Rethink & Return with Jason Shepperd

This episode covers the distinction between the life that we lived before Christ and the new life we have upon receiving salvation through our faith in Christ. Before Christ, we were enslaved to gods and forces that cannot satisfy. But even in our walk with Jesus, those forces can still present themselves. We must be mindful to not turn back to our old ways and keep our eyes focused on Christ. Web...

This episode covers the difficulties of planting and starting a church. Many people who start do not have the support or resources to grow and sustain a church plant. It is difficulties like these that cause so many church plants across the country to fail. Website: jasonshepperd.com Audio Devotionals: startwith7.com Have Conversations Toward Salvation: goodgodgospel.com Church Project Network: ch...

This episode covers the power of the gift of salvation. Upon our salvation, God gives us His spirit and makes us heirs of Jesus's inheritance. All of the promises of God have been given to us through salvation in Jesus and we will delight in His promises upon His return. Website: jasonshepperd.com Audio Devotionals: startwith7.com Have Conversations Toward Salvation: goodgodgospel.com Church...

This episode covers the difficulties that pastors experience in pastoral leadership. While there there many high points that come from being a pastor, the low points can be painful at times. We should be mindful of these challenges, but continue to seek Christ in our pursuit of unwavering pastoral leadership. Website: jasonshepperd.com Audio Devotionals: startwith7.com Have Conversations Toward Sa...

This episode covers sonship and being adopted as sons and daughters of Christ. While everyone is a creation of God, knitted in their mother's womb, the only way to be a child of God is through faith in Jesus Christ. And within the body of Christ, there is no distinction that carries any relevance. Our identity in Christ levels the ground we all stand on. Website: jasonshepperd.com Audio Devot...

This conversation covers Easter Sunday, where we as a church locally and globally celebrate Jesus's resurrection. The gospel should never get smaller. Rather, we should consistently celebrate and meditate on the mercy and grace of God who sent His son to die and raise from the dead to conquer sin, death, and the grave. Visit goodgodgospel.com to learn more about how to have conversations that...

This episode covers the magnitude of Palm Sunday and the crucifixion of Jesus. God moves people, place, and time to accomplish His plans and we can rest with confidence that God is continuing to draw people near to Himself. Above all, Jesus is better than anything we can pursue on earth. Visit goodgodgospel.com for tools and resources on how you can share the gospel. Website: jasonshepperd.com Aud...

This episode covers the relationship between calling and capacity in leadership and ministry. The conversation explores how personal limitations, divine timing, and community support shape the ability to respond to God’s call. Helpful insights for discerning what is truly meant to be carried in this season of influence and service. Website: jasonshepperd.com Audio Devotionals: startwith7.com Have...

This podcast covers the depth of salvation and teaches Christians how to live out their salvation. It is important for Christians to meditate on their salvation and maintain a sense of wonder and awe about the grandiose of God's radical grace. Because of grace, there is no need to reintroduce the law into one's salvation. Visit goodgodgospel.com to learn more about how you can incorporat...

This episode covers the importance of faith in receiving righteousness, as explained through the example of Abraham and the scriptures, emphasizing that we are all in a deficit and need a credit from God through belief. It highlights that the Gospel reveals a bigger worldview, where relying on works brings a curse, while faith in Christ brings blessing. Ultimately, Christ's power overcomes th...

This episode covers a conversation about church planting, leadership, and discipleship. Together, we reflect on our guest's legacy in church multiplication, the challenges of balancing humility and confidence in leadership, and the importance of empowering other leaders. We also discuss the impact of technology on church communication, the need for ecclesiological clarity, and the ongoing sup...

This episode covers the difference between unbased confidence and wisdom, highlighting the importance of confidence rooted in Christ’s revelation and the Scriptures. It explores Christ's crucifixion as the intersection of life and death and emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s role in salvation and spiritual growth. The episode stresses staying grounded in Scripture and recognizing the ongoing grace...

This episode covers the importance of having clear cultural values and axioms to guide an organization. The discussion includes the concept of the "last best thing" and the need to be open to the "next best thing" rather than clinging to the status quo. Additionally, the episode emphasizes the importance of saying "no" until the right "yes" is found, and the...

The podcast covers the importance of creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture, using the example of a local church. The key principles include size, speed, and strength; reducing and refining; and having open conversations to align everyone with the culture. Culture is not just about stated values, but the actual behaviors and expectations that become ingrained in an organization....

This episode covers the importance of believing solely in Jesus for salvation. To add or take away from the grace that Jesus has given us for salvation is a direct contradiction to the Lordship of Jesus Christ for salvation. Grace is the lens by which we don't continue in sin. Rather, it is a proper understanding of grace that leads us to confession and repentance.  Website: jasonshepperd.com...

This episode covers the confrontation between Paul and Peter in Galatians 2:11-14, highlighting the tension between truth and fear in leadership. The discussion unpacks the importance of standing firm in the gospel, handling conflict with grace, and resisting the pressure to conform. Join us as we explore how these biblical principles apply to modern faith, leadership, and church community. Websit...

This episode covers the challenges of church leadership, the importance of humility, and the dangers of comparison within ministry. The hosts share their personal experiences of navigating growth, conviction, and the value of local accountability in a church setting. With candid insights, they explore the need for authentic discipleship and the vital role of partnership across different church mod...

The speakers discuss the importance of "good God gospel" conversations, emphasizing that these opportunities arise naturally through prayer and daily interactions, and should be led by the Holy Spirit with sensitivity. They stress that the gospel should remain simple—salvation through grace alone—and warn against adding unnecessary rituals or works. Finally, they highlight the need for b...

This episode covers the challenges and rewards of starting and scaling a church, from humble beginnings to seeing it grow and adapt over time. We dive into the personal experiences of church planters who have navigated multiple phases of growth, including handing off leadership and ensuring long-term success. Join us as we share insights and lessons learned from planting churches, training leaders...

This episode covers the power of personal revelation in salvation, emphasizing that salvation comes not from human effort or tradition, but from a direct revelation of Jesus Christ. We explore the importance of obedience and sharing the gospel, how being "known" is not the key to kingdom impact, and why personal time alone with God is essential for spiritual growth. Ultimately, we’re rem...

This episode covers the challenges of both starting and staying in ministry. The discussion highlights how beginning can be tough, while the true difficulty often lies in a sustained effort required over time. Insights are shared on how a strong start can make staying easier, but the decision to continue is ultimately driven by a deeper sense of purpose. Website: jasonshepperd.com Audio Devotional...

This episode covers the purity of the gospel and the danger of adding or adjusting its message. We explore Paul's warning in Galatians 1:6-10 against those who pervert the gospel for the approval of man and its consequences. In a world of confusion, we are reminded to hold firm to the true gospel as the only way to salvation, and to boldly proclaim it without compromise. Website: jasonshepper...

This episode covers the sanctification of pastoral leadership, exploring how the pain of leadership shapes and refines a pastor’s character. It discusses the accountability required for growth, the humbling process of public leadership, and how embracing the challenges of ministry can deepen one’s relationship with God and others. The episode emphasizes that through pain, God's grace sustains...

This episode covers the radical nature of salvation and the central themes of Galatians, highlighting Paul’s passionate defense of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. It explores how God calls and empowers ordinary people for extraordinary purposes, urging believers to embrace their role in the gospel movement and the local church. The episode emphasizes the importance of grace, surrender...

Welcome to the Rethink and Return Podcast! If you are a church leader looking to redefine the essence of pastoral leadership rooted in the early church and scripture, then this podcast episode is for you! Join us in the latest episode of the Rethink and Return Podcast, where Nils Smith and Jason Shepperd talk about creating ministry partnerships. Listen to learn why partnering with different organ...