Potomac Pastors Podcast

In this episode we talk with three pastors about their experience with building and renovation projects in their churches.  Pastor Damien Johnson, Luis Beltre, and Andrew Vargas talk about what they learned and what they wish they had known when it comes to tackling big building projects.

Death is a surety, but how can pastors prepare their members and their families for this difficult time? Chaplain Stephane Grant gives invaluable advice on this topic. Listen to learn about the importance of Advanced Directives, fostering needed conversations about a person's final wishes, and being present at the bedside to provide healing even when there is no cure.

Michael Campbell joins the podcast to talk about relevant lessons we can learn from church history and how understanding the past can help us navigate the future.

We continue our conversation with Dr. Daniel Royo on the history of the interactions between those of inside and outside of God's convenient.  In this episode Dr. Royo takes us through time and shows us a repeated pattern of God's grace in using these two groups to bless each other.  Perhaps this can help understand how God would want us to relate to current events?

Dr. Daniel Royo wrote his PhD dissertation on looking at the Biblical history of those inside the covenant versus those outside the covenant.  In this conversation, Dr. Royo takes us back to Isaac and Ishmael and we explore the Biblical account for secrets that can tell us more about God and how He relates to those inside and outside of His covenant.

In this episode, Paul Graham talks about the shift we have to make in order to see God breathe new life into a dying congregation or even a dying ministry.  We talk about discipleship, growing our members, the danger of approval addiction and the necessity of listening to God.  Pastor Graham also shares his insights from working with the next generation and how we can reach and grow them for the Kingdom.

Dr. Philip Samaan takes us into the heart of Jesus and shares how Jesus not only prays for pastors, He prays with them.  Pastors can be greatly encouraged and inspired to know they have a mighty ally in their prayers and ministry.  Dr. Samaan is the head of Christ's Way ministries and a much sought after speaker and teacher.

In the episode we talk with Richard Castillo, a pastor of media, about how we can  use media effectively in our ministries.  Learn more about how to use video, websites, social media, and even drones, in this engaging interview.

In this episode Pastor Will Johns sits down with Dr.'s Annette and Julian Melgosa to discuss their latest book, The Nine Habits of Healthy Christians.   While Nine Habits of Healthy Christians offers scientific research and psychological strategies for personal growth, the authors also emphasize biblical content throughout the book. This complementary approach shows you how, through the grace of God, these healthy Christian habits can truly take hold.

Join pastor Luis Beltre as he shares how God led, called, and blessed his church to minister to single moms, their children and woman dealing with domestic violence issues.  He talks with Brenda and Lisa who share their stories of how God has changed their lives by giving them joy by healing them and calling them to help others find that same healing.

Monte Sahlin has spent his life  researching, writing, teaching, experimenting, preaching, coaching and more.  An ordained Adventist pastor, author of over 25  books and constant researcher, Monte has a passion to see God's church grow and thrive.  Now retired, we checked in with him  to ask what he has learned over the years and what he would want to share with pastors as we take the church into the future.

In this episode, Pastor Vince MacIssac talks with his friend and colleague, Jonathan Martin, a pastor who now serves in the education world, teaching vibrant seventh graders. Vinnie and Jon talk about ministry and what it means in the church versus in the classroom, and they discuss what pastors and teachers need to understand about each other.

The stress is real and being a pastor's family can add additional stress to the marriage relationship. But in this fun and informative podcast, John and April Nixon share from their 22 years of marriage experience on how to keep the marriage intimate.For more of their awesome content, visit https://www.justjohnandapril.com/ or their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@justjohnandapril

In this interview with Sam Leonor, we talk about how God uses unschooled, ordinary men to do amazing things.  We ponder what it means to bring all our effort to our ministry but trust God for all the results.

In this episode, Dr. Karen Cress walks us through the creativity and challenges that come with conflict.  (Spoiler alert, there is always going to be some conflict).   Karen is an expert on conflict management and styles and this episode will help you navigate it like a pro.

Charles Tapp,  president of the Potomac Conference, sits down for a  heart to heart interview about what he's learned in 40+ years of ministry.   Hear about what he's learned in his spiritual journey, what he would tell his younger self,  how he thinks pastors can stay relevant in  this ever changing world, and be inspired by his three "C's" of spiritual leadership: compassion, creativity,  and courage.

Pastor Marvin Wray ,  a very unlikely candidate to serve God for 50 years as a pastor, shares of God's grace in his life and what he learned through the all good and bad times in his unique life journey.  With vulnerability and humor, Marvin shares insights that he has gleaned along the way because he has a passion to support his fellow pastors.

In this episode we talk with Julio Munoz, associate director of communication for the NAD, about the power of story telling and good communication.

In this episode, we check in with Heather Crews to discuss how we as pastors can continue to reshape and reimagine our ministry during this pandemic.  We discuss the current issues and best practices moving forward in these unprecedented times.

John Nixon Sr has over 40 years of experience as a pastor and has served in a multitude of environments.  In this interview, we learn from him on such subjects as preaching, leadership, family life, and character.  

How do pastors minister in the midst of a pandemic that continues to drag on?  In this short episode, we touch base with Heather Crews, associate ministerial director of the Potomac Conference and of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, for a practical discussion and a little encouragement.

After 44 years serving in a diverse variety of  settings and positions, Elder John Nixon Sr has a lot of wisdom to share.  In this episode, we discuss important aspects of ministry such as boundaries, authenticity, expectations, leadership, courage, race, preaching, and family.  

On this edition of the Potomac Pastors Podcast, we’ll be taking a look at something that we as pastors do a great deal of; it’s what the Bible calls, the “foolishness of preaching.” But just because we do it often, does that guarantee that we do it well? Again our host for this episode is Rick Johns, Pastor of the Olney Seventh-day Adventist Church in Olney, Maryland. Special note: If you would like a copy of Derek's book on preaching, just click the link below.http://trilogyscriptureresources.com/products/powerful-biblical-preaching-ebook/

On this edition of the Potomac Pastor's Podcast, pastor Rick Johns concludes his discussion with Jennifer Stanford, the CEO of Emergent Performance Solutions. Jennifer's goal is to support leaders who are working to fortify relationships and navigate complex change by bringing emotional intelligence to life. For more information about Jennifer and the services she provides, visit her website at https://emergentps.com

On this edition of the Potomac Pastors’ Podcast, we’ll be discussing a topic that not too many of us pastors may be familiar with, but yet it’s one that can aid us as leaders and change agents, to help make a difference not only in our lives, but in the lives of those in our churches and the communities that we’ve been called to serve. Our topic for today, The Pastor and Emotional Intelligence. What is it and what does it have to do with being an effective pastor? Again our host for this episode is Rick Johns, pastor of the Olney SDA Church in Olney MD.

On this edition of the Potomac Pastor's Podcast, we’ll be discussing a topic that is considered to be controversial to some and extremely relevant to others... Politics and the Pulpit. What role if any should we as pastors and our congregations play in helping to shape the political landscape in today’s culture or should we as pastors simply be content to just stay in our lane?

How can we as pastors ensure that we are providing effective ministry to the children in our congregations if we don't have a pastor designated specifically for this responsibility? And if we do, how can he or she serve them effectively especially in light of the pandemic?

How can pastors effectively and creatively help lead their congregations as they seek to reach the planet for the kingdom of God in the midst of a global pandemic? In this episode Pastor Rick Johns explores this topic with two guests pastors as they seek to find answers that will not only inform but challenge pastors and members alike.

The pandemic has changed everything about how we do ministry in church. What are some innovative ways pastors have adjusted to this new normal and as they continue to lead and nurture their congregations?

How the does pastor take care of his own soul during these times of drastic change and national crisis? People are looking to spiritual leaders for encouragement, hope, and guidance. How do we make sure we have something to offer them in challenging times?