WV CHOG POD

The mental health crisis is not something happening "out there"—it's happening inside our churches. Pastors are navigating anxiety, depression, grief, burnout, and trauma in their congregations and in their own lives. Many feel overwhelmed, under-resourced, and unsure where pastoral care ends and professional help begins. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Gary Patton—a chapl...

Not everything you need for ministry and faithful living can be learned in a classroom. Some of the most valuable insights come through years of walking with people, navigating real-life struggles, and learning lessons that only experience can teach. In this episode, host Jennie Lawrence sits down with Dr. Gary Patton—a pastor and counselor—and State Pastor Mitchell Burch to explore the practical...

Why do some leaders earn trust quickly while others struggle even when they're saying the right things? Why are some voices heard while others are ignored? In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked dynamics of influence and credibility through the lens of the Power Strategies Model and Social Credibility Model. Joined by Dr. Gary Patton, Mitchell Burch, and Scott Beha, we break down th...

After exploring the theology and practice of intimacy with God, it's time to get real. In this episode, our panel of pastors opens up about their own spiritual journeys, sharing honest stories about the disciplines that have shaped their walks with God. You'll hear which practices first became meaningful in their lives and why, what their current rhythms look like, and how those rhythms...

Knowing that God desires intimacy with us is one thing—but how do we actually pursue it? In this episode, we move from theology to practice, exploring the tangible steps we can take to draw closer to God. We'll discuss where to start when you've felt distant from God, unpack what spiritual disciplines are and how they work, and address the common barriers that keep us from experiencing c...

What does it really mean to be close to God? In this foundational episode, we explore the theological heart of intimacy with God—moving beyond religious knowledge to discover what it means to truly know Him personally. We'll examine key Scripture passages that reveal God's deep desire for relationship with His people and discuss how core Christian doctrines—the Trinity, the covenant, the...