In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry address listener questions. They discuss:

• How to lead a staff team in building a gospel culture, emphasizing the importance of eye contact, laughter, openness, and vulnerability.
• Imposter syndrome in Christian ministry, sharing stories, and insights on how to cope with feelings of inadequacy.
• The transformative power of the gospel and the need for a shift in preaching focus—from challenging people to presenting Christ and his promises.
• The role of church membership in establishing a gospel culture and the importance of setting expectations for behavior within the church community.

The episode concludes with reflections on how pastors should seek feedback and criticism for personal growth and a desire for a Great Awakening rooted in the goodness of Jesus.

Recommended resource: Reactivity: How the Gospel Transforms Our Actions and Reactions by Paul Tripp
 

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss 2 Timothy 4:9-22, uncovering the weight of Paul's personal instructions to Timothy—his last words before martyrdom that shed light on his character and personal life.

Whether you're seeking to enrich your pastoral leadership journey or strengthen your faith, this conversation is for you. 

Recommended resource: Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund
 

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the timeless relevance of 2 Timothy for pastors—emphasizing its guidance for preaching in various seasons. They highlight the importance of patience and understanding in pastoral ministry, addressing cultural trends where people seek teachings that align with their passions.

Their discussion ends with reflections on Paul's perspective on impending death, emphasizing a sense of calm and fulfillment in ministry and the anticipation of a crown of righteousness for those who await the appearance of Jesus.

Recommended resource: The Beauty and Power of Biblical Exposition by Douglas Sean O'Donnell and Leland Ryken
 

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the importance of standing firm in the faith amid persecution and opposition. They emphasize the need for pastors to be open and vulnerable in their relationships, following the example of Paul and Timothy.

They address the dangers of moralism and the transformative power of Scripture in the lives of pastors, emphasizing the need to hold onto the gospel and continue to follow Jesus with a strong sense of identity and mission.

Recommended resource: Evangelical Pharisees: The Gospel as Cure for the Church's Hypocrisy by Michael Reeves

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the challenges of serving in a godless world and emphasize the importance of relying on Jesus and holding onto hope. They reflect on the difficulties faced in pastoral ministry and the prevalence of self-centeredness and pleasure-seeking in society.

As they warn against counterfeit Christianity and highlight the need for authenticity and true transformation, they also discuss the dangers of allowing unconverted individuals into positions of influence within the church and emphasize the importance of integrity and discernment.

Ortlund and Allberry also discuss the the vital role of pastors' spouses and highlight the significance of unity and support within the church community when it comes to enduring in ministry.

Recommended resource: Help! I'm Married to My Pasor by Jani Ortlund

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Sam Allberry and Ray Ortlund discuss 2 Timothy 2:14-26 and the importance of avoiding a quarrelsome spirit in Christian leadership and the need for kindness, patience, and gentleness in dealing with others. Their conversation highlights how the apostle Paul's approach to correction is to first connect with others, not shame or reject them, and to do so in a way that makes it easy for them to repent and follow Jesus.

Recommended resource: Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paul Tripp

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry continue their study of 2 Timothy, emphasizing the strength that comes from the grace of Christ and the importance of passing on the gospel to the next generation.

They also highlight the significance of remembering the risen Jesus, which enables pastors to face challenges in ministry with boldness and confidence.

Recommended resource: Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels by Rebecca McLaughlin

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry delve into 2 Timothy 1:8-18 and reflect on the recurring theme of shame in pastoral ministry, particularly the fear of being ashamed of the gospel.

They discuss the temptation to feel ashamed in the face of opposition and the importance of holding firm to their faith, emphasizing that the gospel brings comfort, hope, and true, abundant life.

Recommended resource: United to Christ, Walking in the Spirit: A Theology of Ephesians by Benjamin L. Merkle

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry reflect on the importance of pastors honoring those who have come before them in the faith, and how it strengthens their own faith and encourages them to pour out their lives for the next generation.

Though pastors may feel isolated in their studies and in their ministries, they have the communion of saints—including Paul and their own spiritual ancestors—cheering them on. 

Recommended resource: Knowing God by J. I. Packer

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry delve into the first few verses of 2 Timothy, highlighting what Paul says are the most essential elements for ministry.

They discuss the importance of pastoral ministry being characterized by grace, mercy, and peace, and how these qualities should be evident in the way pastors love and serve their congregations. They emphasize the need for pastors to be vulnerable and genuine in their relationships with their flock and introduce their unofficial third "co-host", John Stott, whose commentary on 2 Timothy is referenced throughout season three.

Recommended resources:

• The Lord's Work in the Lord's Way by Francis Schaefer

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

You're Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Young Pastors, hosted by Sam Allberry and Ray Ortlund, is returning for a third season in which the hosts will focus on the book of 2 Timothy. Over the course of ten episodes, Ray and Sam encourage pastors and ministry leaders through discussions on the essential elements of pastoral ministry, how to live unashamed of the gospel, the importance of a gentle spirit in the age of contention, and more.

Tune in to You're Not Crazy season three, starting on Monday, October 9. If you're a pastor or ministry leader who feels overwhelmed and in need of a refreshment of gospel hope, Ray and Sam invite you to listen and be reminded that you're not crazy.

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy.