Episode 001: Is Pastor who i am or what I do?
They Call Me Pastor — Episode 001 Show Notes
Is pastoring who I am or what I do? Kyle Popineau and Don Sanderson land on a both/and answer, calling pastors back to being with Jesus before doing for Jesus—recovering the biblical shepherd over the modern CEO.
Top 3 Quotes
1.“If you live by their praise, you will die by their criticism.”
2.“To be much for God, you must be much with God.” — Leonard Ravenhill
3.“Jesus said, ‘I am the Good Shepherd’—not the good cowboy.”
Episode 001:
•Welcome & Intros
•Don: 45 years preaching; revitalization/lead pastor experience.
•Kyle: 20 years in ministry; planted Legacy Church
•Core Question: Is pastoring identity or task?
•Answer: Both/and—a profession and a God-given mantle recognized by the flock.
Anchor Text (Mark 3:13–15):
•First call is to be with Him; then to preach and exercise authority.
•Identity Drift Warning:
•Don’t measure ministry by “nickels and noses.”
•Live for presence, not praise; praise → criticism trap.
•Shepherd vs CEO (Genesis/John 10):
•Shepherds lead at the pace of the flock; cowboys drive.
•Health over hype: healthy organisms grow; unhealthy things can grow, too.
•Sacred Desk & Prayer Life:
•Preach God’s Word, not opinions; pray longer over message than you preach.
•Recover praying in the Spirit; stats reflect shallow prayer habits, even in the pulpit.
Anointing & Formation (1 John):
•Anointing from the Holy One—cultivated through presence, prayer, obedience.
•Revitalization Case Lessons:
•Strategy followed prayer & fasting, not conferences
Boundaries & Family First:
•Priority circle: God is everything → spouse → children → ministry.
•Sabbatical story: pastoring your family is non-negotiable.
•Discipleship > Platform:
•Make disciples who make disciples; model prayer, the Word, presence.
•Encouragement to Small Rooms:
•God sees the upstairs-above-the-liquor-store sanctuaries; be a faithful shepherd.
Closing:
•Invitation to reach out; commitment to encourage pastors and students.
Summary
Episode 1 reframes pastoral ministry as a both/and calling—a recognized office and a Christ-given mantle—rooted in Mark 3:13–15: be with Jesus before doing for Jesus. Kyle and Don call pastors to reject CEO metrics (“nickels and noses”), recover a shepherding model, and rebuild a deep prayer life (including praying in the Spirit) that fuels preaching from the sacred desk. Through revitalization stories, boundaries, and family-first priorities, they urge pastors—especially in small churches—to anchor identity in Christ, prioritize presence, and make disciples who make disciples.
Quick FAQ
•Is pastoring a calling or a job?
Both. It’s a professional role and a God-given mantle affirmed by the flock.
•How should pastors measure success?
By faithfulness to Jesus and the health of the flock—not attendance or offerings.
•What’s the first priority of a pastor?
Be with Jesus (Mark 3:13–15): presence before preaching, intimacy before activity.
•How can pastors avoid burnout?
Guard prayer/study rhythms, set family-first boundaries, and lead at the pace of the flock.
Get in touch with Don + Kyle:
Pastor Don: Don@vistafirst.org | @donsanderson
Pastor Kyle: Kyle@leagcychurch.online | @kylepopineau