Shepherd's Heart Podcast

In this message, Pastor Richard Marks reminds us that God’s goodness isn’t defined by our expectations, but by His unchanging character. When doubt and disappointment try to distort how we see God, this teaching points us back to truth, trust, and the steady goodness revealed through Jesus.

In this message, Pastor Dennis teaches that goodness grows naturally when we remain connected to Jesus. Using the imagery of vines, trees, and soil, he shows how fruit reveals what’s happening beneath the surface and invites us to cultivate hearts that produce lasting, God-honoring fruit.

In this message, Pastor Richard Marks teaches that biblical peace is an inward tranquility in the midst of chaos. Through the story of Gideon and the words of Jesus, we’re reminded that peace doesn’t come from eliminating chaos — it comes from guarding what we allow inside and trusting the presence of God.

In Part 5 of Fruit of the Spirit, Pastor Richard Marks teaches what true joy is — not a feeling, but a spiritual strength rooted in God’s presence. Through Philippians and Nehemiah, he shows how joy is restored when we shift our focus, confront anxious thoughts with prayer, and anchor our minds in truth. If you need your joy renewed, this message will encourage and lift you.

In this episode, Pastor Richard Marks teaches on the fruit of patience, reminding us that waiting isn’t wasted. Like a farmer waiting for the harvest, we learn to trust God’s timing, stay steady in prayer, and persevere even when answers seem delayed. If you’re in a season of waiting, this message will encourage your heart and point you back to the One who never stops working.

In this message, Shepherd's Hear Worship Leader, Sundi Jo Graham, unpacks the true meaning of gentleness — not weakness, but power under control . Using Scripture, personal stories, and the Greek word prautēs , she shows that gentleness is already inside every believer and grows as we stay connected to Jesus. This episode will challenge how you see strength, identity, and what it means to refl...

In this message, Pastor Richard Marks teaches the difference between worldly love and biblical love — a love that isn’t driven by feelings but by action. If you’ve ever wondered what real love looks like in everyday life, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

Welcome to a brand-new series at Shepherd’s Heart: Fruit of the Spirit . In a world constantly chasing what fades, the Holy Spirit invites us into something deeper—something that actually lasts. He doesn’t begin by fixing our behavior; He begins by transforming our hearts from the inside out. This introductory message sets the foundation for the whole journey. We’ll talk about how the Spirit produ...

In the final message of our Psalm 23 series, Pastor Richard shares from Psalm 23:5 and Psalm 45:6–8 , showing us the beauty of an overflowing life in the hands of our Shepherd. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” — Psalm 23:5 (ESV) God doesn’t just meet our needs — He exceeds them. The anointing of the Shepherd represents au...

This week’s message at Shepherd’s Heart features a powerful testimony from the Trimble family , sharing how God is doing immeasurably more in their daughter Opal’s life . Drawing from Ephesians 3:20 , the Trimbles remind us that God’s power is still at work today—healing, restoring, and writing stories of redemption. Whether you’re believing for a miracle or just need a reminder that God is faithf...

In Part 3 of our Psalm 23 series, Shepherd’s Heart Worship Team member Colton Matney walks us through verses 4–5 and reminds us that we serve a Shepherd who is not distant — He is with us. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You...

In Part 2 of our series on Psalm 23 , we take a closer look at verses 2–4 — where green pastures meet deep valleys. The Lord doesn’t just lead us beside still waters; He walks with us through the darkest shadows. The Hebrew word ṣalmāvet means deep darkness , yet even there, His presence brings peace. No matter what valley you’re walking through, you don’t walk it alone.

In this message, we begin our journey through Psalm 23 , one of the most beloved passages in the Bible. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” These aren’t just words on a page — they are a reminder that God Himself leads, restores, and provides for His people. Drawing from Psalm 23:1–6 and 2 Corinthians 12:9, we discover what it means to find strength in weakness, restoration in His presenc...

This week in The Art of Peopling , we go back to the Garden to understand God’s original design for authority—and how Jesus came to restore what sin tried to steal. If you want to walk in divine authority, you need three things: Relationship with God. Alignment with God. And the courage to use what He’s given you. It’s time to reverse the curse and live like you were created to—free, bold, and ful...

In Part 3 of Loving the Hard to Love , Pastor Richard continues exploring Jesus’ bold and compassionate interaction with the Samaritan woman in John 4 . Jesus sat at her table, spoke hard truth with grace, and offered living water that would change her life—and the lives of many in her city. This message challenges us to do the same: to love boldly, speak honestly, and never underestimate the powe...

In this week’s message from our Art of Peopling series, Pastor Richard continues the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4:7–15), reminding us that people are thirsty—and only Jesus can satisfy . The world offers saltwater that looks refreshing but leaves us emptier than before. Jesus offers living water that transforms hearts. This message will challenge you to see people as God sees the...

In this message, Leslie Crouse challenges us to tear down the cultural and religious walls that divide us. Drawing from Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman and passages like Galatians 3 and Ephesians 2, we’re reminded that true unity comes through worshiping in Spirit and truth—and seeing others as the Father sees them.

In this week’s message, Pastor Richard unpacks what it means to love people who are difficult to love. Using John 4 and Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, we’re challenged to step out of our comfort zones, find common ground, and love like Christ—even when it’s hard. Unity isn’t tested with the easy ones—it’s proven when we love the hard-to-love.

In Part 6 of "The Art of Peopling," Pastor Richard dives into the topic of Emotional Strongholds—the thought patterns, beliefs, and hidden wounds that keep us in bondage and block us from walking in the freedom Christ offers. 💥 Topics Covered:What is an emotional stronghold and how does it form? Why identifying the root is essential for healingThe importance of confession, repentance, a...

In this powerful message, Worship Leader Sundi Jo Graham shares the raw, redemptive truth about forgiveness. If you want true freedom in Christ, you must forgive. No loopholes. No shortcuts. Sundi Jo walks us through Scripture and deeply personal stories—showing that forgiveness isn’t just about healing others, it’s about healing ourselves. Whether you’re struggling to forgive someone else or your...

In Week 4 of The Art of Peopling, Pastor Dennis shares a powerful message titled “Going the Second Mile”, based on Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:38–48. In Week 4 of The Art of Peopling, Pastor Dennis shares a powerful message titled “Going the Second Mile”, based on Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:38–48.🛑 The first mile is obligation.✨ The second mile is a miracle. Jesus calls us beyond what’s expec...

In Week 3 of our sermon series The Art of Peopling, we explore “Compassion” through the powerful lens of Luke 10:30 37—but with a fresh perspective. Jesus doesn’t just show compassion to the victim—but also to the thieves, the priest, and the Levite. This week’s message asks:🔹 What if compassion isn’t based on behavior—but driven by love?🔹 What if the Church’s compassion could change lives—even...

In Week 2 of our sermon series The Art of Peopling, Pastor Richard dives into a powerful and personal message titled "Why We Fight", based on James 4:1 4.So why do we fight?✅ Because our passions are at war within us.✅ Because we expect others to meet needs only God can fulfill.✅ Because we ask with selfish motives. We often carry unhealed wounds from the past, unrealistic expectation...

In this new sermon series, "The Art of Peopling," at Shepherd’s Heart Church, we kicked it off talking about preserving unity. “God Creates Unity…We Just Preserve It." Pastor Richard unpacks what it means to live in unity as the body of Christ—how God has already created unity, and it’s our responsibility to preserve it.

In this powerful message, Makenzie Burtless, Children’s Director at Shepherd’s Heart Church in Branson, Missouri, shares a passionate word on raising up the next generation to boldly live out their faith. Makenzie challenges kids, teens, and adults alike to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Drawing from her personal journey in student ministry and stories from Scripture—l...