The Shepherds Circle

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. 

Five pastors discuss how summer youth and children's camps benefit their church families, ministry efforts, and personal lives. — Part 2 

Five pastors discuss how summer youth and children's camps benefit their church families, ministry efforts, and personal lives. 

Stan & the guys discuss pastoral codependency and methods for breaking the habit with a look at the question: "How dependent on you is your church and how well can your church function without you?"  We'll look at why it's not healthy for the pastor to do everything for the church and in the church, how to break the cycle, tips for helping your church give you time away, an...

Stan & the guys discuss the importance of staying curious and staying sharp in pastoral ministry — reading books, listening to podcasts, and more. 

This week in the circle, Stan and the guys discuss how to encourage and equip your flock through your preaching, what the evidence of spiritual growth really looks like, and much more. 

Stan and the guys round out the pastor's table talks with more laughter, tips for relaxation and stress relief, pastoral advice, and much more. 

Fun, Favorite Verses, Nothing Wasted — This is part 2 of our pastoral roundtable discussion. Topics include: family, ministry, pastoral life, signs and affirmations, kids stories, protein, God efficiency, and much more! 

Laughter, Tears, Triumphs, and Trials. — Six pastors share personal stories and their hearts for ministry in roundtable, campfire chat-style setting. 

Stan and the guys discuss three questions that you can ask your active members and cover topics like discipleship, equipping, developing, leadership, evangelism, family discipleship, goal setting, spiritual growth, and more. 

Stan and the guys discuss:  Limiting the church's personality  Ideas to get the church talking  Making guests matter  Sheep nuggets  Church connections  Tying stories together  Equipping the saints  Preaching too long  Converts outside the church 

Stan and the guys discuss:  Protecting your ministry from pride  Dominate leadership issues  Limiting ministry effectiveness  Body Life  Bi-vocational pastors  A little PG-13 fun from Song of Solomon 

Stan and the guys discuss some recent stats from Barna, think through modern faith struggles, and touch on Southern Baptists and core values.