Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack is joined by Pastor Kevin to continue unpacking Sunday’s message on Gideon—a story that reminds us God doesn’t call the most qualified… He calls the willing.

Gideon was hiding when God called him a “mighty warrior.” Sound familiar? So often we feel unqualified, overlooked, or unsure—but this episode dives into the truth that God specializes in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.

If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, questioned where God is, or felt like you’re not “enough,” this conversation will challenge and encourage you to make room for God to work through you.

👉 Key takeaway: God doesn’t call the strongest—He empowers the ones He calls.

🙏 Connect with us:

• Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org
• Watch more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast
• Email us your story: podcast@shepnaz.org

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE if this encouraged you!
💬 Comment below: Where is God calling you to step out in faith?

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Introducing Pastor Kevin
00:45 – What Makes a “Legend” in God’s Kingdom?
02:20 – Gideon’s Doubt: “Why Is This Happening?”
04:00 – God Is Present… Even in Chaos
06:00 – “Am I Sending You?” – The Turning Point
07:50 – God Empowers the Called (Not the Strongest)
10:00 – Real-Life Struggles & Feeling Unqualified
11:30 – Why God Uses the “Unexpected”
13:20 – Boasting in God Alone (Paul’s Example)
15:00 – God Specializes in the Impossible
16:25 – What If YOU Are the Answer?
18:00 – Make Room for God
19:30 – Final Challenge & Call to Respond

What if the very place you feel weakest is where God wants to call you?

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Pastor Kevin to kick off our new series, “Lessons from the Legends.” We’re diving into the story of Gideon—a man who went from hiding in fear to being called a “mighty warrior” by God.

In this powerful and relatable conversation, you’ll discover:

• How God calls ordinary people in everyday moments
• Why feeling unqualified might actually be the point
• How God sees who you can become, not just who you are
• What it means to fully surrender and trust His calling

If you’ve ever doubted yourself or wondered if God could use you—this episode is for you.

👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org
👉 Watch more episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📩 We’d love to hear from you!

Email us at: podcast@shepnaz.org

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today!

⏱️Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Monday energy ☀️
00:49 New Series: Lessons from the Legends
01:40 Meet Gideon (“Giddy Up Gideon!”)
02:29 What makes someone a legend?
03:19 Gideon’s insecurity & imposter syndrome
04:29 Israel’s cycle of disobedience
06:05 When life spirals out of control
07:41 Gideon hiding in fear
09:22 God uses ordinary people
10:44 Called in the routine moments
12:10 How God speaks personally
13:46 Confidence comes from God
15:48 Seeing what God sees in you
17:08 Called beyond yourself
18:20 The place of surrender
19:09 Personal calling stories
21:08 You don’t have to be “qualified”
23:15 Final challenge: Trust God’s calling

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack continues Part 2 of Pastor Nick’s powerful message from Galatians chapter 6.

What does it really mean to live out our faith in community? How do we respond when someone struggles? And how can we carry each other's burdens while still taking responsibility for our own spiritual walk?

In this episode, we explore:

• The importance of Christian community
• What it means to restore others gently
• The balance of mutual accountability and personal responsibility
• Why humility is essential in following Jesus

This is a practical and convicting message that challenges us to love like Christ—walking with others while allowing God to search our own hearts.

💬 We’d love to hear from you:
How can you help carry someone’s burden today?

📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church:
👉 https://shepnaz.org
🎧 More episodes:
👉 https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📧 Send feedback or questions: podcast@shepnaz.org

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to encourage others!

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Recap (Freedom in Christ)
00:40 – Why We Need the Church
01:30 – Carrying Each Other’s Burdens Explained
03:30 – The Power of Community (Real-Life Illustration)
04:20 – “Love One Another” — Jesus’ Command
05:30 – Restoring Those Who Fall
06:15 – What Does Gentleness Really Mean?
07:30 – Gentleness Is Power Under Control
08:40 – Avoiding Pride While Helping Others
10:00 – The Danger of Spiritual Comparison
11:30 – “Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself”
12:30 – Personal Responsibility in Faith
13:30 – Speck vs. Plank (Self-Examination)
14:40 – Oxygen Mask Analogy (Help Yourself First)
15:30 – A Church Where No One Walks Alone
16:00 – Prayer: “Lord, Search Me”
17:00 – Who Needs Your Help Today?
18:00 – Final Encouragement & Challenge

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack introduces a powerful message from Pastor Nick, recorded at our Johnstown campus. We dive into Galatians 6:1–5 and explore what Pastor Nick calls the “optimism of grace.”

God’s grace isn’t just about forgiveness—it’s about true transformation. Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live in freedom, grow in holiness, and walk in step with Christ. But this freedom isn’t just personal—it’s deeply communal.In this episode, we learn:

• What it means to restore one another gently
• How to practice mutual accountability and personal responsibility
• Why we’re called to carry each other’s burdens
• How grace shapes the way we live and love as a church family

💬 Let us know your thoughts! Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org

🔗 Learn more about Shepherd Church: Visit Shepnaz
🎧 Listen to more episodes: Shepnaz Podcast

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to encourage others!

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Welcome from Pastor Zack
00:20 – Introduction to Galatians 6
01:03 – Reading: Galatians 6:1–5
01:57 – What is the “Optimism of Grace”?
02:50 – Freedom in Christ: Forgiven AND Transformed
03:35 – What Are We Freed For?
04:36 – Following Jesus: Loving God & Others
05:34 – Living by the Spirit
06:40 – Growing in Holiness (Sanctification Explained)
07:47 – The Reality of Sin in the Christian Life
08:06 – Misunderstanding “Christian Perfection”
09:26 – Becoming More Like Christ Over Time
10:22 – How Do We Handle Sin?
10:35 – Mutual Accountability & Personal Responsibility
11:12 – Restore Gently, Don’t Condemn
12:17 – A Countercultural Call to Restoration
12:39 – What Restoration Really Means
13:34 – Who Is Responsible? (Answer: All of Us)
14:05 – Carrying Each Other’s Burdens
15:21 – Why We Need Each Other
16:13 – The Church as Family
17:05 – Closing Encouragement & Part Two Preview

What does it look like to truly follow God—even when it’s uncomfortable, unexpected, or even scary?In today’s Worship Wednesday episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Genesis Mena Cruz, Youth and Worship Pastor at Grace Life Church of the Nazarene. Genesis shares her powerful journey from growing up in a Hispanic Pentecostal church in Miami, to encountering the Holy Spirit in a life-changing way, and ultimately stepping into her calling as a pastor.

This conversation is filled with encouragement for worship leaders, ministry workers, and anyone learning to trust God’s voice day by day.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What authentic worship really looks like
• How to recognize God’s calling on your life
• Why obedience matters more than comfort
• The importance of community and vulnerability in ministry
• Practical encouragement for young leaders and pastors

No matter where you are in your faith journey, this episode will remind you: God is faithful—and He will guide every step.

👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church: shepnaz.org
🎧 Listen to more episodes: shepnaz.org/podcast
📺 Watch more sermons & content: shepnaz.org/media

📩 Send us your thoughts or questions: podcast@shepnaz.org👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help others grow in their faith!
💬 Drop a comment: What has God been calling you to lately?

Chapters

00:00 Welcome + Worship Wednesday Intro00:30 Meet Genesis Mena Cruz01:10 Why Worship Conversations Matter02:25 Genesis’ Faith Background (Miami, Hispanic Church)05:10 A Life-Changing Encounter with God07:10 Why You Never Forget God Moments08:30 Discovering Worship & Leadership11:40 Called Into Ministry13:10 Moving to Ohio & Trusting God14:20 Growth Through Community & Vulnerability16:00 Learning to Lead Worship Teams18:00 Stepping Into Pastoral Calling20:00 Pastor Zack’s Story & Calling Shift22:00 Obedience Over Comfort25:15 What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?26:00 Trust the Spirit Within You26:40 Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions27:10 Take Up Space in Ministry28:00 Pray Without Ceasing28:50 Final Encouragement + Outro

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack is joined by Rob as they wrap up their discussion on Galatians 6, focusing on what it truly means to sow to the Spirit.

While sin can bring quick gratification, this episode reminds us that God’s promises produce a lasting harvest—even when we don’t see immediate results. Learn how to stay faithful, avoid discouragement, and keep your eyes on the eternal reward.🙏 Key takeaway:
Don’t give up doing good—God’s timing brings a harvest far greater than you expect.📍 This podcast is a ministry of Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Gahanna, Ohio
👉 Learn more: Visit Shepnaz
🎧 More episodes: Shepnaz Podcast Archive

💬 We’d love to hear from you!
Email us: podcast@shepnaz.org👍 Don’t forget to:

• Subscribe
• Like & share
• Comment how God is growing your faith

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro
00:21 – Recap: Sowing to the Flesh
01:43 – What Does It Mean to Sow to the Spirit?
02:47 – Living a Spirit-Led Life Daily
03:56 – Staying Connected to the Vine (John 15)
05:18 – The Internal Battle: Flesh vs Spirit
06:18 – Why the Harvest Takes Time
07:03 – Don’t Grow Weary in Doing Good
08:12 – Jesus’ Example: Focus on Future Joy
09:38 – Eternal Perspective vs Present Struggles
10:03 – When Does the Blessing Come?
11:07 – You Reap More Than You Sow
12:45 – The True Cost of Sin
13:07 – Final Encouragement & Wrap-Up

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack hosts Pastor Rob Paugh as they unpack Galatians 6:7–10 and a powerful biblical truth: you reap what you sow.

This conversation dives into the spiritual law that governs our lives—what we plant through our thoughts, actions, and choices will ultimately shape our future. Pastor Rob explains how sowing to the Spirit leads to life, while sowing to the flesh leads to destruction—and why the consequences often don’t show up right away.

If you’ve ever struggled with temptation, delayed consequences, or staying consistent in your faith, this episode will challenge and encourage you to stay rooted in Christ.

👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church: shepnaz.org
🎧 Listen to more episodes: shepnaz.org/podcast
📺 Watch messages & media: shepnaz.org/media

📩 Have questions or need prayer? Email us: podcast@shepnaz.org

👍 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and SHARE to encourage others!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Summer Vibes
00:45 Camp Prep Update with Pastor Rob
02:00 Galatians Series Recap
03:20 A “Spiritual Law of the Universe”
04:15 You Reap What You Sow Explained
06:00 Why God Cannot Be Mocked
07:30 Sowing to the Flesh vs the Spirit
09:30 Thoughts Become Seeds (Mind Battle)
11:00 Where Do Wrong Thoughts Come From?
13:15 Taking Thoughts Captive
14:50 Why Sin Feels Easy & Natural
15:40 Immediate Pleasure vs Delayed Consequences
16:45 The Reality of Spiritual “Destruction”
18:40 Final Challenge & Encouragement
19:30 Prayer Invitation & Closing

What is Christian freedom really for?

On today’s Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack hosts a powerful message from Pastor Nick as we continue our journey through Galatians 5. This episode reminds us that freedom in Christ isn’t about self‑indulgence — it’s about learning to walk in step with the Holy Spirit.Pastor Nick unpacks Paul’s teaching that we were set free for a purpose: to love God, love others, and live a life shaped by the fruit of the Spirit. Together, we explore what it practically looks like to crucify the flesh, rely on the Spirit’s power, and follow Jesus one step at a time.If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure how to live out your faith, this message offers clarity, encouragement, and hope.Shepherd Church of the Nazarene
📍 Gahanna, Ohio🔗 Learn more about our church: Shepherd Church
🎧 Explore more episodes: Shepnaz Podcast
📩 Share feedback or questions: podcast@shepnaz.org👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, comment, and share — and let us know how God is inviting you to walk by the Spirit today.

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome & Freedom in Christ00:47 – Set Free For a Purpose (Galatians 5)02:01 – Misusing Freedom & Indulging the Flesh04:40 – What Freedom Is Really For05:34 – The Fruit of the Spirit06:58 – Flesh vs. Spirit: The Inner Battle08:59 – Romans 7 vs. Romans 810:51 – Crucifying the Flesh & Walking by the Spirit14:18 – Taking Up Your Cross Daily15:46 – Setting Your Mind on the Spirit17:41 – Keeping in Step with the Spirit21:05 – Walking Together: A Picture of the Spirit’s Guidance23:27 – Encouragement & Closing Prayer