Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie In this episode of Gleaning Mustard Seeds, you’ll hear two chapters of the audible version of Between Preachers, a book about interim ministry by Jerrie Barber. Listen as I read the chapters 10 and 13, Is There Any Hope for this Church and How Much Do You Pay an Interim? As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you. Between Preachers: You Can Grow Through Interim Ministry Between Pre...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie What really prepares a man to be an elder? Is it years of church, attendance, a successful business career, or a heart shaped by conflict, prayer, and growth? When someone accepts the call to shepherd God's people, how do they know if the congregation actually wants them to serve, and how do they avoid simply becoming a senior deacon? In this episode, I share a recent conversation with a brother wrestling with these questions, and to...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie What happens when elders and preachers stop guessing about each other—and start talking honestly? How can friendship between elders and preachers change the health of a church? Why is constant, open feedback more valuable than an annual surprise list of problems during the yearly evaluation? Could sharing both successes and struggles strengthen trust between shepherds and ministers? This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Mi...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Have you ever wanted your church to grow — but not with certain kinds of people? What would you do if someone with a terrible past, like Saul of Tarsus or Jeffrey Dahmer, wanted to be baptized or place membership at your congregation? Are we more concerned with our comfort than with God’s mission for the church? Could fear of change be keeping us from welcoming the very people God wants to save? What happens when we let God, not us, dec...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie What’s the difference between an elder’s job description and an elder’s covenant—and why does it matter? Could your eldership function better if its “unwritten rules” were actually discussed, agreed upon, and written? Is avoiding all disagreement a sign of unity—or a sign of trouble? How can a covenant help elders handle conflict with respect, love, and unity? What commitments should every elder be willing to make before serving? Download...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Why do most preachers have job descriptions—but most elders don’t? Have you ever considered what an elder actually commits to when he accepts the role? What would happen if a new shepherd’s first elders’ meeting were about broken lawn mowers instead of broken hearts? Could documenting the expected roles of elders help prevent future conflict and confusion? Does clear communication guide your church’s leadership roles—or just assumed past ...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie When selecting elders, do we practice legalized gossip — and call it wisdom? In this episode, we examine one of the most accepted but unbiblical traditions in many congregations: “signed and secret objections” during elder selection. Is it fair? Is it gossip? Is it consistent with Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 18? We explore how some of our "safe" practices may sidestep scripture — and how following Christ’s harder path can lead ...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie What does it mean to love someone enough to ask gentle questions instead of making harsh accusations? Could we change the culture of our churches by learning how to listen, confront, and encourage without gossip? In this episode, we explore how to recognize, address, and prevent gossip—not with guilt trips, but with grace and truth. If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390 When you fi...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Do you have a safe place to speak openly — and be truly heard? What if you could meet regularly with people who understand your struggles and celebrate your victories? In this episode, I share how people meeting consistently can grow into a decades-long tradition of support, encouragement, and deep connection. You’ll learn how to start and sustain a monthly group that feeds your soul and strengthens your ministry. 3rd Monday Workshop G...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Are we living with the consequences of the leaders we’ve shaped—or failed to shape? Have you ever wondered why toxic conflict lingers in churches, even after a problem person is gone? Could your family background be silently shaping your leadership—for better or worse? What can we do to improve leadership in the family, church, business, and softball team? If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.6...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Why is transition to new elders sometimes difficult, especially when a preacher has been with a church for decades? Why is a preacher often surprised when he is suddenly dismissed and he has a contract? Here's a method I discovered in 1988, and it's been helpful to me. Website for Braden Parsons Photography Braden Parsons' email: bradencparsons@gmail.com When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a ...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie How does a preacher decide to move to another church. How does he choose the church where he will work? What are the things he looks for to make that decision? I can't answer for other preachers, but several years ago, I made a detailed study of my process in one of me moves. In this epsoide, you have my report of that process. My shortest stay as a preacher, Episode 40 Website for Braden Parsons Photography Braden Parson...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Have you noticed that different families have different rules? Did your mother and father have different rules? Did you know who to ask to get what you wanted? Did you think your family had the best rules, or did you wish that your family had the rules of some of your friends? How does that work when two people get married who came from different families with different rules? Family Rules Website for Braden Parsons Ph...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie What do you do when you are speechless? What do you do when someone tells you that you look weird? Do you do whatever they say to make you look unweird? Criticism Rule blog post Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838 If you'd like to discuss your roofi...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie How are you doing on forgiving yourself? What if you are trying to do something that can't be done? Listen to this episode. Forgiveness is a gift that God is willing to give us. It isn't a gift we give ourselves. That takes a lot of pressure off trying to forgive myself. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you. Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood ...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Why do people sometimes take the preacher's side in a church fuss? Why do some people call the preacher Pastor? What does the Bible say? Why would people not respect that and not take the preacher's side? As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you. Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address ...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie What do you do when you’ve had severe trauma in your life? How do you deal with repeating nightmares? Does my faith in God prevent me from seeking professional help? In this episode of Gleaning Mustard Seeds, you’ll hear the beginning of the audible version of Fleecy Clouds. Jim Wright, Executive Director Emeritus of Childhaven, wrote the Forward. Gail Champion Barber wrote the Introduction. Fleecy Clouds is now available in paperback,...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Reflections on the first year of this podcast. Thank you for your support and encouragment. Top 10 downloads for this year. When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/ If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390 This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network. Website for Brad...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Is it a sin to be angry? How can I keep from sinning when I feel angry? What scriptures and principles can guide me in dealing with anger? As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you. Between Preachers: You Can Grow Through Interim Ministry When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/ If you'd like to discuss yo...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie "You never get a second chance to make a good first impression." When people are considering visiting your congregation, what is their first impression? Does your website have "curb appeal?" You may find a "mustard seed" that could improve the "front door" of your congregation. Read the blog post corresponding to this episode: Does the Front Door of Your Church Need Repainting? As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchase...