table for a timely and practical conversation about planning the year ahead in ministry. In this episode, they talk through how to thoughtfully plan Bible book studies and sermon series, shape meaningful ministry themes, and prepare well for key moments like Easter, Christmas, and outreach...

This week in the circle, Stan and the guys discuss the things that make ministry heavy for pastors and share Scriptures and encouragement to help lighten the load. 

Stan and the guys tackle the importance of networking with other pastors for fellowship and support. 

This week in the circle, Stan and the guys chat with Northside Bible Church elder Josh Hovel about the marks of a healthy church member as they relate to receiving the Word of God. 

What do booty dances, baptism swims, nuclear sirens, women's slips, and Dawn soap all have in common? Stan is back with 10 pastors from our Louisiana network and several stories that help us remember ministry can be fun and funny. 

This week in the circle, Stan continues his discussion with 10 pastors from our Louisiana network (over 400 years of combined experience) and together they cover:  Topics they're teaching and why  Advice for young pastors  The importance of taking personal time for family 

This week in the circle, Stan sits down with 10 pastors from our Louisiana network (over 400 years of combined experience) and together they cover everything from loneliness in ministry to good things happening in local churches and much more.  Part one of a three part conversation. 

This week in the circle, Stan wraps out Real Talk With Mississippi Ministers with discussion topics that include everything from wisdom, advice, and personal testimonies to Strange, Weird & Wonderful Stories that include hornets, bats, kids throwing up, and foreign funeral practices. There's never a dull moment on the Shepherds Circle!  Part three of a three-part discussion. 

This week in the circle, Stan is joined once again by Pastors Caleb Howell (Howell Baptist), Branden Rogers (Midway Baptist), Lance Sudduth (Hurley Baptist), Malcolm Thorpe (Moselle Methodist Church), and Dean Box (Tanners Chapel). Together with over 140 years of combined ministry experience, the guys cover: advice on finding rest, feeding sheep, handling spiritual paraplegics, and much more!  Oth...

This week in the circle, Stan is joined by Pastors Caleb Howell (Howell Baptist), Branden Rogers (Midway Baptist), Lance Sudduth (Hurley Baptist), Malcolm Thorpe (Moselle Methodist Church), and Dean Box (Tanners Chapel). Together, the guys cover everything from ministry challenges, church membership, and personal struggles to accountability, Scriptural encouragement, and much more!  Part one of an...

This week in the circle Stan and the guys revisit the Charlie Kirk memorial service, what it means for the nation, how his death is impacting local and small churches, and the influence and effect he has had on pastors and ministry leaders. Together they reflect on trends vs. spiritual movements and how pastors should be responding in this exciting time. 

This is the story of The Ridge, a thriving church that launched in 2025 in the poorest county in Mississippi. It began with them admitting they were "dead." With the help of a pastor who led them 40 years ago, things began to change. Here is the magnificent story of how God is rebuilding this church to bless the local and surrounding communities.  The Ridge Complete In Christ

Stan wraps out his conversation with Rob Laughter — Director of Summit Online at The Summit Church in Raleigh, NC. Rob is not only a ministry leader, but also the co-host of the AI Creative Podcast and founder of The AI Collaborative. He’s passionate about helping leaders like YOU leverage A.I. tools to boost creativity, productivity, and Kingdom impact. 

Stan & the guys discuss the recent Charlie Kirk tragedy in a special episode. 

Season 2 of The Shepherd's Circle is here and we're kicking things off with a very special guest. If you don’t think you’re using AI… you are.  Rob Laughter —  Director of Summit Online at The Summit Church in Raleigh, NC — joins The Shepherd’s Circle to demystify AI for small-church pastors—what it is, how to use it ethically, and how to save hours each week without outsourcing your sou...

Stan and Karl discuss upcoming trends in ministries and pastoral roles and offer encouragement to those serving in local churches. 

Stan and the guys discuss the importance of remembering to honor longtime seniors in your church as well as ways to honor servant leaders.