Beyond the Mic with Mike

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### Podcast Episode Summary: "I Should Have Listened" with Jason Campbell
In this insightful episode, the host sits down with Jason Campbell, a seasoned minister and HR professional serving as the senior pastor at The Sanctuary of Lincoln in Arkansas. The conversation delves into Jason's journey in ministry, his leadership experiences, and the valuable lessons learned from past mistakes. The episode is centered around the theme of growth through failure, the importance of intentional leadership, and the significance of continuous learning and self-improvement in both spiritual and secular life.
### Key Insights:
1. **Learning from Mistakes**: Jason shares how he initially approached ministry with a passive mindset, expecting growth and success to come automatically. He emphasizes the importance of active personal development through prayer, study, and self-reflection.
2. **Osmosis is Not Enough**: Leadership and ministry require more than just proximity to great leaders or immersion in a spiritual environment. True growth comes from intentional effort, study, and the application of learned principles.
3. **Intentional Leadership**: Jason discusses the critical role of clear communication and setting expectations in leadership. He argues that many failures in ministry stem from a lack of clear direction and accountability rather than a lack of passion or ability.
4. **Importance of Feedback and Accountability**: Regular evaluations and honest feedback are essential for growth. Jason highlights the need for both leaders and followers to be open to constructive criticism, which fosters an environment of continuous improvement.
5. **Broader Education for Ministry**: Jason stresses the importance of reading widely, including on topics like leadership, human behavior, and management, to become more effective in ministry. He shares how his own growth was facilitated by stepping outside of purely spiritual studies to learn from secular disciplines as well.
6. **Motivation Through Success and Failure**: Both successes and failures should be viewed as learning opportunities. Jason encourages leaders to reward positive behaviors and outcomes while also being transparent about mistakes to foster a culture of growth and accountability.
### Actionable Takeaways:
- **Engage in Continuous Learning**: Whether through books, workshops, or personal mentorship, make learning a lifelong habit to enhance your ministry and leadership skills.
- **Develop Clear Job Descriptions**: For every role in your ministry, from youth leaders to administrative staff, ensure there is a clear job description that sets expectations and guides performance.
- **Practice Intentional Communication**: Clearly articulate what is expected from your team members, and provide specific feedback on their performance to help them grow.
- **Listen Actively and Reflect**: Make it a habit to listen to others, reflect on their advice, and be open to learning from both your own and others' mistakes.
### Episode SEO Keywords:
- Ministry leadership
- Learning from mistakes
- Intentional leadership
- Continuous improvement
- Pastoral growth
- Effective communication
- Church leadership training
This episode is a rich resource for anyone in ministry or leadership, offering practical advice on how to cultivate growth, both personally and within your team. Jason Campbell's insights provide a blueprint for intentional, reflective leadership that is grounded in continuous learning and self-improvement.

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In this episode, Brother Mike is joined by Reverend Austin Jackson to discuss the profound topic of finding and obeying God's will. Reverend Jackson, with his extensive background in youth ministry and real estate, shares insights into understanding and pursuing God's will through a journey rather than a destination.
### Key Insights:
1. **God's Will as a Journey**:
- God's will is not a straightforward path but often resembles a maze with unexpected turns and detours.
- Life's journey, with all its unpredictability, prepares us for God's ultimate purpose.
2. **Romans 12:1-2**:
- Present your bodies as a living sacrifice and be transformed by the renewing of your mind to understand God's will.
- This transformation helps discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect in God’s sight.
3. **Romans 8:28**:
- All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
- Even when life doesn’t go as planned, God can make all experiences work for our good.
4. **Pursuing God’s Kingdom**:
- Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other needs will be met.
- Success is defined by becoming who God wants us to be, not by achieving specific positions or titles.
5. **Faithfulness in Small Things**:
- Faithfulness in little things prepares us for greater responsibilities.
- True success comes from being faithful and dependable in whatever role God places us in.
6. **Practical Guidance on Finding God’s Will**:
- When faced with decisions, choose the path that brings peace.
- Trust that God can redirect and use all experiences for His purpose, even if initial choices seem unclear.
7. **Validation and Security**:
- Seek validation from God rather than from positions or people.
- Understand that purpose can be found in any context if we align with God’s calling and constitution.
8. **Parables and Illustrations**:
- Reverend Jackson uses parables, like the story of Robin and John, to illustrate how God's plan can unfold in unexpected ways.
- Analogies like baking a cake or pixels in a picture help explain how individual experiences contribute to a beautiful, cohesive whole.
### Recommendations:
- **Podcast:** Apostolic Leadership Podcast by Reverend Austin Jackson.
- **Book:** "Church Work" by Rodney Shaw – a recommended read for those beginning in church leadership or seeking to get involved in ministry.
### Resources:
- **Bible Study:** "Pentecost is for Everyone" by Austin Jackson – available on PentecostalPublishing.com, ideal for young ministers.
### Closing Thoughts:
Reverend Jackson emphasizes that understanding and obeying God's will is about the journey and transformation rather than a specific destination. By focusing on becoming the right person and seeking first God's kingdom, we can trust that He will lead us to fulfill His purpose.
**Podcast Host:** Brother Mike
**Guest:** Reverend Austin Jackson
**Listen to the full episode on [Podcast Platform]**
**Contact Information:**
- **Austin Jackson's Real Estate Services:** For those in the Northeast Arkansas area looking to buy a house.
- **Pentecostal Publishing:** For purchasing "Pentecost is for Everyone."

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**Episode Title: Ministry and Family**
**Guest: Reverend L. J. Harry**
**Summary:**
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Reverend L. J. Harry to discuss the challenging task of balancing ministry with family life. Reverend Harry shares his practical strategies for maintaining equilibrium, including his use of tools like Microsoft Bookings to manage his schedule and protect family time. This conversation delves into the importance of setting boundaries, the pitfalls of a Messiah complex, and the necessity of delegating tasks to avoid burnout.
**Key Insights:**
1. **Setting Boundaries with Technology:**
- Reverend Harry uses Microsoft Bookings to streamline his scheduling, ensuring he has dedicated family time.
- This approach minimizes the back-and-forth of scheduling conflicts and respects both personal and professional commitments.
2. **Messiah Complex and Balance:**
- Harry identifies the Messiah complex as a significant obstacle to achieving balance, emphasizing that ministers need to remember they are not indispensable.
- Recognizing one's limits and delegating responsibilities is crucial to avoid burnout and remain effective in ministry.
3. **Family First:**
- Personal anecdotes highlight the importance of prioritizing family, such as scheduling family days and recognizing when professional commitments start to intrude on personal life.
- Ensuring regular family time helps prevent feelings of neglect among loved ones and maintains healthy relationships.
4. **Delegation and Training Successors:**
- Emphasizing the need for delegation, Harry encourages young ministers to train others to take on tasks, ensuring continuity and relieving personal workload.
- The practice of delegating responsibilities not only fosters leadership in others but also allows for a more sustainable ministry practice.
5. **Disorganization as an Obstacle:**
- Disorganization can severely impact balance, making it essential to have a structured approach to manage tasks and commitments.
- Tools and strategies for better organization can help create necessary margins for rest and personal time.
6. **Overcoming Insecurity:**
- Harry addresses the insecurity many young ministers face, reassuring them that their value is inherent as children of God, not solely based on their ministerial roles.
- This perspective helps combat the constant need for validation through busyness and external achievements.
**Recommendations:**
- **Book:** *Addicted to Busy* by Brady Boyd - A profound read on the dangers of a busy lifestyle and finding balance.
- **Podcast:** LJ Harry’s own podcast series, where he discusses similar themes and provides further insights into maintaining balance in ministry.
- **YouTube Channel:** *Beyond the Mic with Mike* - Explore more episodes with added video illustrations for an enriched listening experience.
**Conclusion:**
Reverend L. J. Harry’s wisdom on balancing ministry and family offers valuable lessons for ministers at all stages of their journey. By setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and prioritizing personal time, ministers can achieve a sustainable and fulfilling life. Tune in to this episode for practical advice and inspiring anecdotes that underscore the importance of balance in ministry.

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**Title:** Protecting Your Ministry with Pastor David Poe
**Podcast Summary:**
Today's episode features a profound conversation with Pastor David Poe of Star City United Pentecostal Church in Arkansas, delving into the essential topic of protecting one's ministry. With years of diverse ministerial roles under his belt, Pastor Poe shares invaluable insights tailored especially for young and new ministers.
**Key Insights:**
1. **Embracing Individuality in Ministry:**
- Pastor Poe emphasizes the importance of authenticity in ministry. Drawing from personal experience and biblical teachings, he advocates for ministers to embrace their unique identities rather than attempting to mimic others. This authenticity not only fosters genuine connections but also aligns with biblical commands to be true to oneself in service to God.
2. **The Definition of Ministry:**
- Ministry is defined broadly as impacting lives and aiding individuals in drawing closer to God. It transcends the pulpit, encompassing all actions aimed at nurturing spiritual growth in oneself and others.
3. **Transparency Versus Concealment:**
- Advocating for transparency, Pastor Poe shares his belief that openness about one's life and challenges can enhance ministry effectiveness. By being transparent, ministers can forge deeper connections and offer more relatable guidance to their congregations.
4. **Respecting the Pulpit and Ministerial Boundaries:**
- The discussion covers the importance of respecting the ministerial spaces of others. Young ministers are advised to honor the established practices and spiritual authority of the churches they visit, promoting unity and respect within the broader church community.
5. **Ministry as a Continuous Commitment:**
- Contrasting momentary enthusiasm with the enduring nature of true ministry, Pastor Poe and his co-host discuss the continuous and all-encompassing commitment required in ministry. They stress the importance of being spiritually prepared and active daily, not just during church services or special events.
6. **The Fragility and Preciousness of Ministry:**
- Highlighting the delicate nature of ministry, likened to treasure in earthen vessels, the speakers underscore the responsibility ministers have to safeguard their calling. They discuss the necessity of maintaining personal holiness and integrity to protect and nurture the ministry entrusted to them.
**Conclusion:**
The episode wraps up with a call to action for ministers to not only protect but also actively invest in their ministry. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their personal ministry practices, ensuring they align with the principles of authenticity, continuous commitment, and respect for spiritual authority. This reflective practice aims to foster a healthier, more impactful ministerial journey.

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### Podcast Summary: A Time of Preparation with Reverend Jerry Jones
In this insightful episode, host Brother Mike interviews the esteemed Reverend Jerry Jones, focusing on the theme "A Time of Preparation." Reverend Jones shares profound wisdom on the significance of preparation in ministry, drawing on biblical examples, personal experiences, and practical advice.
### Key Points Discussed
#### 1. The Importance of Preparation in Ministry
- **Biblical Examples:** Reverend Jones discusses how the Apostle Paul spent a decade preparing for his ministry after his conversion. He highlights the critical roles of Joseph of Arimathea and Barnabas, emphasizing their contributions to the early church and their titles as "good men."
- **Paul's Development:** Paul’s journey included extensive study, mentorship under Barnabas, and learning to be a preacher and a brother in faith. This preparation was essential for his impactful ministry, demonstrating that one-third of his ministry was dedicated to preparation.
#### 2. The Role of Mentorship
- **Mentorship and Guidance:** Reverend Jones underscores the importance of having mentors. He notes that Paul was guided by Barnabas and later became a mentor to others. Mentorship helps in understanding scripture, developing preaching skills, and navigating ministry challenges.
- **Pastor vs. Mentor:** A pastor should ideally be a mentor, but it's beneficial to have multiple mentors for different aspects of ministry. However, the primary mentor should be the pastor, ensuring alignment and support within the church community.
#### 3. Practical Preparation Tips
- **Continuous Learning:** Preparation is an ongoing process. Preachers should always strive to learn more about scripture, theology, and the needs of their congregation. Understanding people and their struggles is as crucial as biblical knowledge.
- **Holistic Development:** A well-prepared preacher must be well-versed in practical aspects such as church administration, counseling, and community engagement. Balancing theological knowledge with practical application is key to effective ministry.
### Key Insights and Takeaways
1. **Dedicate Time for Preparation:** Just as Paul spent years preparing for his ministry, modern-day preachers should invest significant time in studying and understanding the Bible, developing their skills, and learning from mentors.
2. **Embrace Mentorship:** Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping effective ministry. Seek guidance from experienced mentors, including your pastor, and be open to learning and growing under their guidance.
3. **Stay Humble and Patient:** The journey to effective ministry involves challenges and setbacks. Stay humble, be patient, and trust in the process of preparation. God values the time spent in preparation and uses it to equip you for future challenges.
4. **Continuous Improvement:** Preparation never ends. Continuously seek to improve your understanding of scripture, enhance your preaching skills, and stay connected with your congregation’s needs. Always be ready for new opportunities that God presents.
### Recommendations for Further Listening
- **Urshan Pulpit Podcast:** Hosted by Reverend Jerry Jones and Jonathan McClintock, this podcast delves into various aspects of preaching and ministry, providing valuable insights for aspiring and seasoned preachers alike.
### Final Thoughts
Reverend Jerry Jones emphasizes that preparation is foundational to impactful ministry. By dedicating time to study, seeking mentorship, and continuously improving, preachers can effectively fulfill their calling and make a significant difference in their communities. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that preparat