What if the path to true greatness is not just following your own ambitions but uncovering the treasure within you by embracing humility? In this episode, Pastor Derwin Gray invites us to reflect on the transformative journey of the church, emphasizing that it isn't about buildings or denominations but about the love that ignites the hearts of those redeemed by Christ. Through personal anecdotes from his life—like overcoming entitlement in high school football and the importance of respecting teammates in the NFL—Pastor Derwin passionately illustrates how a mindset of humility, servanthood, and accountability can propel us forward. He urges the audience to break free from the chains of arrogance and to stand out by contributing positively to their communities. As you navigate your spiritual journey, this message will help you recognize the grace that underlies every challenge, enabling growth and connection with God.

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

1. Reject Entitlement: Recognize entitlement as a destructive force that can hinder personal growth and the work of God in your life. Approach every opportunity and responsibility as a gift of God's grace, and remember that you are part of a larger community.
2. Embrace Humility: Follow the example of Jesus, who embodied humility and servanthood. Be willing to serve in any capacity, understanding that true leadership is rooted in humility and a willingness to serve others.
3. Stand Out, Don’t Fit In: Instead of conforming to negative cultural norms, strive to stand out by leading with integrity and excellence. Respect others, but prioritize being the best version of yourself, even if it means going against the grain.
4. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Be open to learning and receiving constructive criticism. Avoid arrogance and defensiveness, and instead, view feedback as an opportunity for growth. Continuously seek to improve and develop your skills and character in alignment with Christ’s example.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

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What does it take to stand firm in your faith amidst the challenges of an Ivy League law school? In this compelling episode of Transforming the Church Podcast, Pastor Derwin is joined by his son, Jeremiah, who shares his inspiring journey from being a promising football player to a dedicated law student at UPenn. Through thought-provoking conversation, they explore how Jeremiah's faith was shaped through pivotal experiences, such as a transformative Bible class and encouragement from mentors. Pastor Derwin connects with the audience by emphasizing the importance of investing in the spiritual development of our children, encouraging families to pray for positive influences in their lives. The discussion doesn’t shy away from the loneliness many Christians face in secular environments and how meaningful relationships can create a supportive community. As Jeremiah shares how he seeks to embody Christ's love and shine a light in a challenging space, he invites listeners to reflect on their own paths. Don’t miss this chance to be inspired by their story of faith and transformation. Tune in and discover how God can use us to make a difference wherever we are!

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

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In this podcast episode, Pastor Derwin Gray emphasizes the importance of ministry leaders being closely connected to Jesus in order to lead effectively. He discusses the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, highlighting how Jesus defies social norms to restore dignity and share the gift of living water with her. Pastor Derwin encourages leaders to cultivate relationships, sow seeds of the gospel, and be a compassionate presence in the lives of those who are hurting. Ultimately, he calls for the church to embody a multi-ethnic community that actively shares the love of Jesus with the world.

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

• Engage with Compassion and Kindness: Just as Jesus approached the Samaritan woman with kindness and offered her the gift of living water, we should engage with others compassionately. This means approaching people with love and offering them the hope and grace found in Jesus, rather than judgment.

• Be Present in People's Lives: Jesus was present in the midst of people's messes and hurts. We are called to be a peaceful presence among those who are hurting, offering them the healing and love that comes from Christ. This involves being willing to enter into difficult situations and relationships with grace and understanding.

• Embrace Honesty and Repentance: The sermon emphasizes the importance of being honest about our struggles and sins. God can only heal the true version of us, which requires repentance and transparency. This means acknowledging our past and seeking healing through Christ.

• Participate in God's Mission: The message encourages us to join God in His mission rather than asking Him to join ours. This involves being active in sharing the gospel, sowing seeds of faith, and being part of the harvest by leading others to Christ. It’s about aligning our lives with God’s purpose and mission.

• Break Down Barriers: Jesus broke down cultural, racial, and gender barriers by speaking to the Samaritan woman. We are called to do the same by reaching out to people from different backgrounds and communities, promoting unity and reconciliation in the body of Christ.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

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In this sermon, Pastor Derwin Gray emphasizes the importance of recognizing the church as a community of believers rather than just a physical structure or institution. He highlights the mission of the church to reach lost people, asserting that evangelism should be prioritized over societal issues like healthcare and justice. Using the narrative of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, he underscores the need to break down barriers of race and gender and affirm the dignity of all individuals. Ultimately, Pastor Derwin encourages listeners to experience joy through participating in God’s mission to bring people to Christ, framing evangelism as a loving invitation rather than a judgment.

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

• Cross-Cultural Mission: Follow Jesus' example by reaching across cultural and racial barriers to share the gospel.
• Affirm Dignity: Engage with others by affirming their dignity, as Jesus did with the Samaritan woman.
• Prioritize Evangelism: Focus on reaching lost people and view evangelism as an invitation to a relationship with Christ.
• Find Joy in Mission: Experience joy by participating in God's mission to save the lost.
• Trust the Evangelism Process: Understand that evangelism involves preparing, planting, and harvesting, with God giving the increase.
• Live Out the Gospel: See all aspects of life as opportunities to worship and glorify God.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

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If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

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In this episode of the Transforming the Church Podcast, Pastor Derwin Gray shares insights on maintaining health as a ministry leader. This is the third part of the series "What I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Became a Pastor." Pastor Derwin discusses the importance of taking sabbaticals, establishing a weekly Sabbath, having mentors, peers, and mentees, and staying physically fit. These practices are essential for sustaining a healthy ministry and personal life, allowing leaders to serve effectively and joyfully.

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

• Sabbatical and Study Breaks: Pastor Derwin emphasizes the importance of taking extended breaks, such as a seven-week summer sabbatical, to recharge and prepare for future ministry work. These breaks are not just for rest but also for spiritual renewal and planning, allowing leaders to be proactive and organized.
• Weekly Sabbath: A weekly Sabbath is a day of delight and rest, not boredom. It’s a time to engage in activities that refresh the soul, such as hobbies or spending time in nature. Pastor Derwin shares his personal practice of fishing on his Sabbath, which reinvigorates his spirit.
• Mentorship and Community: Having mentors (a "Paul"), peers (a "Barnabas"), and mentees (a "Timothy") creates a cycle of learning and teaching that enriches personal and spiritual growth. Mentors provide wisdom and experience, peers offer mutual support, and mentees allow leaders to pass on their knowledge.
• Physical Fitness: Staying physically fit is crucial for mental health and overall well-being. Resistance weight training, in particular, helps maintain mental clarity and emotional stability. Pastor Derwin shares his journey of rediscovering the importance of physical fitness after his NFL career and how it benefits his ministry.
• Living from Affirmation: Leaders should live from the affirmation of being loved and approved by God, rather than seeking approval through their work. Understanding that righteousness comes from Christ allows leaders to serve from a place of grace and security.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

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In this episode of the Transforming the Church Podcast, Pastor Derwin Gray delves into the essential skills needed for effective pastoral leadership, focusing on engaging in difficult conversations. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical principles, Pastor Derwin offers practical advice for ministry leaders and followers of Jesus who are committed to discipleship and mentoring. This episode is part of a series titled "What I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Became a Pastor," providing insights that transcend specific ministry roles and apply to all believers.

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

• The Importance of Difficult Conversations: Engaging in difficult conversations is crucial for anyone in ministry. Avoiding these conversations can lead to greater issues later on.
• Character Over Celebrity: Ministry is not about fame or celebrity status but about developing Christ-like character. Holiness and the fruit of the Spirit are paramount.
• Practical Tips for Difficult Conversations: Never Raise Your Voice: Maintain a gentle and calm demeanor, even when discussing challenging topics.
• Never Have a Difficult Conversation Alone: Always have another ministry leader present to ensure clarity and accountability.
• Security in Christ: The more secure you are in your identity in Christ, the more maturely you can handle difficult conversations.
• Biblical Foundation: Referencing 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Pastor Derwin emphasizes the importance of character and self-control for church leaders.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Understand the cultural context of your audience and adapt your communication style accordingly.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

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In this episode of the Transforming the Church Podcast, Pastor Derwin begins a three-part series exploring the insights and lessons he wishes he had known before stepping into pastoral leadership. This episode focuses on effective pastoral leadership, emphasizing the importance of serving beyond preaching, the necessity of excellent systems and processes, and the inevitability of resistance to change. Join us as we delve into the heart of ministry, discovering how to lead with love, humility, and resilience in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

1. Ministry as Service: Ministry is about serving the Lord, the body of Christ, and those yet to know Jesus. It is rooted in the priesthood of all believers.
2. Beyond Preaching: Effective pastoral leadership involves more than just preaching. It requires sharing life with the congregation, demonstrating Christ-like character, and working hard in service.
3. Systems and Processes: Healthy leadership necessitates excellent systems and processes. Organization and teamwork are vital to managing the pressures of ministry.
4. Resistance to Change: Expect and prepare for resistance when leading change. Understanding and addressing fears of power loss, status, and the unknown are crucial.
5. God's Calling and Empowerment: God, who calls and seats leaders, empowers them to be servant leaders through the life of Jesus within them.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

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In this episode of the Transforming the Church podcast, Pastor Derwin L. Gray welcomes the esteemed New Testament scholar, Reverend Dr. N.T. Wright. Together, they explore the depths of Jesus' mercy, the challenges and glories of ministry, and the importance of prayer and scripture in spiritual growth. Dr. Wright shares personal anecdotes, including his interactions with the late Queen of England, and offers insights into the global state of the church. This conversation is rich with wisdom, encouragement, and a call to embody the transformative power of the Gospel.

Here are a few of the key takeaways you’ll learn in this episode:

• Inexhaustible Mercy of Jesus: Dr. Wright emphasizes the profound and surprising depths of Jesus' mercy, which continues to reveal itself in new ways throughout his life.
• The Call to Ministry: Dr. Wright shares his early sense of calling to ministry and the importance of having mentors and role models who speak life into young people.
• Challenges and Glories of Ministry: Ministry is described as both more challenging and more glorious than one can imagine, with the potential to push back darkness and reveal God's light.
• Importance of Prayer and Scripture: Dr. Wright stresses the necessity of engaging deeply with the Bible and prayer as foundational practices for spiritual growth.
• Global Church Dynamics: While some areas show decline, there are also signs of new growth and vitality in the church, particularly in places like London.
• Personal Stories and Influence: Dr. Wright shares personal stories, including his interactions with the Queen, highlighting the importance of grace and good manners.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

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