Ministry Magazine Podcast
The Ministry Magazine Podcast offers practical, theologically deep, and inspirational content to support your ministry. It is produced by Ministry, International Journal for Pastors, a publication for Seventh-day Adventist pastors and church leaders. The podcast covers topics relevant to pastoral ministry, church leadership, and spiritual growth.
Episodes
The pastor and mental health: Managing the burden of spiritual leadership — Foday Sellu
Who cares for the shepherd when the shepherd is carrying everyone else’s burdens? This timely article explores the hidden mental health challenges pastors face and offers practical, biblical strategies for building resilience, preventing burnout, and fostering healthier faith communities.
Worship: A walk with God — Elizabeth Ostring
What if worship is less about a weekly service and more about a daily walk with God? Discover how Scripture presents true worship not as performance or ritual, but as humble fellowship, surrender, and trust in the Creator.
The art of stewarding relationships: Lessons from Paul on building connections — Nik Schatz
What can the apostle Paul teach ministry leaders about friendship, mentorship, and meaningful connection? Discover how defining, aligning, and intentionally investing in relationships can strengthen both ministry and life.
Editorial - The church—is my church — Jeffrey O. Brown
What changes when pastors stop asking what “the church” should do and start considering what “my church” can do? Discover how the local church can embody God’s love and become “love with skin on it.”
Pastor’s Pastor: Are you searching for justice? — Ramon J. Canals
Where can true justice be found in a world where human justice often falls short? This article points pastors back to God’s unchanging law and perfect character as the only foundation for justice that can truly heal, restore, and endure.
The need for spiritual direction — Frank Matovu
What happens when ministers are expected to offer grace but have no safe place to receive it themselves? This article explores why spiritual direction is not a luxury for pastors and ministry leaders, but a lifeline for sustaining holiness, humility, and soul health.
“Just and true are thy ways”: On the justice and mercy of God — Kevin Harvestbell
Is God’s final judgment an act of cruelty—or the ultimate expression of justice and mercy? What if the destruction of sin isn’t passive—but a deliberate, sovereign act of God?
Paulinian altercentrism: A call to other-centered living — Frantzcel Aguy
What if real spiritual maturity isn’t about becoming more self-focused—but radically other-focused? Could Paul’s call to “esteem others above yourself” reshape how we lead, relate, and live?
Legalism 2.0: The rise of a new heresy — Sam Neves
If salvation is by grace alone, why do so many still live as if they can lose it through failure? Could “Legalism 2.0” be quietly replacing freedom with fear in today’s church?
Weeping and rejoicing: A psychodynamic reading of Romans 12:15 for pastors and chaplains — Asnel Valcin
How can pastors and chaplains remain fully present through both profound grief and deep joy without becoming emotionally overwhelmed? This article explores Romans 12:15 through a psychodynamic lens, revealing how self-awareness, emotional flexibility, and disciplined empathy sustain meaningful pastoral care.
Editorial: The excluded-middle mindset — Jongimpi D. Papu
How should Christians respond to spiritual realities that do not fit neatly into a modern, Western worldview? Jongimpi D. Papu calls for a balanced, biblically grounded understanding that neither denies demonic forces nor attributes everything to them.
Leadership by surrender — Kenneth Crawford
What if your greatest leadership strength isn’t competence—but surrender? And could the breakthrough you’re chasing only come when you stop leading in your own strength?
Chaplaincy “‘For such a time as this’”: Reaching beyond the local church — Cheryl Simmons
What if some of the most powerful ministry isn’t happening in churches—but in hospital rooms, prisons, and crisis moments? And could chaplaincy be the Church’s most strategic response to a hurting world right now?
Revival & Reformation: Is your GPS trustworthy? — Dave Livermore
Have you ever followed directions that led you completely off course? What if the real question isn’t where you’re going—but which “GPS” you’re trusting?
Denominational employees or servants of Jesus Christ? — Joel Pascuas Dussán
Are you serving a system—or truly serving Christ? And when your role shifts or your comfort is disrupted, is it a setback… or a divine assignment?
“‘Blot me out of Your book’”: When leadership seems irrational — Rogério de Sena Soares
What kind of leader would rather lose everything than see their people destroyed? And what if true leadership isn’t proven by power—but by intercession and sacrifice?
Finding the God of empathy: Lessons from the book of Job — Stephen Bauer
When people are grieving, what helps more, answers or empathy? Drawing from the book of Job and the loss of his own son, the author reveals how God’s quiet presence often speaks louder than explanations, offering comfort to broken hearts.
Editorial: Their lives matter — Jeffrey O. Brown
What does it mean to answer God’s call without losing the people closest to you? This heartfelt reflection explores the tension between mission and family, reminding us that faithful ministry begins at home because the lives of those we love matter too.
Pastor’s Pastor: The divine design of discipleship — Ramon J. Canals
How does a pastor’s life shape the leaders they mentor? Can influence rooted in Christlike humility transform not only elders but entire congregations?
Do you see what I see? Discovering purpose through the eyes of Hagar — LaKeisha Williams
How can Hagar’s encounters with God reshape our understanding of purpose? What does it mean to find meaning not in changed circumstances, but in seeing the God who sees?
Fatherhood and access to truth in John 8 — Douglas de Souza Reis
Who shapes your view of truth—God or another father? How does John 8 reveal that our spiritual “father” determines our access to truth and freedom in Christ?
Rediscovering personal communion: A pastor’s three-step guide to personal prayer — Albert-Beniamin Cucu
Are your private prayers being overshadowed by ministry demands? How can entering your room, closing the door, and praying to your Father transform your personal communion with God?
The five W’s for unpacking 1 Peter 3:18–22 — R. Kent Knight
What did Christ proclaim to the “spirits in prison” after His resurrection? How does 1 Peter 3:18–22 reveal His triumph over the powers of darkness and affirm the certainty of God’s victory?
Divine majesty and judicial verdict: Isaiah 6—for preachers — Stephane Beaulieu
Is Isaiah 6 really just a call story, or is it one of Scripture’s most powerful portraits of divine judgment and redemption? Discover how Isaiah’s temple vision reveals a God who judges not to destroy, but to cleanse, restore, and prepare His people.
Editorial: We can overcome — Jongimpi D. Papu
What if overcoming is not just a future hope, but a present reality secured through Christ? This editorial explores how Revelation 12:11 offers assurance for believers facing guilt, fear, temptation, and persecution.
Revival and Reformation - The anatomy of prayer — Kenneth Crawford
What transforms a simple morning ritual into a profound encounter with the divine, and how does the mysterious anatomy of prayer bridge the gap between our feeble words and God's infinite understanding? Discover the intimate journey from confession to communion that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary spiritual transformation.
Public evangelism—maximizing our impact: Lessons and insights from PNG for Christ — Cynthia Faye Barlow, Neil Thompson, Unia K Api, Tracie Mafile’o and Robert K. McIver
What happens when public evangelism is grounded in deep relationships, local culture, and prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit? Drawing on the remarkable PNG for Christ movement, this article explores what made the outreach so effective—and what lessons can shape more meaningful evangelism worldwide.
A call for a paradigm shift in outreach and evangelism — John K. Amoah
What if people experienced belonging before belief—and community before commitment? Could a relational, Christ-centered shift in evangelism transform how the church reaches hearts today?
Challenges for today’s church: How to reach an increasingly unchurched society — Craig Carr and S. Joseph Kidder
How can the church remain relevant in an age of rising secularism and digital spirituality? What does it take to reach an increasingly unchurched society with authentic faith, love, and power?
Reaching the people: Prosocial witnessing and the church — Karl G. D. Bailey
Can helping others be a pathway to deeper faith? How does the integration of prosocial action and witnessing transform both church members and their communities?
The deconstruction of the superpastor: A therapeutic reading of Psalm 23 — Wagner Augusto Vieira Aragão
What if the real crisis in ministry isn’t external pressure—but pastors forgetting they’re still sheep? Could Psalm 23 hold the key to sustainable leadership, rest, and freedom from burnout?
Editorial: Church as a foretaste of heaven- Grounded in the Bible and focused on the mission — Artur Stele
What does it look like for the church to mirror heaven today—strong in truth yet radically open to all? Could the balance between firm biblical foundations and an always-open invitation be the missing link in the church’s mission?
Beyond homo deus: Building a biblical worldview in an AI era — Germán H. Alférez
In the age of artificial intelligence and transhumanist visions of “Homo Deus,” Germán H. Alférez calls Christians to ground themselves in a biblical worldview that upholds God’s sovereignty over human ambition. He emphasizes the power of mentorship, Scripture, and salvation through Christ as the true path, cautioning against the false promise of technological immortality.
Living water, new tools - How technology delivers timeless truth — Wintley Phipps
Drawing from Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, this article explores how unchanging “living water” can flow through modern technology to meet people at their moment of deepest spiritual need. While the gospel remains pure and timeless, today’s digital tools dramatically expand the church’s ability to deliver personal, accessible truth to a thirsty world.
The evolution of the modern pastor in a digital age — Stephen Kabah
Stephen Kabah explores how the role of the modern pastor is evolving in a technology-driven world, emphasizing the need for digital literacy, new media engagement, and continuous education to effectively minister to congregations in the digital age. Pastors must balance timeless spiritual truths with innovative methods to shepherd, connect, and equip believers online and offline.
The (digital) shepherd — Alyssa Truman
In an age where sermons can circle the globe in seconds, pastors are called to balance unprecedented digital reach with their primary role as shepherds of a local flock. The (digital) shepherd challenges church leaders to use technology intentionally and relationally-extending care online without neglecting the embodied, personal ministry modeled by Christ.
Pastor's Pastor - From Linotype to livestream: By every means necessary — Ramon J. Canals
From the clatter of a Linotype machine to the reach of livestreams and social media, how has media transformed the way the gospel is shared? This powerful reflection explores how timeless truth, guided by the Holy Spirit, can use modern technology to reach the world before Christ’s return.
Serving second: When you were qualified, prepared, and still passed over — Toussaint Williams
What do you do when you were ready, qualified—and still not chosen? Could the real test of leadership be how you respond when the “oil” falls on someone else?
Editorial: Overlooked - Jeffrey O. Brown — Jeffrey O. Brown
Have you ever been overlooked and wondered if it was unfair—or part of a bigger plan you couldn’t yet see? What if being passed over is sometimes preparation, not rejection?
NGOs, ministries, and outreach — James Astleford
How can pastors effectively engage with the many Adventist ministries and NGOs reaching out in evangelism, health, education, and humanitarian work? Discover practical ways to understand, support, and collaborate with these organizations to expand your church’s impact.
Building resilience: Pastoral preparation and in-ministry support — David Sedlacek
How well are pastors truly being prepared for the emotional and psychological challenges of ministry? This article uncovers the gaps in pastoral training and highlights the critical need for trauma awareness, counseling, mentoring, and stronger conference support to build resilient, healthy ministers.
Awake, arise, always remember — Michele Seibel
In a world marked by disaster, division, and spiritual numbness, God’s urgent call is clear: wake up, walk wisely, and live awake in Christ’s redeeming light. Will the church rise from spiritual slumber to embody forgiveness, intercession, and hope in these evil days?
Shepherding young adults in the twenty-first century: A challenge or privilege? — Magdiel Larramendy Laurencio
Are young adults really a problem in the church-or are they an untapped source of potential waiting to be understood? This article reframes youth ministry as a privilege, urging pastors and members to bridge generational gaps through love, relationship, and genuine connection.
The greatest sin in the Bible? And Adventist mission in the twenty-first century — Kim Papaioannou
Which sin does the Bible emphasize most—and what does it reveal about the dangers of institutionalized disobedience? This article argues that Jeroboam’s subtle, respectable-looking idolatry became Israel’s most destructive sin and offers striking parallels for Adventist mission and the call to uphold true worship today.
On doing and being: When obedience is about what you become, not just what you do — Yakubu Hakim Ishmael
Is obedience to God just about what you do—or about who you become in the process? How can following God’s mysterious leading transform your character and leadership?
Editorial: Secure your own mask first — Jongimpi D. Papu
Are you trying to help others while running on empty? How can securing your own “mask” first transform the way you serve in ministry?
Conflict and the pastor — Marty Thurber
How can pastors navigate conflict without damaging their church or their own spiritual health? Drawing from decades of experience, Marty Thurber offers practical advice on seeking counsel, discerning priorities, and leading with Christlike love to turn conflict into growth.
Does your church’s online presence need an upgrade? — S. Joseph Kidder and T. Jason Vanderlaan
Is your church reaching beyond its walls? Discover how livestreaming, social media, and strategic online engagement can connect members and welcome seekers into your faith community.
Child sexual abuse and the church: From problem to solution — Sydney Segen
How can churches protect children from sexual abuse while supporting victims and holding abusers accountable? What practical steps can pastors and congregations take to create a safe environment for every child?
Pastor’s Pastor: Seven activities that strengthen your ministry — Ramon J. Canals
Could the key to a stronger ministry be as simple as taking better care of yourself? Ramon J. Canals outlines seven practical, faith-rooted habits-from handwritten scripture to daily exercise and rest—that help pastors stay healthy, focused, and spiritually vibrant in service.
Welcome the stranger—it could be you — Nelson Silva
What if welcoming a stranger could change both their life and yours? Nelson Silva reflects on how simple acts of hospitality—sharing a table, offering a ride, or opening a home—can revive a lost biblical practice that transforms communities, reflects Christ’s love, and prepares hearts for eternity.
Rekindling the flame: Regaining the missional vision of Adventism — Robert Osei-Bonsu
What if Adventism was never meant to be comfortable, but combustible—set ablaze by mission, Spirit-filled power, and a movement mindset? This article calls the church back to its prophetic purpose, urging believers to rekindle the flame of evangelism before it flickers out.
Editorial - If you don’t know me by now — Jeffrey O. Brown
What happens when radical kindness unsettles someone more than violence ever did—and what does that reveal about how well we truly know Jesus? This editorial challenges readers to ask whether Christ is merely around us, or genuinely living within us.
Pastors’ time management — Dan Namanya, Victoria T. Aja and Hyun Jun Woo
Pastors worldwide struggle with time management, often leading to burnout and strained relationships. This article explores the importance of effective time management strategies which are crucial for sustaining pastors' ministry and well-being.
“Why shouldn’t I quit?” Understanding and addressing the challenges of being a pastor — Melak Alemayehu Tsegaw and Olaotse Gabasiane
Why are so many pastors asking themselves, "Should I quit?" This global study uncovers the overwhelming challenges Adventist pastors face—from burnout to financial strain—and offers practical, systemic solutions to better support their vital ministry.
“They don’t preach that anymore!” Sermons less commonly preached by Adventist pastors — Robert K. McIver and Neil Thompson
Are foundational Adventist doctrines fading from the pulpit? A global survey of pastors reveals which key topics are being regularly preached—and which are surprisingly absent—raising questions about how to maintain theological depth and identity in the church.
Pastors’ experiences and understanding of the role of Adventist education — Safary Wa-Mbaleka and David Trim
How do Adventist pastors’ own education and experiences shape their support for Adventist schools? The 2023 Global Adventist Pastors’ Survey reveals both encouraging levels of education among pastors and challenges related to access, teacher composition, and the role of education in sustaining the church’s mission.
OneVoice27 - Mission for all — Erton Köhler
The OneVoice27 initiative calls the global church to unite in mission, using prayer, digital media, and creative outreach to proclaim the eternal gospel with clarity and urgency. From deep study of Scripture to coordinated evangelism, every believer is invited to join in sharing Christ’s message leading up to 2027.
Editorial - Called to go—but only where the Spirit leads — Jongimpi D. Papu
Mission is a call from God, but obedience sometimes means waiting rather than acting. Jongimpi D. Papu explores how the Holy Spirit guides when and where the gospel is shared, showing that God’s “no” can be a divine “not yet” for a greater harvest.
If I Were a Young Preacher . . . — Herbert Ford
If you were a young preacher today, would you build your ministry on trends—or on the timeless power of the Bible? What if the key to lasting impact is simply going back to the Word?
Preaching Christ in the Old Testament — Patrick Etoughé Anani
Is Jesus really in the Old Testament? Discover how ancient stories—like Isaac’s near-sacrifice and Jacob’s ladder—point to Christ as the heart of God’s redemptive plan.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones and principles of powerful preaching — Alain Coralie
Why did a royal physician choose the pulpit over prestige? Discover the timeless power behind Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ Christ-centered, Spirit-filled preaching.
Five common mistakes to avoid in a sermon introduction — Ainsworth K. Morris
Pastor’s Pastor - Preach so they will listen — Ramon J. Canals
What makes a sermon truly impactful—its length, or its lasting transformation of hearts? In an age of distraction, faithful preaching must be Biblical, Christ-centered, and deeply relevant to people's real needs.
Forgiveness- Stewardship of the heart — Stewart Lozensky
What if forgiveness is more than a virtue-what if it’s a form of stewardship God entrusts to every believer? This article invites readers to view forgiveness as a divine gift to manage, practice, and share, especially during the Christmas season when Christ’s grace shines brightest.
Editorial - Living in the tension — Crystal E. Ward
As global turmoil intensifies, how can Christians remain steadfast in faith while living in the tension between present chaos and God’s promised future? This editorial urges believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, rely on the Holy Spirit, and lead with spiritual courage in tumultuous times.
Pastor's Pastor - It’s Time to Go Home — Ramon J. Canals
Amid life’s devastations, where can we find true hope? Ramon J. Canals reminds pastors to proclaim Jesus’ promise of an eternal home, urging them to share the good news of His imminent, glorious return.
Our Need for Total Reliance Upon God — Charissa Torossian
Why did King Asa’s victory turn to tragedy? This article illustrates through Asa’s story the vital need for constant reliance on God, showing that true strength lies in seeking Him to avoid spiritual downfall.
Tools for the Mission of the Church: An Interview with Wintley Phipps — Jeffrey O. Brown
How can technology amplify a pastor’s mission? Wintley Phipps shares how tools like Gospel Truth AI, aligned with Adventist theology, save time and enhance sermon preparation, empowering pastors to reach millions globally.
Facing Your Future with Assurance: An Invitation To Embrace the Unknown — Hensley M. Moorooven
How can church leaders navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence? Hensley M. Moorooven encourages trusting in God’s unchanging presence, yesterday, today, and tomorrow, to face the unknown with assurance rather than anxiety.
Discipling Emerging Adults: A Mentoring Manifesto —A. Allan Martin
How can churches retain emerging adults who are drifting away? A. Allan Martin urges pastors to adopt a mentoring succession plan, prioritizing keychain leadership and relational rapport to empower young adults for vibrant, lasting faith.
Telling the World About Jesus - An Interview with David Klinedinst — Pavel Goia
How can public evangelism thrive in today’s world? David Klinedinst shares a dynamic cycle of evangelism, revival, training, bridge events, and reaping, that transforms churches into mission-driven communities, proving evangelism still works when built on relationships and trust.
Embracing the valley: Finding divine purpose in seasons of ministerial drought — Leslie Williams
What if your season of spiritual dryness isn’t a sign of God’s absence, but His deeper work within you? How wilderness seasons in ministry—times of exhaustion, doubt, or silence—can become sacred spaces where God reshapes identity, renews dependence, and restores authentic calling.
Editorial: Don’t leave it out — Jeffrey O. Brown
Are we so focused on worship that we’ve forgotten justice? Jeffrey O. Brown challenges believers to embrace true worship—not just prayer and fasting, but active compassion for the oppressed, the marginalized, and the forgotten.
Standing in the Gap: The Power Of Intercessory Prayer — David E. Hartman
Who are you standing in the gap for? Discover the power of intercessory prayer to transform lives, churches, and communities, and how you can join Jesus, the ultimate Intercessor, in this life-saving work.
More Than Numbers: The metrics of success in mission and ministry — Marcelo E. C. Dias
Is success in mission just about numbers, or something deeper? Learn how relational influence, discipleship, and long-term impact offer richer ways to measure true ministry success.
Revival & Reformation: Haplotes: The Joy of Giving of Yourself — Kenneth Crawford
What drives a pastor to serve a remote community for 52 years? Kenneth Crawford shares Pastor Alice’s story, revealing how haplotes, the joy of selfless service, reflects Christ’s love and transforms lives.
Reclaiming the Next Generation: Strategies to combat youth decline in the church — Andrew Farrel
Why are so many young people leaving the church, and what can we do about it? Discover five key strategies to reclaim and empower the next generation before it's too late.
Isaiah 6: The Call — Stephane Beaulieu
What does Isaiah 6 really teach about calling and judgment? Discover how knowing God, recognizing your condition, receiving grace, and responding in faith can transform your ministry and mission.
What did the Global Adventist Pastors’ Survey reveal? — Robert K. McIver, Wendy A. Jackson, Brendan Pratt, Stephen J. Currow, Erika F. Puni and Petr Činčala
What do 12,000 Adventist pastors from around the world really think about their calling, challenges, and future in ministry? The Global Adventist Pastors’ Survey reveals both deep fulfillment and serious concerns—including exhaustion, loneliness, and thoughts of leaving the ministry.
