The Shepherds Network Podcast

In this powerful and practical episode of the Shepherds Podcast, Pastor Jordan Carter sits down with Pastors Rachel and Steve Mawston to explore the biblical and spiritual reality of impartation—how God uses people to strengthen, activate, and stir spiritual gifts in others. Rooted in passages like Romans 1:11–12 and 2 Timothy 1:6–7, this episode unpacks the role of the laying on of hands, the wor...

In this episode, Pastor John Carter sits down with Bible scholar, Pastor Keith Trump, of Trump of God Ministries for a timely conversation on why strong biblical theology is essential for healthy, Spirit-filled church communities. Together, they explore how sound doctrine and the work of the Holy Spirit function in harmony, how theology safeguards spiritual experiences, and how pastors can cultiva...

In this episode recorded live during our Shepherds Network Connect event, Pastors John Carter and Pastor Willie George of Church on the Move in Tulsa, OK explore what it really takes to build momentum in ministry—not just for a season, but for the long haul. From setting measurable goals to strengthening your faith walk, we talk about the practical and the personal. You’ll hear how to overcome com...

In the last part of this two-part episode, Pastors John and Lisa Carter continue to unpack Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13:47–48. What does it look like when the Kingdom net brings in “fish of every kind”? How can pastors and leaders prepare their hearts, teams, and churches to welcome, disciple, and lead people who don’t all look the same or come from the same background? This conversation is all ab...

In the first part of this two-part episode, Pastors John and Lisa Carter unpack Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13:47–48 and what it means for pastors leading in today’s diverse and ever-changing culture. This conversation is all about embracing diversity with wisdom, grace, and gospel clarity.

Before the sermon is spoken, something deeper must happen—the heart of the shepherd must be aligned with the heart of God. In this episode, Pastor John Carter and longtime ministry friends, Pastors Kelly and Gina Lynnes explore how prayer is more than a pre-sermon ritual—it’s the spiritual preparation that fuels power, clarity, and compassion from the pulpit. Join us as we talk with pastors about...

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Dr. Brandi Ginty dive into what it really means to preach beyond Sunday. Together, they explore how pastors can craft and communicate messages that don’t just inspire in the moment—but build lasting, life-giving community throughout the week. From sermon design to practical follow-through, this conversation will help you take your preaching from pulpit to pe...

In this episode, Pastor John Carter talks with Pastor Rich Longden of East Coast Believers Church in Lake Nona, FL who successfully built a 2-year Bible college program designed to equip and launch ministry leaders right from within the local church. Rooted in Ephesians 4:11–12, this conversation unpacks the vision, strategy, and practical steps for developing a leadership pipeline that prepares p...

In this episode, Pastor Ken Chapman and Mark Haywood of Marvelous Way, Int. take a fresh look at the changing face of global missions. As culture shifts and technology closes the gap between nations, missionaries are being called to do more than deliver food, water, and supplies—they’re also stepping into the work of emotional healing and soul care. Join us as we explore what it means to reimagine...

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Decarto Draper of Tucker Missionary Baptist Church discuss the relationship between pastors serving in the same community. It is important to appreciate both the similarities and differences within the local church and learn how to work together to better serve the community they are called to reach for the Kingdom of God.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastors Steve and Rachel Mawston of Soul Church UK explore how to activate and guide the use of spiritual gifts in the church body as pastors.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Tim Ross, founder of the popular podcast The Basement—a nationally acclaimed podcast with over 350,000 followers—discuss the lessons and challenges with transition in ministry. Their discussion highlights the importance of serving with humility, navigating leadership changes with integrity, and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Lee Wilson of Lee Wilson Ministries discuss the interesting and fragile balance of transitioning staff members well into their next season of life and ministry.

In the second part of this two-part episode, Pastor John Carter and his long-time friend, Pastor Gina Lynnes of Lynnes Ministries, discuss how to build a culture of prayer in our churches.

In the first part of this two-part episode, Pastor John Carter and his long-time friend, Pastor Gina Lynnes of Lynnes Ministries, discuss the power of prayer in the shepherds' lives.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Chris Folwell, founder of Love + Lead, discuss the practical and personal strategies that help shepherds to both choose and become better executive pastors.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Chad Aukland of INJOY Stewardship Solutions discuss how pastors can strategically and successfully raise resources for vision as they lead their congregations through seasons of change.

Live Q & A during Shepherd's Network Conference.

In this two-part episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor Wayne Francis, lead pastor of The Life Church's New York City location and co-founder of the podcast Leadership in Black and White, discuss the challenges of living in a culture that often opposes Christian faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. Together, they share practical ways to navigate these cultural pressures, create environments wher...

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Dr. Brandi Ginty of Inkible discuss the spiritual disciplines that every shepherd needs to prioritize in their personal and professional lives. The Bible is very clear that neglecting our spiritual disciplines has a negative ripple effect in our lives. This episode focuses on knowing what those spiritual disciplines are and how to maintain them.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Pastor David Winston, pastor of Go Hard for Christ Youth Ministry at Living Word Christian Center, director of Bill Winston Ministries, of Living Word Christian Center in Forrest Park, IL, and best-selling author of the book, Authentic, discuss how pastors practice healthy vulnerability as they seek to live their lives authentically as the shepherds God has...

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and his oldest son, Pastor Jordan Carter, discuss what it is like to raise your kids in ministry and later navigate the transition to doing ministry together alongside them.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Dr. Brandi Ginty discuss how to have cross-cultural conversations as shepherds, in a world where it feels like everyone is shouting to be heard. How do we as pastors engage in constructive conversations over cultural issues, especially when we may not agree with the person across the table from us?

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Dr. Brandi Ginty discuss why pastors need pastors. In this day and age, it is incredibly important that every shepherd can identify a leader in their life who serves as their Pastor - someone they are accountable to, someone they can call when they have questions, and someone they can turn to when they need help.

In this episode, Pastor John Carter talks with his wife, Pastor Lisa Carter, co-founder and senior Pastor at Abundant Life Church. Together, they discuss the realities that face shepherds who do life together in marriage and in ministry. The unique relationship that exists between shepherds and their spouses and the demands that they face can create complications and challenges that affect the bal...