In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Network Podcast, Ric Shields interviews guest Darren McKinnis about a personal experience. Darren shares a story about a potentially dangerous encounter with three aggressive men after a minor car accident. Darren believes he was saved from the situation by a mysterious man who intervened and then disappear…

Joe and Danielle Cook share about their experience with a life-altering medical diagnosis. Joe Cook, a bi-vocational pastor, received a call from his doctor the night before Thanksgiving 2016, informing him of a brain tumor. The couple discusses the emotional turmoil they faced, the impact on their family, and the challenges of balancing life while…

Mike & MonaRé Shields have witnessed miracles of healing, deliverance, and provision of resources over their years of cross-cultural ministry in Latin America and the Caribbean. They continue to preach and pray for others and know that God Still Does Miracles.Ric Shields tarafından oluşturuldu

Brian & Shawna White have learned more than they knew was needed about trusting God. Brian’s brain tumor has reshaped their lives in ways they never imagined, but removing the tumor was not the only change necessary in the healing process.Ric Shields tarafından oluşturuldu

Dave & Patti Schatzmann left their jobs, home, friends, and family to follow God’s call to minister in Micronesia. They now live on a tiny island in the Central Pacific and find contentment they never imagined. Join us as they share every day adventures experienced in their new “paradise.”Ric Shields tarafından oluşturuldu

Imagine this, you're an accomplished musician. You sing, you play the piano, you lead a worship team, direct your choir, you write music. You even have the opportunity to conduct a symphony orchestra as a guest conductor. You really love ministry and your future seems headed in the right direction. But then the time comes when you start feeling a l…

Karol Miller understands grief because of how it has impacted her life. On this episode, we share about grief and loss and how hope can shape the grieving process. We also discuss the feelings of loneliness and sadness that often accompany grief, as well as the anger and regret that can arise. Join us as we point to the importance of turning to God…

In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast, Ric Shields interviews Jack Hayhurst, owner and director of Hayhurst Funeral Home. They discuss the importance of advanced planning for end-of-life arrangements, including the benefits of discussing wishes with family members ahead of time. Hayhurst shares his personal experience growing up…

Vicki LaFave is an associate chaplain at two hospitals in Tulsa, OK. On this episode of FINAL THINGS: Final Breaths, Vicki shares: "For some families, death is super hard to talk about. And it's like, 'If we don't talk about it, it won't happen. So, let's just don't ever have those conversations.'" One thing I would say is, "Do not avoid those impo…

Pastor Phil Taylor and Ric Shields discuss the inevitability of death and how Christians should prepare for it, emphasizing that death is not an end, but a transformation into eternal life in the presence of God. They conclude by urging listeners to trust in God and find peace in the knowledge that death is the door that leads to his presence.…

In the podcast episode of Final Things, Ric Shields and Pastor Phil Taylor discuss the topic of dealing with terminal illness from a Christian perspective. They explore the balance between maintaining faith and hope for healing, while also acknowledging the reality of the situation. They discuss the potential harm in ignoring the reality of a termi…

The DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast is currently running a series called "Final Things", which discusses topics related to end-of-life planning and experiences. In the current episode, Reverend Phil Taylor joins Ric Shields to discuss a biblical perspective on death and dying, the concept of a "good death", and the role of faith and grace in hea…

In this episode, Ric Shields interviews Dr. Ed Rylander, a board-certified physician in family medicine and hospice and palliative care, about the topic of hospice care. Dr. Rylander explains that hospice care is a misunderstood program that provides essential support to terminally ill patients and their families. He outlined the roles of the hospi…

It can be challenging to communicate with terminally ill patients and their families. Dr. Ed Rylander emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication, even when discussing difficult topics like death. He also discusses the role of faith in patients' understanding of their condition, stating that faith and medical facts are not mutually e…

In this episode, host Ric Shields and guest Mike Shipman discuss the importance of pre-planning for end-of-life matters. Shields emphasizes the need for individuals to prepare themselves and their families for their eventual passing, and the importance of discussing final arrangements. Shipman, a certified senior advisor, aftercare administrator, a…

You don’t have to have a Last Will & Testament when you die. Your state of residence would likely prefer that you don’t. But your family will suffer the additional loss of a significant portion of your estate in addition to losing your presence in their lives. Planning ahead is part of planning to help. Join us as we discuss avoiding probate and ot…

Chris and Amy Hales served for 10 years as church planting missionaries in Prague, Czech Republic. They discuss their journey to Prague, the challenges they faced in a predominantly atheist country, and the eventual establishment of their church, "Heart Prague." The Hales also share their plans to start a new church in Liverpool, England, under the…

Mike McGee, M.D., devotes his full-time time to pastoring Happy Acres Cowboy Church. He shares his journey from being a surgeon in Tulsa, OK to serving as a missionary in Nigeria and how his experiences there deeply impacted him. McGee also discusses his work in Niger, where he helped improve healthcare delivery by providing tools, training, and a …

Dr. Tim Hatcher and Lynley Hatcher have served with Wycliffe Bible translators for 25 years. Hatcher shares the profound impact of translating the Bible into a language that people can understand. He discusses the importance of language in understanding God's love, the challenges of working with different languages, and the role of artificial intel…

Trent & Tina Morrow have served as missionaries in Uruguay for the past 24 years. Trent shares about their work in children's ministry, their involvement with Teen Challenge, a drug and life controlling addiction rehab program, and their recent work in prison ministry. Trent discusses the challenges and successes they've experienced. He also shares…

On this episode, Mary Kay Blum discusses her role as a pastoral counselor and explains how Agape Hope provides counseling and care for pastors, ministers, and missionaries from various organizations, churches and evangelical denominations. Blum also discusses the common reasons for pastors or ministers to seek help, including trauma, unresolved gri…

Brent and Shelley Teague have served a missionaries in Africa since 1995. In this episode, Brent discusses the challenges and needs of the African continent, particularly in Niger, one of the neediest countries in the world. He also highlights the vastness of Africa, its diverse ethnic groups and languages, and the significant growth of Christianit…

Lauren Plute, a former resident of Central Asia, now works with the ministry "Say Hello." Lauren shares the story of Hannah, a Muslim woman, who after living in the US for eight and a half years finally heard about Jesus through a co-worker. Lauren emphasizes that anyone can share their faith, not just pastors or missionaries. The "Say Hello" minis…

Lauren Plute and her family spent seven years in Central Asia and now work with a ministry called “Say Hello.” The ministry aims to equip and encourage Christian women globally to build genuine, respectful, and Christ-centered friendships with Muslims. Lauren emphasizes the importance of seeing Muslims as individuals made in God's image and not let…

Jeff Walker believes the current generation of youth and young adults are world changers and is excited about the future of youth ministry. That’s not to say there are fewer challenges today than when he began nearly 28 years ago. While many things have changed, some remain constant. Kids still need love, consistency, and genuine care. Join us as w…

In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast, Ric Shields talks with his wife, Sheila, and Rachel Middleton about Simply Sisters®, a ministry established in 2012. Led by women, Simply Sisters® reaches out to other women in life-altering circumstances such as miscarriages, divorces, cancer diagnoses, or the loss of a friend or loved one…

Fifteen years ago, Nathan Smith and his parents opened their home for a worship night. What they didn’t know is that they were homesteaders, and their living room would become a house church. With his YouTube channel The Worship Homestead, Nathan provides resources to empower and equip others. He shares important tips for those who are leading an e…

In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast, Ric Shields interviews Dr. Daniel Isgrigg, a Pentecostal historian and associate professor at Oral Roberts University. They discuss the unique challenges faced by pastors of average-sized churches, which typically have between 50 to 200 attendees. Isgrigg shares his experiences of managing …

In this episode of the DoorWays Ministry Network podcast, host Ric Shields interviews Dr. Daniel Isgrigg, a Pentecostal historian and associate professor at Oral Roberts University. They discuss Isgrigg's book, "The Average Pastor", which encourages pastors of smaller churches. Isgrigg shares his journey from being a children's pastor to leading a …

In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast, host Ric Shields interviews Leonard and Theresa Mares, who have been serving in the children's ministry at Thrive Church in Colorado for 27 years. The couple discusses their journey into children's ministry, the challenges they faced, and the importance of nurturing children's spiritual liv…

Pastors Gus and Terry Craven have been ministering on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for over 25 years. They discuss the harsh realities of life on the reservation, including high rates of infant mortality, teen suicide, and unemployment, as well as limited access to healthcare and emergency services. They also highlight the joys and challenges …

Derrick and Rosalind were faithful, active members of Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church. They were not prepared for the role, but they accepted the call of God and the church to become the lead pastors. It isn’t always easy, but they have learned how to balance family, secular employment, and the rigors of ministry. Their story will help you to un…

In this episode of the DoorWays Ministry Network podcast, host Ric Shields interviews Michael Lobmeyer, a pastor who discusses the challenges of ministering to a diverse Hispanic congregation, including language barriers and cultural differences. He also talks about the financial struggles of his church, as many of his congregants are immigrants wo…

In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast, host Ric Shields and guest Pastor Phil Taylor discuss depression, its causes, and ways to manage it. Pastor Taylor, who served as the senior pastor at Carbondale Assembly of God in Tulsa, Oklahoma for 38 years, shares his personal experiences with depression. They discuss symptoms of depres…

In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast, host Ric Shields interviews Pastor Phil Taylor, who served as the senior pastor at Carbondale Assembly of God in Tulsa, Oklahoma for 38 years. Pastor Taylor shares his personal experience with depression, explaining how it can be debilitating and affect all aspects of life. He emphasizes th…

Three cancer surgeries with chemotherapy and radiation treatments have taken their toll on Diane Matousek. She's considered cancer-free, but the aftereffects have been beyond belief. Diane had 9 reconstruction surgeries following her radical, double mastectomy, extensive dental work, a right shoulder replacement, 4 replacements of her left shoulder…

In this episode of the DoorWays Ministry Network podcast, host Ric Shields interviews Bryce Jennings, a man who lost 120 pounds in a few years. Bryce shares his health journey, explaining how he felt physically broken at 29, suffering from insomnia, memory issues, joint pain, and low energy. He attributes his transformation to a strict 30-day detox…

At 29-years-old, Bryce Jennings felt like an 80-year-old. Insomnia, achy joints, and lack of motivation were his constant companions. When Bryce and his wife planned a cruise with another couple, he knew something had to change for him to enjoy it to the fullest. A joint decision was what he needed to begin a life-changing shift that continues and …

This episode is being released just a few days before the new year begins for 2024. It has been a busy season for most, and Ric Shields thought it may be helpful to pause for a moment, reflect on the past year, and look ahead to the next. Shields provides 10 things listeners may want to consider as they approach the new year. He hopes the ideas sha…

In this podcast episode, Ric Shields and Phil Taylor, discuss the difficult topic of grieving during the holiday season. They share their personal and professional experiences with grief, emphasizing the importance of healthy grieving and self-care, especially for ministers. They also discuss the challenges of conducting memorial services during th…

In this special Christmas episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast, host Ric Shields discusses the story of Jesus' birth from the perspective of the shepherds. He highlights the simplicity of Jesus' birth and the significance of the shepherds being the first to receive the news. Shields also emphasizes the shepherds' courage in sharing the…

In this podcast, Ric Shields interviews his nephew, Caleb Brager, about his experience as an adopted child. Caleb shares that he was told about his adoption at a young age and has always been comfortable with it. He appreciates his adoptive family and feels blessed to have had a smooth adoption process. Caleb also expresses interest in meeting his …

In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Network podcast, host Ric Shields interviews Matt and Michelle Makela, the parents of four adopted children. The Makelas discuss their journey to adoption, which began when they discovered they were unable to have children naturally. They share their experiences with both open and closed adoptions, and the …

In this podcast, host Ric Shields interviews Teri Brown about her experience as a birth mother who chose adoption for her child. Teri shares her story of becoming pregnant at 19, during a time of personal upheaval and crisis. Despite pressure from her family and boyfriend to have an abortion, Teri decided to carry her baby to term and place him for…

For 40 years, Crisis Pregnancy Outreach in Tulsa, OK has been providing viable alternatives to abortion. Young women from across the USA have found support in their decisions to either parent or lovingly choose adoptive parents for their baby. Join us as Cheryl Bauman shares how she began a ministry that has seen over 500 babies placed in the homes…

It is said that members of the Armed Forces “cross the Rubicon” when they are sworn in and commit to a cause greater than themselves. A grateful nation’s response sets aside one day each year to say, “Thank you!” Join us as we discuss what it means to be a veteran and how you can provide needed support to those who have served with honor and distin…

Jackie Scott is a devoted wife, loving mother, a guiding light in her small group, a mentor to fellow women and young mothers, and a dynamic presence within Toastmaster's International. Yet, her story transcends the roles she plays, for Jackie has been intimately acquainted with the depths of grief, both in her capacity as a police chaplain and wit…

When Brad McAtee was elected as the senior pastor at Peace Chapel in Fair Grove, Missouri, he knew it was not an easy assignment. But after five years of sacrifice and hard work, things were really going well. Attendance was up, the mortgage was paid-off, and church programs were solidly in place. Still, he had a lingering concern and would sometim…

Tyler, believed he was called to serve in pastoral ministry. After all, he was raised in a home where his parents were staff members in large churches. He even studied at a Bible training center to prepare himself for ministry. When he and his wife moved to Nashville to follow a music dream, their lives changed...and not for the better. Tyler began…

Have you ever struggled with the concept of evangelism? Ever wondered what to say or when to say it? So have I and it is likely that I speak for most of us. Come to find out it is not about notches on a belt, the activities you're involved in...or not involved in and it may be more simple than we've come to believe. "What Evangelism is Not" is the …