On this episode of the Thriving In Ministry podcast, we interview Dr. Anthony Svajda on how to create margin, avoid burnout, and lead effectively. Anthony uses a scuba-diving analogy to explain the different pressures many church leaders can face while pastoring.  Anthony Svajda BioDr. Anthony Svajda is the Lead Pastor of Harvey Baptist Church in Stephenville, Texas. A graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Anthony has held a number of roles in churches throughout Texas. Anthony and his wife Kristen have two children and while not leading his church, he enjoys cycling through Central Texas. I’m Kyle Willis, Founder of Talanton Church Services, and as always Dr. Dace Clifton, from DailyPastor.com and also a pastor from Texas. Pastor Anthony Svajda welcome to the Thriving in Ministry podcast! Verse of the DayPhilippians 1:6"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Websites and Other LinksThe Church is Not Dead and We are Not Done Book - AmazonAnthony Svajda - Website Anthony Svajda - TwitterDaily Pastor Online ContentTalanton Church ServicesSow and Tether Music

Thriving in Ministry | Daily Pastor

Scuba Diving in the Pastorate | Anthony Svajda

On this episode of the Thriving In Ministry podcast, we interview Craig T. Owens about his new book Shepherd Leadership: The Metrics That Really Matter. If you want to be entered to win a FREE autographed copy of his book, share this episode on social media using the hashtag #ShepherdLeadershipBook and send a screenshot to thedailypastor@gmail.com to enter.  Notable Quotable"Only secure people can serve. Insecure people do not like to put themselves in a servant&apos;s posture because they think that people are looking down on them or people are going to treat them poorly." "You cannot give to others what you do not possess yourself. If you want a healthy flock, you as the shepherd leader must get healthy first." Craig T. Owens BioCraig T. Owens is the Pastor of Calvary Assemblies of God Church in Cedar Springs, Michigan. Craig graduated from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he met his wife Betsy over 35 years ago. In addition to being a pastor, he co-hosts “The Greg and Craig Show” Maximize Leadership podcast and is the author of the new book, Shepherd Leadership: The Metrics That Really Matter, which released yesterday September 28th, 2021. I’m Kyle Willis, Founder of Talanton Church Services, and as always Dr. Dace Clifton, from DailyPastor.com and also a pastor from Texas. Pastor Craig T. Owens welcome to the Thriving in Ministry podcast! Verse of the DayJohn 13: 3-5"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples&apos; feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." Websites and Other LinksShepherd Leadership Book - AmazonCraig T. Owens - WebsiteCraig T. Owens - Twitter Daily Pastor Online ContentTalanton Church ServicesSow and Tether Music

Shepherd Leadership | Pastor Craig T Owens

On this episode of the Thriving in Ministry podcast, we interview Mike Fritscher on how to live a marriage that will leave a legacy. Pastor BioMike Fritscher is the pastor of Cottonwood. Mike has been the pastor of Cottonwood since 1986. Under his leadership Cottonwood has grow from a small rural church to a dynamic community of faith impacting the local community and world. Verse of the DayEphesians 5: 25-30 (ESV) - "Husbands, love your wive, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body." Notable Quotable"I wanted to be the same guy in the parsonage, as I was in the pulpitl" - Mike FritscherLinksDaily Pastor Online ContentTalanton Church ServicesSow and Tether MusicCottonwood Life

Marriage as a Legacy | Mike Fritscher

On today’s episode of the Thriving in Ministry podcast, we interview Mark Dance on how to create margin, avoid burnout, and lead effectively in ministry.Notable Quotable"Pastors belong to the only profession that requires you to win both at work and at home.""Every pastor gets tired; every pastor gets burned out. Everybody gets depressed to a point, but when you stay there for more than a couple weeks, then you have a problem." Dr. Mark Dance BioMark Dance is the Director of Pastoral Development for Oklahoma Baptists, as well as the Executive Director of Care4Pastors. Mark Dance previously served as a senior pastor for 28 years before becoming an associate vice president at LifeWay in 2014. Mark studied at Howard Payne University, and both Southwestern and Southern Baptist Theological Seminaries and currently resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mark and his wife Janet have two adult children and when not encouraging pastors, Mark enjoys writing, traveling, and hunting. I’m Kyle Willis, Founder of Talanton Church Services, and as always Dr. Dace Clifton, from DailyPastor.com and also a pastor from Texas. Pastor Mark Dance welcome to the Thriving in Ministry podcast! Verse of the Day1 Timothy 4:16"Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers."Websites and Other LinksDaily Pastor Online ContentTalanton Church ServicesSow and Tether MusicMark Dance WebsiteOklahoma Baptists

4 Questions for Pastor Mark Dance

On today’s episode of the Thriving in Ministry podcast, we interview Pastor Todd Gray on how to create margin, avoid burnout, and lead effectively in ministry.Dr. Todd Gray BioDr. Todd Gray is the Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Ennis, Texas. Todd received his Doctorate in Preaching from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and prior to pastoring Tabernacle, Todd served as a Captain in the United States Air Force. Todd and his wife Tammy have three children. When not spending time with his family, Todd enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. I’m Kyle Willis, Founder of Talanton Church Services, and as always Dr. Dace Clifton, from DailyPastor.com and also a pastor from Texas. Pastor Todd Gray welcome to the Thriving in Ministry podcast! Verse of the DayEcclesiastes 4:12"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."Colossians 3:23"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."  Websites and Other LinksDaily Pastor Online ContentTalanton Church ServicesSow and Tether MusicTabernacle Baptist Church | Ennis, TXExtreme Ownership Book

4 Questions for Pastor Todd Gray

What are some of the common issues that are easy to ignore, but need your urgent? Especially as a pastor of a new church, you will want to be aware and be purposeful about these 5 issues. Kyle Willis and Dace Clifton talk about the 5 Issues New Pastors Cannot Ignore. 1.  A Changing Community2. Outdated Facilities 3. Lack of Friendship, Fun, and Fellowship4. Missional Drift5. Burned-Out Staff

Issues New Pastors Cannot Ignore

What are the key components that every pastor must have in their ministry tool bag? On this week&apos;s episode of the Thriving in Ministry Podcast, Kyle Willis and Dace Clifton discuss five key disciplines and practices every ministry leader needs. These are practices every leader, regardless of the size of ministry or years of service, should embrace to ensure years of faithful and effective ministry. 1.  Mentor Relationship2.  Process to Stay Fresh3.  Accountability Measures4.  Group of Friends 5.  Plan for RestLinksDaily Pastor Online ContentTalanton Church ServicesCarey Neiuwhof Article "Inner Circle" Music by Sow and Tether

The Pastor's Tool Bag

On today&apos;s episode of the Thriving in Ministry podcast, Kyle Willis and Dace Clifton discuss the phrase, "Pastor, we have a problem." Many pastors and church leaders have been caught off guard by church members or other leaders with an "urgent" crises. How we respond to them can either lead to encouragement and growth or an emotional response in the moment. Join us this week as Dace and Kyle discuss the best and worst responses to some of the common phrases pastors love to hear. LinksDaily Pastor Online ContentTalanton Church ServicesMusic by:Sow and Tether

Pastor, we have a problem...

On today&apos;s episode of the Thriving in Ministry podcast, we share 21 scriptures to encourage pastors and church leaders. Matthew 6:33 "Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."Psalm 49:15 "But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave."Proverbs 15:22 "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."Proverbs 29:11 "Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back."Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."Proverbs 31:17 "She is energetic and strong, a hard worker."Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”1 Peter 5:7-8 "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."1 Timothy 4:8 "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”Mark 6:31-32 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.Jeremiah 33:6 “Nevertheless, the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace."Isaiah 40:28-31 "Do you not know? Have you not heard?The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."Romans 12:14-18 Matthew 20:26-28 "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"Luke 12:48 "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."John 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”Acts 20:28 " Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,[a] which he bought with his own blood."Psalm 112:7 "They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them."Daily Pastor

21 Scriptures to Encourage Pastors

Dace Clifton and Kyle Willis host the The Thriving in Ministry podcast to encourage pastors in their church ministry. At Daily Pastor, we know that church leaders want to be better equipped for ministry. You need encouragement to not only survive, but thrive in the place that God has called you. Most training and resources don't really prepare church leaders for the challenges they will face. These real world challenges can make you feel overwhelmed, underprepared, isolated, or burned out. We believe you don't have to face challenges alone. It is why Daily Pastor helps church leaders and volunteers find the encouragement and tools to Thrive in Ministry.

About