This Poor Pastor's Podcast

After nearly 3 years, and almost 200 episode, it's time to bring This Poor Pastor's Podcast to a close. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

What can you say to people who criticize quitting as if it is always bad, or who tell you that you are wrong to quit things they have identified as virtuous or beneficial? Here are four responses. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

When trying to decide when to quit, two things can wrongly influence our decision. The sunk cost fallacy and the escalation of commitment. In this episode, I explain them both. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Is it possible to develop a habit of quitting that is hard to quit? Is it hard to quit quitting? If so, how does one go about quitting being a quitter? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Quitting gets a bad rap. Many times people simply don't know when to quit, or when it's okay to quit. In this episode, I share four times when you know that it might be time to quit. Resources in this episode: "Mind Shift" by Erwin Raphael McManus --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

This week we are going to have a conversation about quitting. We start off with a discussion about whether or not it is always bad to quit. Resources mentioned in this episode: "Simple Church" by Thom Rainer --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Habit building is an important part of resilience training. Building resilience is an important part of successful living. We all want successful lives. So...habits. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Whenever you begin to grow in your life, you will face resistance. Do not be discouraged. This happens to all of us. The successful people recognize it and push through it. In this episode, I will outline the four areas for you, and I am sure you will begin to see them in your own life, and then, you'll know what to do. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Today, as we continue to talk about habit formation, I talk about the importance of knowing your why. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

In today's episode, I want to share a conversation I had with my violin teacher, that gave me just the perspective I needed. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Did you know that the little habits we have, at the very beginning of our day, of our week, or our actions, are perhaps the things that determine our longterm success? It's true, and that is why John Wooden taught his college ball players how to put their socks and shoes on. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

In this final conversation about creativity, we talk about the need for a roadmap or a framework in which to engage your creative potential. If you ever feel like your creativity is frozen, like writer's block, then this episode will help. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

In today's episode, I share a brief reading from the book "The Creative Act: a way of being" by Rick Rubin. It is the section entitled "The Beginner's Mind" To purchase this book from Amazon, and support this show, you can follow the link below. And thank you! "The Creative Act: a way of being" (Affiliate Link) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the power of boredom! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

In this episode, I give you three things you can do to boost your creativity! Resources mentioned in this episode The Creative Act: A way of being by Rick Rubin The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

In this episode, I want to share something I wrote for FB, that I think has direct bearing on our discussion of creativity. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

In this series of conversations, I am going introduce you to the idea of creativity, and its importance in the life of all human beings. Yes, Christians should be creative. I can't wait to talk to you about this. Want to support this podcast? Patreon.com/thispoorpastor One-time $5 donation via Stripe --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Tony Robbins once said, "Knowledge is not power. It's potential power. Execution trumps knowledge any day." The prophet said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Paul wanted the church to be filled with the knowledge of God. So, is knowledge power? Let's talk about that today. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

The final discussion on this topic covers reasons 6 & 7 from the video "10 Reasons People Are Leaving for House Church" Video referenced in this episode: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ro3RGWZX4&t=132s --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

In this episode, we look at the fifth reason given in the video titled "10 Reasons People Leave for House Church." By Matthew Dabbs. That reason is "It's Persecution Proof." We'll examine that claim. Video referenced in this episode: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ro3RGWZX4&t=132s --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

In this episode, we are going to continue our response to a video entitled 10 Reasons People are Leaving for House Churches. I have linked to the original video in case you would like to see the entire thing for yourself. Video referenced in this episode: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ro3RGWZX4&t=132s --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Over the next few episodes, I will be going through a video sent to me by a friend called "Ten Reasons People Leave a Legacy Church for a House Church." I hope you will enjoy my thoughts, and learn some things along the way! If you want to watch the entire video, you can do so at the link below. Video referenced in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ro3RGWZX4&t=132s --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Have you ever heard of the God default? You've probably heard it, even if you didn't know that's what it was. The God default is when Christians feel the need to inject an air of spiritual helplessness into any conversation about striving, working, or doing. Please don't fall for it! Want to support This Poor Pastor's Podcast? There are several ways you can do that, but one of the easiest ones is through Patreon at www.patreon.com/thispoorpastor --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

In this final discussion in our chat about church, I just want to take a few minutes and extend a heartfelt plea not to give up on the church. She ain't perfect, but she's worth sticking with. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

In this episode, I want to continue the discussion about pastors. Specifically, what kind of pastor you are, and how you can know. I identify 3 different kinds of pastors that I believe God uses and encourage you to lean into your gifting. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

In this episode, I'm gonna just have an honest discussion with you about the pastor and his position, and the pitfalls that can creep up on him. I'm probably gonna make some people mad, a few glad, and hopefully give you a few laughs along the way. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Have you ever heard that the church is supposed to be a hospital for sinners? Have you ever actually asked anybody what that means? In this episode, I ask that question, and give you my best stab at an answer! Click here to support this podcast! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

In today's conversation, I want to share some of the bad arguments I have heard for not attending church. Specifically, the church isn't a building, and the NT church didn't meet in a building. I'd love to hear your thoughts. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

I love the church. I am filled with hope and optimism about the church and her future, and I also recognize that we have many challenges to overcome. I'd like to talk to you about it this week. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

There is a drastic lack of discussion of God as our Heavenly Father, and what that means. Many times, when talking about the Father, we lapse into language relating to Jesus the Son. As we finish our discussion on the presence of God, I want to talk to you a bit about your Heavenly Father. Resources from the Episode: "Show Me the Father" (Kendrick Brothers Documentary on Amazon Prime.) Clicking on this link will take you to Amazon where you can rent the documentary. It won't cost you any more, but it will help support this podcast. Thank you! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Are there any indications that we are living in the presence of God? Are all the joy and gladness in the life of a believer reserved for that eternal day, one day, a long time from now? Is it true that in the presence of God, there is the fullness of joy, is that for today? These things and more are on today's episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

What if I told you that it was possible to experience the presence of God in a tangible, physical way? Would that be something you would be interested in? Well, it is possible, and I'm going to tell you how. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Have you ever read the Psalms where the author asked God where He is? Have you ever said, "Yep, that's how I feel." You are not alone. In this discussion, we are going to examine this idea for a few moments, and I hope to give you some encouragement to lean in when you feel like God has stepped out. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Have you ever heard someone say that God doesn't need us, we need Him? Have you ever felt like a relationship with God is all a one-way street? In our second discussion on the topic of exploring the presence of God, we are going to discuss this very topic. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

This week I want to talk to you about the presence of God. Does God want to spend time with us, or does He tolerate us? Is God's presence something we should expect to see and feel? If so, is it purely subjective, or is it also objective? I'm excited about discussing it with you this week! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Imagine if you could start the entire year over, and everything up till then could just vanish? Wouldn't that be cool? How many of us would do it, only to be in the same position a few months later? Hands Up! In Exodus chapter 12 God came to Israel and told them He was restarting the calendar, and He had some very specific instructions about how and why they were doing it. I think you'll find this helpful. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

How do you know what to do when you pray for direction? Is there a way that God uses to direct us? While there are probably several, one of the ones He uses in my life is the tool of prompts. In this episode I share a story of how this worked recently in my own life, and hope it encourages you to start listening, and following, the prompts. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

The power and reality of spiritual darkness get overlooked way too often. In this episode, as we continue our theme of forward progress, I want to encourage you to consider the impact of the spiritual world on your life and actions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Life is a bully. It will knock you down and come back around again, every time you try to rise. So what do you do when that happens? Do you let up? Do you lean in? Let's talk about that --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Sometimes you have to build a boat, and sometimes you have to burn the ships. Both require faith, and both will be criticized by those who value safety or rationality above all else. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

On today's episode, I'm just gonna speak from my heart. There aren't a lot of steps to follow, or a formula, just some heartfelt inspiration. One of the greatest passions of my life is to help people move out of the prison of their past into the light of the future God has for them. I'm not naive. I know life is hard. BUT...our past, no matter how difficult, does not have to become our future. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

The person best equipped to help you might not be the one who knows how you feel. This is a lesson I have been learning, and, thanks to my PT I have found several other lessons that will aid in your recovery from injury, physical, emotional, or spiritual, and help you understand why it's really hard to be both the patient and the physician. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Grief doesn't have to be your master. There is a way to manage your grief that can bring hope and healing to your life once again. In this episode, I share my 5 step process to help you do just that. Interested in downloading the free PDF of this process? Click on the link below to download it from my website. "How to Grieve Well" --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

We are surrounded by people who are wounded and grieving. Trying to help those people can be incredibly difficult, primarily because of the teaching that is prevalent in the secular world and even many churches, that confuses comfort with sympathy, empathy, and validation. It is a philosophy that eschews solutions, in favor of "understanding." In this episode, I would like to provide another option. One I believe to be Biblical. Resources Mentioned in this Episode How to Grieve Well (Free PDF) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

On this episode, I want to walk you through my U.N.S.T.U.C.K. acronym. This is a program I developed to walk people through the process of identifying and initiating the meaningful change they need to get them out of that rut. I have seen it work in my own life, and I know it would work in yours. Want to schedule a free coaching call with Mark? Fill out the Form Here --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Who are the three most important people in your life? It might not be who you think. In this episode, I challenge you to identify and maybe consider changing those people if necessary. I'd love to hear your thoughts! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Here's a quick challenge to you. Pick at least one contact from your phone or social media and send them a note to let them know that you were thinking about them. Pray for them, and let them know it. Reach out to someone you haven't heard from in a while, or someone you recently met and leave them an encouraging message. Grow your network, grow your community. Give a good word. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Not everyone who has experienced pain and difficulty develops the mindset problems we examine in this episode. Some people in this mindset haven't even experienced anything difficult at all yet. In today's episode, I list the ten signs of what I call the "trauma and disability" mindset that is so prevalent and holds so many people back. You can download it for yourself in PDF form at my website: www.markfostercoaching.com/resources --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

When you are pruning a fruit tree, you won't be successful by just making miniscule cuts, year by year. If there is no fruit or diminished fruit production, it will take some targeted, aggressive cutting to return to a fruitful stage. And no, this episode isn't about horticulture, but it is about church, ministry, and life. Take a listen! Resource Mentioned in This Episode (Thank you!) "Mind Shift" -Erwin Raphael McManus Want to book a free coaching call with Mark? Free Coaching Request Form --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

Hey everyone! This is the seventh episode since I started my daily podcast experiment. I thought this would be a good time to share some thoughts I have on the future of this podcast, ask you for some valued feedback, and share a short essay I wrote on the perils of raising daughters. It's a bit eclectic. Hopefully, you enjoy it! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support

You can't help everyone, even some who say they want help. It's a sad truth, but if you understand how to spot the ones who truly want help, you can focus your efforts on them. Some people want to argue for their limitations, and guess what? They get to keep them. Check out my free PDF resource "How to Identify Signs of a Trauma and Disability Mindset" www.markfostercoaching.com/resources --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thispoorpastor/support