DoorWays® Ministry Podcast

Imagine this, you're an accomplished musician. You sing, you play the piano, you lead a worship team, direct your choir, you write music. You even have the opportunity to conduct a symphony orchestra as a guest conductor. You really love ministry and your future seems headed in the right direction. But then the time comes when you start feeling a little bit unsettled and a big question grows...

Karol Miller understands grief because of how it has impacted her life. On this episode, we share about grief and loss and how hope can shape the grieving process. We also discuss the feelings of loneliness and sadness that often accompany grief, as well as the anger and regret that can arise. Join us as we point to the importance of turning to God for help and comfort during the grieving process.

In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast, Ric Shields interviews Jack Hayhurst, owner and director of Hayhurst Funeral Home. They discuss the importance of advanced planning for end-of-life arrangements, including the benefits of discussing wishes with family members ahead of time. Hayhurst shares his personal experience growing up in a funeral home and his belief that his work is...

Vicki LaFave is an associate chaplain at two hospitals in Tulsa, OK. On this episode of FINAL THINGS: Final Breaths, Vicki shares: "For some families, death is super hard to talk about. And it's like, 'If we don't talk about it, it won't happen. So, let's just don't ever have those conversations.'" One thing I would say is, "Do not avoid those impo...

Pastor Phil Taylor and Ric Shields discuss the inevitability of death and how Christians should prepare for it, emphasizing that death is not an end, but a transformation into eternal life in the presence of God. They conclude by urging listeners to trust in God and find peace in the knowledge that death is the door that leads to his presence.

In the podcast episode of Final Things , Ric Shields and Pastor Phil Taylor discuss the topic of dealing with terminal illness from a Christian perspective. They explore the balance between maintaining faith and hope for healing, while also acknowledging the reality of the situation. They discuss the potential harm in ignoring the reality of a terminal diagnosis, and the importance of being able t...

The DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast is currently running a series called "Final Things" , which discusses topics related to end-of-life planning and experiences. In the current episode, Reverend Phil Taylor joins Ric Shields to discuss a biblical perspective on death and dying, the concept of a "good death", and the role of faith and grace in healing and death. They also emp...

In this episode, Ric Shields interviews Dr. Ed Rylander, a board-certified physician in family medicine and hospice and palliative care, about the topic of hospice care. Dr. Rylander explains that hospice care is a misunderstood program that provides essential support to terminally ill patients and their families. He outlined the roles of the hospice team, which includes a nurse, chaplain, social...

It can be challenging to communicate with terminally ill patients and their families. Dr. Ed Rylander emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication, even when discussing difficult topics like death. He also discusses the role of faith in patients' understanding of their condition, stating that faith and medical facts are not mutually exclusive.

In this episode, host Ric Shields and guest Mike Shipman discuss the importance of pre-planning for end-of-life matters. Shields emphasizes the need for individuals to prepare themselves and their families for their eventual passing, and the importance of discussing final arrangements. Shipman, a certified senior advisor, aftercare administrator, and benefits professional, shares his expertise on...

You don’t have to have a Last Will & Testament when you die. Your state of residence would likely prefer that you don’t. But your family will suffer the additional loss of a significant portion of your estate in addition to losing your presence in their lives. Planning ahead is part of planning to help. Join us as we discuss avoiding probate and other strategies to most effectively help those...

Chris and Amy Hales served for 10 years as church planting missionaries in Prague, Czech Republic. They discuss their journey to Prague, the challenges they faced in a predominantly atheist country, and the eventual establishment of their church, "Heart Prague." The Hales also share their plans to start a new church in Liverpool, England, under the banner of "Heart Europe." The...

Mike McGee, M.D., devotes his full-time time to pastoring Happy Acres Cowboy Church. He shares his journey from being a surgeon in Tulsa, OK to serving as a missionary in Nigeria and how his experiences there deeply impacted him. McGee also discusses his work in Niger, where he helped improve healthcare delivery by providing tools, training, and a morale boost to the medical community in that nati...

Dr. Tim Hatcher and Lynley Hatcher have served with Wycliffe Bible translators for 25 years. Hatcher shares the profound impact of translating the Bible into a language that people can understand. He discusses the importance of language in understanding God's love, the challenges of working with different languages, and the role of artificial intelligence in the translation process. Hatcher a...

Trent & Tina Morrow have served as missionaries in Uruguay for the past 24 years. Trent shares about their work in children's ministry, their involvement with Teen Challenge, a drug and life controlling addiction rehab program, and their recent work in prison ministry. Trent discusses the challenges and successes they've experienced. He also shares about the unique cultural and relig...

On this episode, Mary Kay Blum discusses her role as a pastoral counselor and explains how Agape Hope provides counseling and care for pastors, ministers, and missionaries from various organizations, churches and evangelical denominations. Blum also discusses the common reasons for pastors or ministers to seek help, including trauma, unresolved grief, and communication difficulties.  Mary Kay conc...

Brent and Shelley Teague have served a missionaries in Africa since 1995. In this episode, Brent discusses the challenges and needs of the African continent, particularly in Niger, one of the neediest countries in the world.  He also highlights the vastness of Africa, its diverse ethnic groups and languages, and the significant growth of Christianity, especially in English-speaking regions. Howeve...

Lauren Plute, a former resident of Central Asia, now works with the ministry "Say Hello." Lauren shares the story of Hannah, a Muslim woman, who after living in the US for eight and a half years finally heard about Jesus through a co-worker. Lauren emphasizes that anyone can share their faith, not just pastors or missionaries. The "Say Hello" ministry offers free resources on t...

Lauren Plute and her family spent seven years in Central Asia and now work with a ministry called “Say Hello.” The ministry aims to equip and encourage Christian women globally to build genuine, respectful, and Christ-centered friendships with Muslims. Lauren emphasizes the importance of seeing Muslims as individuals made in God's image and not letting fear or prejudice hinder relationships....

Jeff Walker believes the current generation of youth and young adults are world changers and is excited about the future of youth ministry. That’s not to say there are fewer challenges today than when he began nearly 28 years ago. While many things have changed, some remain constant. Kids still need love, consistency, and genuine care. Join us as we discuss youth ministry; now, and in the days to...

In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast, Ric Shields talks with his wife, Sheila, and Rachel Middleton about Simply Sisters®, a ministry established in 2012. Led by women, Simply Sisters® reaches out to other women in life-altering circumstances such as miscarriages, divorces, cancer diagnoses, or the loss of a friend or loved one. They provide encouragement through giving basket...

Fifteen years ago, Nathan Smith and his parents opened their home for a worship night. What they didn’t know is that they were homesteaders, and their living room would become a house church. With his YouTube channel The Worship Homestead, Nathan provides resources to empower and equip others. He shares important tips for those who are leading an established house church and for those who may wish...

In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast, Ric Shields interviews Dr. Daniel Isgrigg, a Pentecostal historian and associate professor at Oral Roberts University. They discuss the unique challenges faced by pastors of average-sized churches, which typically have between 50 to 200 attendees. Isgrigg shares his experiences of managing expectations, resources, and infrastructure in a s...

In this episode of the DoorWays Ministry Network podcast, host Ric Shields interviews Dr. Daniel Isgrigg, a Pentecostal historian and associate professor at Oral Roberts University. They discuss Isgrigg's book, "The Average Pastor", which encourages pastors of smaller churches. Isgrigg shares his journey from being a children's pastor to leading a church, and the challenges he...

In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast, host Ric Shields interviews Leonard and Theresa Mares, who have been serving in the children's ministry at Thrive Church in Colorado for 27 years. The couple discusses their journey into children's ministry, the challenges they faced, and the importance of nurturing children's spiritual lives. They also share their personal...