What does it really mean for a church to know and serve its community? In this episode of The Church Resource Podcast, Lucas Pinckard—proudly identifying as the "world's okayest pastor"—sits down with Dr. Chris Respass to unpack one of the most practical and often overlooked principles of effective ministry: executing the community. Building on ideas introduced by Mark Clifton, Lucas and Chris explore how easy it is for pastors and church leaders to become immersed in church culture while unintentionally losing touch with the people right outside their doors. Church growth books, conferences, and email newsletters often assume a metropolitan, walkable, high-density context—but most churches don't fit that mold. When leaders fail to account for their unique setting, even well-intentioned strategies can miss the mark. Executing the community means paying close attention to where God has placed your church. It's understanding demographics like age, ethnicity, income, education, and family structure, but it also goes deeper—recognizing housing trends, school locations, emerging needs, and even who isn't represented in the community. Chris explains how ministry effectiveness increases when churches stop forcing models that don't fit and start responding to what's actually happening around them. Throughout the episode, the hosts share real-life examples of how executing the community shapes ministry decisions. From deciding whether a church should be an "oasis" for insiders or an "outpost" for the kingdom, to choosing not to duplicate services already provided by schools or local organizations, the conversation emphasizes stewardship, humility, and collaboration. Rather than reinventing the wheel, healthy churches partner with community groups already doing good work and ask a simple but powerful question: How can we help? The discussion also highlights how understanding the community impacts everything from outreach to preaching. Chris shares how adapting sermon illustrations, references, and communication styles helped bridge generational gaps within the congregation. Small touches—cultural references, shared experiences, or even a familiar TV theme song—can go a long way in helping people feel seen, understood, and connected to one another. Lucas and Chris also address the pastoral responsibility of shepherding individuals and families by staying informed about real challenges in the community. Whether it's substance abuse, mental health struggles, parenting concerns, or aging-related issues, churches can create safe spaces for conversations, education, and care. Often, meeting practical needs opens doors for deeper trust, discipleship, and gospel conversations. At the heart of the episode is a call to intentional presence. Executing the community isn't about chasing trends or responding to every headline—it's about prayerfully paying attention, using church resources wisely, and showing up consistently. When churches do this well, they not only serve their neighbors more effectively, they become places people trust and invite others into. If you're a pastor, ministry leader, or church volunteer wondering how to make your church more connected to its surroundings, this episode offers practical wisdom, honest reflection, and a compelling reminder: the mission field is often right across the street. If you have any recommendations for Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass email us at TheChurchResource@gmail.com

As the Christmas season winds down and a new year approaches, pastors and church leaders everywhere feel the familiar pressure to answer a big question: What's the vision for next year? In this episode of The Church Resource Podcast, hosts Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass have an honest, thoughtful, and occasionally humorous conversation about vision casting, goal setting, and why the church may not need another "new thing" after all. Lucas and Chris begin by acknowledging a reality many leaders quietly live with—most churches aren't planning years in advance. While large publishing organizations may have multi-year calendars mapped out, many pastors are navigating vision closer to the turn of the year, often guided by budget timelines and real-life ministry demands. And that's not a failure—it's normal. From there, the conversation shifts to the tension churches feel between novelty and faithfulness. Why do people expect a new theme, a fresh slogan, or a "word of the year" every January? And what happens when that excitement fades as quickly as it arrives? Drawing from Scripture, pastoral experience, and insights on church growth, Chris explains that churches don't plateau because they lack creativity, but because they drift away from two foundational commitments: faithful preaching of the gospel and clear, consistent vision. Rather than advocating for flashy programs or personality-driven momentum, the hosts emphasize resetting the church's vision—reminding people who they are, why they exist, and what God has already called them to do. Preach the gospel. Love one another. Do good works. Make disciples. These practices may not feel exciting, but they are powerful when done with discipline and intentionality. The episode also explores the role of goals in ministry. Using baptism as an example, Chris explains that setting goals isn't about manipulating outcomes or putting limits on the Holy Spirit. Instead, goals help leaders work backward to identify faithful actions—prayer, relationship-building, and gospel conversations—that create space for God to work. The metric isn't the mission; it's a tool for clarity. Lucas and Chris also discuss the dangers of consumerism in church culture, especially in metropolitan areas where people have endless options. When churches compete to appear innovative, they risk neglecting the slow, relational work that actually leads to lasting growth. As they note, spiritual formation is a marathon, not a sprint—and progress often becomes visible only over time. The episode closes with practical wisdom for young pastors preparing to preach vision-focused sermons at the beginning of the year. Chris offers straightforward counsel: pray, immerse yourself in Scripture, take inventory of past challenges and missed opportunities, communicate clearly and simply, and don't feel pressured to reinvent the vision every January. Sometimes God's plan extends well beyond a single year. If you're a pastor, church leader, or ministry volunteer feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to innovate, this episode offers a refreshing reminder: faithfulness, clarity, and discipline still matter—and they still work. Have a topic you want us to cover? Email us at TheChurchResource@gmail.com

Welcome back to The Church Resource! In this episode, Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass dive deep into one of the most joyful—and sometimes most complicated—parts of church life: Christmas music, hymns, and how we disciple our families and congregations through the songs we sing. The conversation starts lightheartedly with Christmas jackets and motorcycle weather before moving into a fun but meaningful question: What are your top three Christmas hymns? Lucas and Chris share their favorites—from "O Come All Ye Faithful" to "Silent Night," "Joy to the World," and the rich, haunting beauty of "O Come O Come Emmanuel." They reflect on what makes these hymns so powerful: their deep theology, the sacred way they're written, and the way they invite us to slow down and remember the birth of Christ. From there, the episode explores why Christmas hymns feel so precious. While modern worship often tries to stay relevant, Christmas season pushes us back toward songs that are timeless, sacred, and focused on the incarnation. Lucas wonders aloud what it would look like if churches approached a random Sunday in August with the same reverence they bring to a candlelight service. Chris emphasizes how Christmas hymns point to a single, extraordinary moment in history—the arrival of the Savior. Then things get interesting as the guys shift to the opposite extreme: Which Christmas songs do you absolutely dislike? Whether it's "Santa Baby," "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," Paul McCartney's "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time," or the guilt-filled "Do They Know It's Christmas," Lucas and Chris talk candidly about why some songs drain the joy right out of the season. This leads to a deeper, more thoughtful discussion about how the songs we sing shape our families. Lucas shares a moment when he realized he'd been teaching his toddler the lyrics to "O Christmas Tree"… only to discover how much of the song essentially praises the tree itself. Together, they unpack how easy it is for "seasonal" songs to overshadow the Savior—and why parents and church leaders should be intentional about what messages they reinforce through music. Chris encourages parents to curate what's sung at home just as intentionally as what's sung in the church. While not every seasonal song is harmful, some subtly shift the focus from worshiping the Creator to celebrating the creation. They reflect on how maturity, parenting, and spiritual growth naturally make us more discerning about lyrics and their impact on the hearts of our kids and congregations. As the episode closes, Lucas and Chris return to what makes Christmas hymns truly beautiful: they center our worship on Christ, connect us with generations of believers before us, and remind us of the miracle of the incarnation. Whatever you sing this Christmas—at home, at church, or with your family—choose songs that keep the focus where it belongs: on the Savior, not just the season. Have a topic you want us to cover? Email us at TheChurchResource@gmail.com

Welcome back to The Church Resource! In today's episode, Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass jump into a fun but meaningful conversation about holiday traditions, Advent rhythms, volunteer burnout, and how churches can navigate the busiest season of the year with wisdom and joy. As Christmas approaches, Lucas and Chris take a lighthearted detour—starting with a joking debate on the "real" birthday of Jesus—before diving deep into how churches can better serve their congregations during the holidays. They share their own experiences as pastors, including what they learned the last time Christmas fell on a Sunday and how different churches choose to structure services when family expectations, volunteer fatigue, and tradition all collide. Lucas reflects on a mentor's advice that when Christmas falls on a Sunday, the church family should be celebrated in a big way—not minimized. Chris offers insight into how his congregation at Antioch approaches Advent with flexibility, creativity, and a focus on breathing room instead of burnout. From Christmas plays and concerts to simplified worship gatherings, they talk about how traditions shift as congregations grow, change, and welcome new generations. One major theme in this episode is the overlooked power of building relationships during the holiday season. Whether it's Christmas parties, Sunday school gatherings, or simply inviting fringe members back into the fold, Lucas and Chris highlight the natural opportunities churches have to reconnect with people who may be drifting or overwhelmed. They challenge leaders to think intentionally about hospitality and to leverage the goodwill of the season. Another important topic they unpack is the growing trend of churches canceling the Sunday service between Christmas and New Year's. Lucas expresses concerns about the message that sends to visitors and the community, while Chris emphasizes the importance of keeping the doors open—perhaps with a simplified service—but remaining faithful to the church's mission to preach the gospel. Together, they explore the balance between caring for volunteers and staying committed to congregational worship. The episode also includes practical encouragement for leaders navigating end-of-year exhaustion. The hosts discuss volunteer appreciation events and why holding them off-site can make a significant difference in helping people feel genuinely valued. Whether it's renting a banquet room, hosting a meal, or planning a simple night out, Chris explains how showing intentional appreciation can refresh your core teams heading into a new year. Ultimately, this conversation is all about finding a healthy rhythm that honors your congregation, encourages your people, avoids burnout, and keeps the focus on Christ. Lucas and Chris remind us that shepherding well means loving well—even in the busiest season of ministry. Have a topic you want us to cover? Email us at TheChurchResource@gmail.com

Welcome back to The Church Resource, the podcast where we help pastors, church leaders, and everyday believers discover the best tools, ideas, and insights for faithful ministry in today's world. Hosted by Pastor Lucas Pinckard (the self-proclaimed "World's Okayest Pastor") and joined by the ever-insightful Dr. Chris Respass, this week's episode digs deep into one of the most practical and important questions facing church communicators: How do we use secular or contemporary resources responsibly in preaching and teaching—without losing focus on Scripture?

In our last episode, we explored the value of historical resources like Josephus, Herodotus, or ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle—tools that help give context to biblical events while reminding us that the Bible is always the best commentary on itself.

This week, we turn our attention to contemporary secular resources—modern books, statistics, and cultural studies—and discuss how pastors can use them wisely to understand and engage the culture they minister in. Dr. Chris Respass explains how he often uses statistics or articles from sources like Psychology Today or Pew Research as introductions or transitions in sermons, helping listeners connect biblical truth to real-world issues like mental health or anxiety.

But as both Lucas and Chris remind us, there's a fine line between using data to illustrate the truth and letting data replace the truth. Statistics, research, and cultural commentary are helpful tools—but God's Word must always remain the primary authority. Pastor Lucas shares candidly about his own struggle with leaning too heavily on stats to make a sermon point, only to feel the Spirit remind him: "My Word is sufficient."

The two also discuss the danger of misinformation and how easily false "facts" spread online. A simple viral graphic can lead millions astray if not checked against reliable sources. As pastors and teachers, it's vital to vet every source before sharing it from the pulpit.

Later in the episode, the conversation turns practical and philosophical—how do pastors know when it's time to address cultural issues directly, and when to simply preach the Word and trust the Spirit to make the connection? Dr. Chris Respass offers wisdom about knowing the "off-ramp" — the moment when a secular resource should point back to Scripture rather than dominate the sermon.

They also explore examples like Jonathan Haidt's book The Anxious Generation—a secular work that inadvertently affirms biblical principles about peace, spiritual practices, and anxiety. Using such resources can illuminate truth for our congregations, but only if we keep the gospel at the center.

In the end, the takeaway is clear: use resources to engage culture, but never replace the Word with the world. Whether you're a new preacher or a seasoned pastor, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you stay grounded, biblical, and effective in today's information-driven age.

If you have any recommendations for Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass email us at TheChurchResource@gmail.com

Welcome back to The Church Resource, the podcast where Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass dive deep into the best tools, materials, and conversations for pastors, church leaders, and everyday believers who want to grow in faith and serve their communities with excellence.

This conversation is both hilarious and deeply practical. From turning 40 and learning patience through parenting, to exploring the tension between biblical truth and cultural relevance, Lucas and Dr. Respass dig into what it means to balance faith, scholarship, and wisdom in ministry.

The episode begins lightheartedly, with Dr. Respus joking about his age and Lucas reminding us that even milestones can be sanctifying experiences. But soon, they shift gears into a thoughtful discussion on whether secular writings, statistics, and historical sources belong in the pulpit or Bible study classroom.

They explore questions like:

How much should pastors rely on secular history when preaching?

Are statistics and cultural studies helpful—or distracting—from gospel-centered teaching?

What makes a source trustworthy when it isn't Scripture?

Dr. Respass introduces a powerful principle: "If it's truth, we ought not be afraid of it." Because God is the God of truth, believers don't have to fear what is true—even if it comes from outside the church. Yet both guests agree: the Bible must remain the primary and ultimate commentary on itself.

Together, they walk through examples from Josephus, Herodotus, Plutarch, and Tacitus, discussing how these ancient historians can add valuable context to biblical events—while also warning that it's easy to get lost in endless research that doesn't actually serve your congregation. As Lucas notes, sometimes all those hours of study boil down to a single sermon sentence: "Secular historians have also confirmed that the biblical narrative is accurate."

The two pastors also touch on the modern challenges of misinformation, AI-generated "fake facts," and clickbait culture—reminding listeners that not every popular "source" is reliable. They encourage leaders to use trusted commentaries, Bible atlases, and resources that synthesize historical material responsibly rather than overwhelm people with information that doesn't point back to Christ.

In short, this episode reminds us that knowledge should build faith, not distract from it. Truth from any source can serve the gospel—but only if it helps people see Jesus more clearly.

If you've ever wondered how much "secular" material belongs in your sermon, Bible study, or small group, this episode is for you.

If you have any recommendations for Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass email us at TheChurchResource@gmail.com

Welcome back to The Church Resource, the show where we talk about the best tools, books, and insights for pastors, leaders, and everyday believers who want to serve well and live faithfully. Hosted by Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass, this week's episode tackles one of the most requested—and most misunderstood—topics in ministry: work-life balance.

Lucas opens the conversation with the big question: "Does work-life balance even exist?" It's something pastors, church staff, and Christian leaders wrestle with constantly. The guys share honestly that while "balance" is a popular buzzword, in real life—especially in ministry—it looks different for everyone. Ministry doesn't fit neatly into a 9-to-5 schedule. The phone rings at odd hours. Emergencies don't wait for office hours. And yet, spiritual leaders still need healthy rhythms, time with their families, and moments to recharge.

Dr. Chris points out that real balance isn't about rigid schedules—it's about boundaries. There's a difference between being available and being on call. The danger for many pastors is thinking they need to be everywhere, all the time. But as both hosts admit, that's a fast track to burnout. Instead, leaders must learn to discern what truly needs their attention, and what can wait—or be handled by someone else.

Lucas shares wisdom from Jimmy Draper's book Don't Quit Before You Finish, where Draper encourages ministers to protect small, consistent windows of family time. Even just two hours a night without interruptions made a huge difference for his ministry and marriage. Those habits not only guard your home life but also model healthy leadership for your congregation.

Dr. Chris builds on that, encouraging pastors to train others in the church to share the load. He also reminds leaders to be self-aware: sometimes our own need to be needed drives us to overcommit. We have to remember—we're shepherds, not saviors. The unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves (and those others place on us) must be brought into alignment with what God actually calls us to do.

The guys also get practical—sharing how to handle hospital visits, emergencies, and everyday pastoral care in a way that's meaningful but sustainable. Whether it's a phone call, a video message, or a brief visit and prayer, there are many ways to show people they're cared for without exhausting yourself. Ministry isn't about grand gestures; it's about faithful presence, even in small ways.

Perhaps the most powerful part of the episode is the discussion about marriage and ministry alignment. Lucas emphasizes that loving your spouse well is one of the most spiritual acts a pastor can do. When ministry demands increase, checking in, communicating, and maintaining unity at home are vital. As he puts it, "I'd rather have 20 minutes of attention than two hours of split focus."

In the end, the takeaway is simple but profound: Work-life balance does exist—but not as perfection. It's about staying grounded in your calling, setting right expectations, and staying aligned with your spouse, your family, and God's purpose.

If you have any recommendations for Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass email us at TheChurchResource@gmail.com

Welcome back to The Church Resource — your go-to show for discovering the best resources for pastors, church leaders, teachers, and everyday believers who want to grow deeper in their understanding of Scripture. Hosted by Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass, this episode dives into a unique and powerful study tool that's been transforming how people read the Bible: The Holman Bible Atlas.

So why should a Christian care about a book of maps? As Dr. Chris explains, everything in Scripture happened somewhere. Understanding that "somewhere" gives depth to what we read. The Holman Bible Atlas doesn't just show topography; it connects biblical events to real locations, helping us see the historical, political, and theological significance behind the stories. Whether it's Israel's shifting borders, Paul's missionary routes, or the empires clashing in Kings and Chronicles, geography provides context that changes how we read the text.

Lucas shares how he's used the Atlas while studying 1 & 2 Kings, Chronicles, and the prophets. Having a visual reference made sense of why nations fought, why certain cities were targeted, and how distance affected travel and strategy. In the ancient world, 20 miles wasn't a quick drive — it was a two-day journey on foot! The Atlas helps modern readers grasp that scale, turning abstract names and places into meaningful, interconnected parts of God's story.

Dr. Chris recalls first encountering the Holman Bible Atlas in seminary during a Biblical Backgrounds course. What started as just another required text soon became one of his most valued resources — a book he still keeps on his desk years later. The Atlas helped him connect the dots between historical events, prophets, and kings, moving from fragmented understanding to a fuller picture of the biblical narrative.

Together, they highlight how the Atlas strikes a rare balance: scholarly yet readable, detailed yet approachable. Its charts, timelines, and summaries make complex biblical history accessible for everyone. Want to know which kings ruled during Isaiah's ministry? There's a chart for that. Trying to trace Paul's missionary journeys in Acts? The maps make it easy. And with rich scriptural cross-references throughout, it constantly points you back to the Bible itself.

Whether you're a pastor, seminary student, Sunday school teacher, or just a believer hungry for deeper insight, the Holman Bible Atlas belongs on your shelf. It's beautifully made, easy to use, and designed to enrich your study and teaching of God's Word.

If you have any recommendations for Lucas Pinckard and Dr. Chris Respass email us at TheChurchResource@gmail.com