The Pastors Collective

Jonathan Wiggins is back! On this episode of the podcast, he and Greg Surratt catch up on what's happening with the Pastors Collective and The Retreat at Church Creek. They also talk about Jonathan's new book, Walking with Lions: How to Find True Courage and Enduring Strength Through God-Honoring Relationships, a book about the need for deep and intentional friendships. The reality is that leaders who try to lead alone… don't lead for long. Jonathan talks about the need for both authenticity and attachment, and the need to be both deeply loved and deeply knowAs leaders, isolation is dangerous, but intimacy can feel scary too. Jonathan offers his own story as a pattern for how we can embrace friendships that can empower us for healthy lives and ministries that last.   The Pastors Collective is Executive Produced by Greg Surratt. Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Cosper Productions.

Join Pastor Greg Surratt for a fun, fascinating, and wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Ed Stetzer. Their friendship spans two decades, collaborating on mission, church planting, and evangelism.   In this conversation, they'll cover pastoring in our political climate, post-pandemic opportunities for the church, and more. While there's a pervasive sense that our current situation is unprecedented, in reality, the church has been here before. What happened in 1968 – a time of civil unrest and a pandemic known as The Hong Kong Flu – reveals a lot about what might be ahead for us. They look ahead at how society's reopening, cultural turbulence, and changes emerging in a new economy might affect the church.   Dr. Stetzer is a professor and dean at Wheaton College who also serves as Executive Director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. Stetzer has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches, and trained pastors and church planters. He's also a contributing editor for Christianity Today, and writes for news outlets such as USAToday and CNN. The Pastors Collective is Executive Produced by Greg Surratt. Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Mike Cosper for Cosper Productions.

Many pastors are wrestling with questions about women's ordination. The question has pressed on minds even more urgently since Easter, when Saddleback Church ordained three women as pastors. On today's podcast, Greg Surratt sits down with Sharon Hodde Miller to talk about her own journey into ministry, particularly about discovering her teaching gifts and growing into openness about serving as a pastor. Sharon has an MDiv from Duke Divinity and a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where she studied issues of women and calling. She's also the author of two books, Free of Me: Why Life is Better When It's Not About You and Nice: Why We Love to Be Liked and How God Calls Us to More. Sharon and Greg explore her story, how she embraced her calling as a preacher and teacher, and broader questions about women's roles in ministry. Produced by Greg Surratt and Mike Cosper Edited and Mixed by Cosper Productions For more info visit www.pastorscollective.com

John Eldredge is the bestselling author of many books, including the NY Times bestseller Wild at Heart. He is also president of Wild at Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God and recover their own hearts in God's love. Join Greg Surratt for this rich conversation with John as they talk about the 20th anniversary of Wild at Heart's publication, the unique challenges that men face in our culture, and ways that churches can best serve the men in their congregations. It's an especially important conversation as we enter the second year of the pandemic, as men face deeper temptations of suicide, anxiety, and depression.   At the heart of the masculine journey is a call to courage – one as urgent for boys as it is for men. John's work is an invitation to embrace that call and find that as men step into it, they'll find themselves drawing near to the heart of God. To learn more about John's ministry, visit www.wildatheart.org.   The Pastors Collective is a production of Cosper Productions. It's Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Mike Cosper Learn more and support our work at www.pastorscollective.com  

David French began his career as a constitutional lawyer and spent almost two decades arguing for free speech and religious liberty in the highest courts in the land. He's also a writer and journalist, writing about politics, religion, and evangelicalism. He writes as an insider, a lifelong evangelical Christian. His work appeared first at National Review and now his newsletters and podcast are available from The Dispatch. His most recent book is Divided We Fall, an exploration of polarization in America.   On this podcast, David joins Greg Surratt to talk about the place evangelicals find themselves today. What do we make of divided politics? What are the real challenges we face to religious liberty? Is there any hope for healing our national wounds?   Tune in for a rich conversation that gets past the fear-mongering hype of modern politics to look at what's really going on, the reasons we have to hope, and how we might work towards a healthier future.   If you're enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on iTunes. You can learn more about The Pastors Collective and donate to support the work at pastorscollective.com   This podcast is produced by Mike Cosper and Greg Surratt. Audio production by Cosper Productions Our theme song is by L-Ray Music Special thanks to David French for being our guest.

Jonathan Wiggins is the pastor of Rez Church in Loveland, Colorado. Originally from Louisiana, Jonathan grew up in a pastor's home. But behind closed doors, he experienced deep brokenness. In spite of that, Jonathan found his way into ministry, where like many, he experienced leadership as a difficult and lonely road. But God reached Jonathan just in time by connecting him to the community of pastors in ARC, and later, in a ministry called Refuge, where he reconnected with his own soul and sense of calling. Pastor Greg Surratt invites Jonathan to share these stories and more on today's episode.   Executive Produced by Greg Surratt Produced and edited by Mike Cosper Music by Dan Phelps Learn more at www.thepastorscollective.com

On this episode of the podcast, Amie Patrick joins Pastor Greg Surratt and Mike Cosper to reflect on the six months that have passed since Darrin Patrick, co-founder of The Pastors Collective, took his own life. She shares about what's been going on in their family, the ways they've experienced God's grace in the midst of loss, and the how she's had to accept the mysteries and unanswered questions that remain.   The Pastors Collective is produced by Greg Surratt and Mike Cosper This Episode was edited and mixed by Mike Cosper Theme song by Dan Phelps Learn more at www.thepastorscollective.com

On May 7th of this year, we lost Darrin Patrick. Darrin was one of the founders and co-hosts of The Pastors Collective, and in the wake of his death, those who loved Darrin have experienced a deep sense of loss and grief. On today's episode, Greg Surratt sits down with Rich Plass from Crosspoint Ministry and Mike Cosper, the producer of this podcast, to reflect on the loss of Darrin. Rich and Mike were longtime friends and fellow travelers with Darrin. They discuss who Darrin was and what his heart was for ministry, how to reflect on his loss at this uniquely challenging time, and the toll that ministry can take on the psyche. For more information, visit www.thepastorscollective.com Find Rich Plass at Crosspoint Ministry: https://crosspointministry.com/ The Pastors Collective is produced by Mike Cosper More info at www.narrativogroup.com Our theme song is by Dan Phelps

Pastor Greg and Pastor Darrin talk about life for a pastor's kid on this episode. Everyone has their eyes on the pastor's kids. They grow up in a fishbowl uncertain about how they should act and behave. It's hard for them to just be who they are. The expectation that these kids should have a strongly cultivated faith can wreak havoc on their lives. Pastor Greg and Pastor Darrin discuss what it means to help pastors' kids feel secure and feel the freedom to be kids. Credits: Produced by Narrativo Executive produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Edited and mixed by Mike Cosper Theme song by Dan Phelps

On Today's episode, Pastor Darrin and Pastor Greg talk about the difficulty and necessity of building real friendships.  It's a unique challenge for pastors because the intimacy, authority, and expectations that would-be friends project onto pastors. It's also challenging because of the limitations on time and energy an individual pastor has. And of course, it can be very painful when we feel as though we've been spiritually betrayed.  Greg and Darrin dig into these difficulties, challenging us to seek meaningful friendships through prayer and through intentionality.  Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Edited, Produced, and Mixed by Mike Cosper and Narrativo

This week on Pastor's Collective, Darrin Patrick and Greg Surratt talk about the Sunday hangover. After preaching on Sundays pastors can often feel physically and emotionally exhausted on Monday morning. Pastor Greg wants you to know that this is normal and that pastors should plan to incorporate a day of rest and healthy rhythms of recharging.  Credits: Produced by Narrativo Executive produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Edited and mixed by Mike Cosper Theme song by Dan Phelps

This week on Pastor  Darrin Patrick and  Pastor Greg Surratt's phone call, Darrin and Greg talk about how to respond to the ongoing fears sparked by the COVID-19 outbreak, and how it's impacting churches. In particular, they'll talk about how to respond to fears about finances, and suggest some best practices for engaging givers and planning for the long-term impact of the crisis.  Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Edited and mixed by Mike Cosper and Narrativo Group Music by Dan Phelps

During this time of social isolation, Pastor Darrin Patrick calls Pastor Greg Surratt to talk about the situation and how churches and leaders are dealing with it.  Executive Produced by  Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper and Narrativo.

This episode was recorded last week before the decision was made to close services at Seacoast on Sunday after the CDC updated it's guidelines for public gatherings. On this episode of the Pastor's Collective, hosts Greg Surrat and Darrin Patrick discuss the Coronavirus and the impact it has had at Seacoast church and other churches across the U.S.  They encourage the audience to remember that God is sovereign, in control and not surprised by the spread of the virus. Pastors are encouraged to find creative ways to connect with their congregants using multiple online platforms so that people can continue to worship and be in community together. Stephen Mansfield Podcast The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Mike Cosper Mixed by Mike Cosper Music by Dan Phelps

On this episode of the Pastor's Collective, hosts Greg Surrat and Darrin Patrick talk about the Enneagram as a useful tool in understanding how wounds in your life can affect you and your leadership style as a pastor. Darrin opens up about his journey to pastoral restoration and tells how the Enneagram was used to help him grow. Though painful, his journey to self-awareness was transformative and has helped him to become a more effective leader. Two recommended versions of the Enneagram https://test.natebebout.com/ https://www.wepss.com/ Read more about the Enneagram HERE   The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Mike Cosper Mixed by Mike Cosper Music by Dan Phelps

On this episode of the Pastor's Collective, hosts Greg Surrat and Darrin Patrick talk about burnout. Pastors now preach as many as four or five, back to back sermons over any given weekend and it's leading them to burnout. Greg and Darrin warn pastors to know their limits and to watch for the warning signs of burnout but also talk of Sabbath and learning to rest. The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Mike Cosper Mixed by Mike Cosper Music by Dan Phelps  

On this episode of the Pastor's Collective, hosts Greg Surrat and Darrin Patrick discuss the topic of plagiarism. Darrin acknowledges the temptation to use someone else's words as though they were your own and how that, without honoring the source, it can cause harm. Greg and Darrin share their own experiences of getting caught not citing others in their own preaching and offer practical advice to pastors on how to give credit where it is due. Protecting study time to prepare and putting the work in and creating sermons that give clear credit will benefit both congregants and the heart of pastors. The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Mike Cosper Mixed by Mike Cosper Music by Dan Phelps    

A quick message from Pastor Darrin on what's to come in the next few episodes of The Pastors Collective

On this episode, Pastor Darrin Patrick sits down with Pastor Robby Gallaty, exploring his story. Pastor Robby grew up in a Catholic home, but never really had any faith. Beginning with a terrible car accident, Robby became addicted to drugs. First with prescription drugs, and later with street drugs. He spiraled out of control, and when he hit the bottom, he found Jesus, and that changed everything. You can learn more about Robby's new book on addiction, recovery, and faith, here. Produced by Narrativo   Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Edited and Mixed by Mike Cosper Music by Dan Phelps

On this episode of the Pastor's Collective, Greg Surrat talks to Brad Cooper and Shane Duffey from Newspring Church in Anderson, South Carolina. Newspring is a multisite church that spans across the state of South Carolina and was founded by Perry Noble. Greg talks to Brad and Shane about the topic of transition within the church. What it looks like to transition graciously and how to face challenges with honor when transition occurs unexpectedly. Brad and Shane offer other pastors wise counsel that begins with being proactive about creating a plan of succession, seeking the Holy Spirit in unity and communicating with the church in transparency.   Brad Cooper and Shane Duffey along with Michael Mullikin and Howard Frist stepped into leadership roles at Newspring Church when founding Pastor Perry Noble stepped down from his position. They looked to Acts 15 for guidance during the transition and sought unity together in order to lead their church forward.   The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Mike Cosper Mixed by Mike Cosper Music by Dan Phelps

Recently, a controversy erupted after John MacArthur made a comment about Beth Moore – saying she should “go home.” The comment led to a firestorm on social media, and brought to the surface a variety of issues related to women in ministry. On this episode of The Pastors Collective, Pastors Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick are joined by Geoff and Sherry Surratt to discuss the questions raised by the controversy. What roles should women play in ministry? What opportunities should churches provide for them? And what should women in ministry hear from their pastors?   Credits: Produced by Narrativo Executive produced by Gregg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Edited and mixed by Mike Cosper Theme song by Dan Phelps

On this episode of the Pastors Collective, Pastor Greg Surratt sits down with Lee Domingue. Lee Domingue is an entrepreneur, international speaker, pastor and author of Pearls Of The King and KB GAMEPLAN.  His passion for the local church to be the hope of the world drives him to help pastors and marketplace leaders understand just how vital they are to each other. Through Kingdom Builders U.S. and serving as Legacy Pastor at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, Lee brings inspiration and practical strategies for pastors and marketplace leaders to understand the significant eternal return on investment that their relationship creates to build the Kingdom of God. Pastor Gregg and Lee talk about the important relationship between marketplace leaders and pastors, the value of what Lee calls legacy teams, and much, much more.   Resources: Kingdombuilders.us   The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo.   Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Mike Cosper Mixed by Mike Cosper Music by Dan Phelps

On this episode of The Pastor's Collective, Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick talk to Joshua Silverberg and Wes Pickering. Joshua Silverberg is a Producer and Songwriter and Wes Pickering is a Worship Leader and Writer. Both live in Nashville, TN and are members of The Belonging. Both Silverberg and Pickering were present and prayed for people at the incredible healing service held at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Joshua had previously prayed for Micah, Band director at Seacoast over the phone and he was completely and immediately healed from a rare form of Multiple Sclerosis. Josh Surratt invited he and Wes to participate in what can only be described as a Holy Spirit Phenomenon, whereby members of Seacoast church were miraculously healed during a seven-hour prayer service.   The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Mike Cosper Mixed by Mark Owens Music by Dan Phelps

Larry Stockstill is a teaching pastor at Bethany church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He served as senior pastor there for 30 years. The church was first pastored by his father and passed to him in 1983 when he was 30 years old and it's now under the leadership of his son. Under his leadership the church set up a small group structure that became a worldwide model. He has sent out 28 Associate Pastors to plant churches and some of them are the largest in America. In 2001 he started the Surge project, a church planting model based on mentoring and multiplication and in 14 years planted 22,000 small rural churches in 12 world time zones. He's been married to Melanie for over 42 years and has 6 children and 15 grandchildren. Larry joins Greg Surrat and Darrin Patrick to talk about his career in ministry, the work of leading leaders, the nature of fathering, and more. The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Recorded by Christian Stropko Mixed by Mike Cosper Music by Dan Phelps

On this episode of The Pastor's Collective, Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick talk to Tim Scott, member of Seacoast Church and a U.S. Senator for the State of South Carolina. Tim Scott is the first African American to sit in both the House of Representatives and State Senate.  Senator Scott talks about his desire and need for being rooted in a church in his home state of South Carolina and how he and Greg have become friends over the span of 22 years. Senator Scott talks about being pastored by Greg and being led with humility and its effect on his person and career. The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Quinette Conner Mixed by Mike Cosper Music by Dan Phelps

On this episode of the Pastor's Collective, hosts Greg Surrat and Darrin Patrick have a conversation about criticism. They share their perspective about being criticized as Leading Pastors but also offer guidance to the Pastor who may need an open heart and mind to receive constructive feedback. Greg talks about the necessity of affirmation and coaching as a means for critique for pastors as well as the value that is found in being surrounded by friends who are willing to be honest and forthcoming. The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Quinette Conner Mixed by Mike Cosper Music by Dan Phelps

On this episode of the Pastor's Collective, hosts Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick check in from the ARCConferencewhere they talk to David Meyer, CEO of Hand of Hope.David talks about how he is able, through Hand of Hope, to help people around the globe and make a difference in the Kingdom. David also shares that he has to continually fight against his natural desire and drive for accomplishment by remaining in God's presence and in return he is able to better care for others all over the world.    Hand of Hope The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Quinette Conner Mixed by TJ Hester Music by Dan Phelps

Warning: This episode discusses topics related to human trafficking, sex and pornography. On this episode of the Pastor's Collective, Darrin Patrick talks to Billy Mills of Reverb Church in St. Augustine, FL about his addiction to sex and pornography and the redemptive power found in retelling his story. Billy talks about the painful work of repenting and rebuilding his life with his wife and the transformative power of the gospel to cleanse, restore and renew him.  You'll hear a story about the pervasive effects of pornography and the great need for pastors to seek accountability to help safeguard their purity.   Resources: Covenant Eyes The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Quinette Conner Mixed by Mike Cosper Music by Dan Phelps

On this episode of the Pastor's Collective, hosts Greg Surrat and Darrin Patrick talk to Michael Fletcher, Pastor of Manna Church in Fayetteville, NC. Located near Fort Bragg, approximately 70% of Manna Church's members are in the military. Fletcher talks turnover and attrition but also growth and success and the expectations that come along with them. As Michael pursues the goal of planting a church near every military base in the U.S.--with eight already planted and two more gearing up to launch--he talks with Greg and Darrin about the importance of a pastor staying healthy through good boundaries and a daily connection with Jesus. The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo.   Credits:  Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick  Produced by Mike Cosper  Edited by Quinette Conner  Mixed by Mike Cosper  Music by Dan Phelps

Notice- The topic discussed on this episode of The Pastor's Collective is regarding depression and suicide. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifelinewhich is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK).   On this episode of The Pastor's Collective, Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick talk to Chad Blansit, Pastor of Destiny Church in Republic, Missouri. Chad recounts the moment he hit rock bottom and considered suicide his only option to address his suffering. Chad's story is about redemption from death and darkness, forgiving himself and his ongoing fight against shame and rejection and religion and law. You'll hear about Chad's incredible loss and how the Lord has equipped him with coping mechanisms to strengthen his resolve and faith.

On this episode of The Pastor's Collective, Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick talk to Jimmy Rollins, pastor of i5 church in Baltimore, MD. Jimmy tells the story of his church's transition and the transition in his heart from rebellion to obedience. You'll hear a story about a humbled pastor struggling to cope with leading a church while balancing his home life; his particular temptations and the courage he drew from his wife's testimony to address his own shortcomings.   RESOURCES: Celebrate Recovery The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Quinette Conner  Mixed by Mike Cosper Music by Dan Phelps    

On this episode of The Pastor's Collective, Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick talk to Lead Pastor Josh Surratt about an incredible prayer service held at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina.  It was the start of a “Holy Spirit phenomenon”, which they could hardly believe themselves. You'll hear about healing, faith, and prayer. In particular, you'll hear about how the Lord healed others and stirred an awakening in Josh, opening his eyes to see the Lord's miraculous power in fresh and wonderful ways.   The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Quinette Conner Mixed by Mark Owens Music by Dan Phelps

Confronted for having an emotional affair with a member of his congregation, Darrin Patrick found himself in a crisis. Frightened, Darrin questioned his passion and had thoughts of quitting. With close friends, counselors, and elder pastors, Darrin recognized his behavior, made amends with those he'd hurt, and healed the wounds that caused him to change. Now, Darrin knows he was called to serve. He uses this re-found passion to encourage those who are struggling and to help the next generation.    The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. www.narrativogroup.com Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced and edited by Mike Cosper Mixed by TJ Hester Music by Dan Phelps

On this episode of The Pastors Collective, Darrin Patrick interviews Greg Surratt about his career in ministry. It's a story that begins with some serious bumps in the road – including being fired from one job by his own father. But it eventually led him to find a sense of calling as a church planter, and led him to found Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina. It's a story full of hard-earned wisdom and profound grace, and it's led Pastor Greg to a new sense of calling for the next season of his life: that of a spiritual father to pastors and church planters across the country. The Pastors Collective is a production of Narrativo. www.narrativogroup.com Credits: Executive Produced by Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick Produced and edited by Mike Cosper Mixed by TJ Hester Music by Dan Phelps

On The Pastors Collective, hosts Greg Surratt and Darrin Patrick talk to pastors across the country about the real and difficult work of planting, pastoring, and leading churches. You'll hear unflinching stories about what makes pastoring so joyful and so hard. Between Greg's years planting Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina, Darrin's years planting The Journey in St. Louis, Missouri, and their years working with other planters through ARC (Association of Related Churches) and Acts 29, they bring a tremendous amount of personal wisdom and experience to these conversations. Success and failure are a key part of every ministry, and so is the grace that accompanies them. On The Pastors Collective, you'll hear about all of it.