What does it really mean to make an apprentice of Jesus? In this powerful convocation message, Dr. Kirk Brothers unpacks the biblical DNA of a disciple—connecting, converting, and coaching believers into lifelong learners of Christ. Drawing from Matthew 28, Ephesians 4, Hebrews 5, and 1 Timothy 4, Dr. Brothers emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, discernment, and active participation in the body of Christ.

Whether you’re a preacher, teacher, or passionate follower of Jesus, this episode will inspire you to pursue unity, maturity, and ministry—equipping you to handle God’s Word accurately and live out truth in love.

📌 What You'll Learn:

The three key actions of disciple-making.

Why lifelong learning is at the core of following Jesus.

How to develop discernment in a world full of noise.

The role of the church in spiritual maturity.

Practical insights for ministry training and leadership.

🎯 Perfect for church leaders, Bible students, and anyone serious about living and leading like Jesus.

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: The Call to Make Apprentices of Jesus

01:22 – What “Make Disciples” Really Means

03:05 – Connecting, Converting, and Coaching

05:23 – God’s Trainers: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers

07:48 – Unity, Maturity, and Ministry in the Body of Christ

08:49 – Critical Thinking as a Christian Discipline

10:53 – The DNA of a Disciple

12:15 – From Milk to Solid Food: Spiritual Maturity in Hebrews 5

14:58 – Training Like an Athlete: Practice and Preparation

15:48 – Handling God’s Word Accurately (1 Timothy 2:15)

18:46 – The Apostles’ and Paul’s Training Journeys

22:20 – Knowing Scripture and Knowing the World

24:48 – All Truth Is God’s Truth

25:55 – Final Challenge: Souls Are in the Balance

Keywords

Dr. Kirk Brothers, Ministry Matters That Matter, disciple making, making disciples, apprentice of Jesus, Ephesians 4, Hebrews 5, 1 Timothy 4, unity in the church, spiritual maturity, biblical leadership, disciple DNA, church training, ministry training, equipping saints, truth in love, lifelong learning, critical thinking for Christians, Christian podcast, Church of Christ preaching, ministry podcast, biblical teaching.

Hashtags

#MinistryMattersThatMatter #DrKirkBrothers #MakingDisciples #DiscipleDNA #BiblicalLeadership #ChristianPodcast #ChurchOfChrist #SpiritualMaturity #Ephesians4 #Hebrews5 #TruthInLove #ChristianLeadership #LifelongLearning #MinistryTraining

Experience leadership like never before—straight from the heart of the 2025 Connect Conference: Transformed, hosted July 30–August 1, 2025, at Crieve Hall Church of Christ in Nashville, TN.

In this powerful session, Dr. Kirk Brothers delivers “The Jesus Resume”—a bold, no‑frills exploration of how Jesus led with clarity, integrity, compassion, and purpose. He challenges pastors, elders, and every Christian leader to ditch fluff, anchor in Scripture, and lead like the Savior did.

Why this talk matters:

Contextual Biblical leadership beats trendy models every time.

Prayer, character, and Scripture aren’t optional—they’re foundational.

Everyone—even those discarded by culture—deserves to be seen as treasure.

Whether you lead in a church, campus ministry, or mission field—this is your call to lead with soul.

Event Info:

Conference: Connect Conference—Transformed 2025

Host: Crieve Hall Church of Christ, Nashville

Dates: Wednesday, July 30 – Friday, August 1, 2025

Location: 4806 Trousdale Drive, Nashville, TN 37220

Learn more & register at connectcon.org.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to the 2025 Connect Conference

00:39 – Setting the Stage & Ministry Matters

01:38 – High‑School Memories & Cultural Reflections

03:34 – Graduate School Insights: Leadership in Scripture

05:57 – Listening vs. Reading: Biblical Context Matters

08:03 – The Pitfalls of Proof‑Texting

10:02 – Seeing Jesus as the Supreme Leader

11:23 – Imagining Jesus’ Resume: Purpose & Father‑Focus

13:24 – Clarity, Mission, and Staying Centered

19:06 – Jesus’ Prayer Life: Deep, Discipline‑Driven

22:16 – Eldership Modeled in Prayer and Care

24:11 – Leadership Is About People, Always

29:19 – “Jesus the Garbage Man”: Valuing the Discarded

35:12 – Scripture Memorization: The Foundation of Decisions

38:52 – Leadership Without Integrity Isn’t Leadership

41:26 – What Would Jesus Write on Your Resume?

45:38 – Final Word: Jesus Wrote His Resume on Wood

Keywords

Connect Conference 2025, Crieve Hall Church of Christ, Kirk Brothers sermon, Jesus Resume, Christian leadership, spiritual leadership, biblical leadership, Nashville church conference, servant leadership, faith and leadership

Hashtags

#ConnectConference2025 #JesusResume #ChristianLeadership #CrieveHall #SpiritualLeadership #LeadLikeJesus #BiblicalLeadership #ServeLikeChrist #KirkBrothers #ChurchOfChristConference

What does it take to raise up the next generation of leaders in the church? In this episode of Ministry Matters That Matter, Dr. Kirk Brothers sits down with the three directors of Titus Camp 2025—Travis Harmon, Travis Creasy, and Ray Reynolds—to discuss how this unique preacher training camp equips teens for real-world ministry.

From hands-on preaching and teaching opportunities to redefining leadership as service, the directors share 21 years of insights on mentoring young men and women for the Kingdom. They also dive into practical tips for improving biblical communication, developing spiritual disciplines, and engaging youth in meaningful church work.

If you’re a minister, youth leader, or parent looking to inspire the next generation, this conversation will give you actionable ideas to implement in your local congregation.

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Titus Camp

01:11 – Meet the Directors: Travis Harmon, Ray Reynolds, Travis Creasy

05:03 – History and Growth of Titus Camp

07:45 – Why Training the Next Generation Matters

10:05 – Confidence vs. Opportunity in Today’s Youth

10:53 – Redefining Leadership as Service

13:47 – How Churches Can Mentor Teens for Ministry

14:32 – Tips for Communicating God’s Word Effectively

19:30 – Developing Consistent Bible Study Habits

23:11 – Teaching Teens How to Study Scripture

27:12 – TikTok Theology & Contextual Preaching

31:11 – Creative Ministry Tools & Engaging Youth

36:12 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Key Topics Covered:

What makes Titus Camp unique in training young preachers.

Why real service opportunities matter more than classroom theory.

The importance of spiritual discipline and consistent Bible study.

How to use creative tools like Canva and podcasts to engage youth.

Insights into oration and sermon preparation for young communicators.

Connect with Heritage Christian University:

Website: https://www.hcu.edu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heritagechristianuniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heritagechristianuniversity

Keywords & Hashtags:

Titus Camp, Youth Ministry, Preacher Training, Leadership Development, Ministry Mentoring, Heritage Christian University, Kirk Brothers, Ray Reynolds, Travis Harmon, Travis Casy, Teen Discipleship, Bible Study, Ministry Matters That Matter

#TitusCamp #YouthMinistry #ChurchLeadership #TrainToServe #BibleStudy #MinistryMatters #HeritageChristianUniversity

Dr. Kirk Brothers on location in Panama to reflect on the importance of biblical archaeology, geography, and physical evidence in preaching and teaching. In this short but powerful episode, he shares how a single rock from the Valley of Elah has reshaped his view of ministry and why tools like geography and archaeology give confidence in the truth of Scripture.

📍 Filmed at the Bible School of the Americas in Panama.

🎙️ Featuring insights from the Roman city of Caesarea, the story of Cornelius, and Peter’s bold mission.

💬 This episode is a reminder that in a noisy, scattered world, Christ remains our unshakable rock.

✅ CHAPTERS (Timestamps):

00:00 – Intro: On the Road in Panama

00:18 – Holding a Rock from the Valley of Elah

01:05 – Teaching Archaeology & Ministry

02:15 – Why Geography Matters in Scripture

03:00 – The Story of Cornelius in Caesarea

04:20 – Peter’s Journey & the Gentile Church

05:30 – Roman Aqueducts & Biblical Engineering

06:30 – Confidence in the Bible’s Physical Evidence

07:45 – Final Reflections from Dr. Kirk

✅ KEYWORDS:

Dr. Kirk Brothers, Panama Bible School, biblical archaeology, Valley of Elah, Caesarea, Cornelius, Acts 10, Bible geography, preacher training, Church of Christ, Ministry Matters That Matter, Christian ministry, Bible School of the Americas, biblical confidence, HCU, physical evidence of Scripture, ministry travel, historical preaching

✅ HASHTAGS:

#MinistryMattersThatMatter

#DrKirkBrothers

#BiblicalArchaeology

#PanamaBibleSchool

#Caesarea

#BibleGeography

#ChurchOfChrist

#PreacherTraining

#ValleyOfElah

#FaithAndEvidence

#ChristianMinistry

#HCU

#BibleHistory

#MinistryTools

#RealFaithRealWorld

At Revive Alabama Church Growth Workshop, Dr. Kirk Brothers interviews some of the most influential voices in the Church of Christ to uncover timeless wisdom for evangelism, leadership, and ministry growth. Learn from Chris Miller, Dr. Wayne Kilpatrick, Dr. Laws Rushing, and Dr. Aubrey Johnson as they share practical advice on outreach, restoration history, parenting, and shepherding God's people.

Whether you're a preacher, elder, deacon, or passionate Christian leader—this episode is packed with real talk, bold insights, and timeless truths.

🔔 Subscribe for more impactful content: [insert channel link]

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Intro to Revive Alabama Workshop

00:48 – Chris Miller: Top 2 Preacher Tips

01:57 – Creating a Culture of Evangelism

03:06 – Dr. Wayne Kilpatrick: Lessons from Restoration History

06:24 – Dr. Laws Rushing: Storytelling & Prayer in Ministry

07:43 – Dr. Aubrey Johnson: Smiling Elders & Leading from the Home

10:18 – Parenting, Proverbs & Practical Ministry

12:17 – Loving Your Elders & Final Encouragement

🔑 Keywords

Church Growth Workshop, Ministry Tips, Church of Christ Evangelism, Restoration Movement, Biblical Leadership, Ministry Matters, Chris Miller Hatton Church, Wayne Kilpatrick Heritage, Aubrey Johnson Books, Parenting by Proverbs, Preacher Tips, Elders & Deacons Training

🔖 Hashtags

#MinistryMatters #ChurchGrowth #Evangelism #Leadership #ChurchOfChrist #ChristianMinistry #AubreyJohnson #WayneKilpatrick #ChrisMiller #DrKirkBrothers #ParentingByProverbs #RestorationMovement

We would love for you to sign up for classes to further your Bachelors or Masters degrees. Another option is to audit classes to improve your bible knowledge!

To find out more or to apply, go to www.hcu.edu

#ThriveInMinistry

In this episode of Ministry Matters That Matter, Dr. Kirk Brothers opens up about his upcoming transition from President of Heritage Christian University back to full-time professor—and uses the moment to share powerful, practical wisdom on navigating transitions in ministry.

Whether you're stepping into a new pulpit, following a beloved preacher, or preparing to hand off your role, this conversation is a masterclass in humility, preparation, and Kingdom-minded leadership. Dr. Brothers shares real stories, proven strategies, and spiritual reminders that will equip any minister or church leader to finish strong and start well.

🔔 Subscribe for more content on leadership, preaching, and real-world ministry insight.

✅ Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction from HCU Office

00:43 – Transitioning Out of the Presidency

01:08 – Don't Be a Constant Mover in Ministry

02:23 – Accepting Transitions as a Ministry Reality

02:52 – Advice for Following Long-Tenured Ministers

03:52 – Learning from Tom Holland on Transitions

05:11 – Meeting with John Vaughn Before Accepting the Role

07:14 – Becoming Each Other’s Biggest Fans

07:57 – First Sermon Strategy: “Who I’m Not”

09:52 – Setting Boundaries & Avoiding Church Politics

10:52 – How to Integrate Into a New Congregation

12:13 – How to Leave a Church Without Division

13:56 – The Cause Is Bigger Than the Christian

14:24 – Preparing for the Next Leader at HCU

15:56 – Succession Planning Tips for Ministers

17:11 – Passing Along Sermon Themes & Church Rhythms

18:38 – Communication Preferences & Congregational Culture

20:22 – Outside Responsibilities, Coaching, and Counseling

22:40 – Final Thoughts: Build Up the Next Leader

✅ Targeted Keywords:

ministry transition advice

how to leave a church well

following a long-time preacher

Dr. Kirk Brothers

Heritage Christian University

church leadership transition

preacher succession planning

how to integrate into a new church

humility in ministry

legacy in church leadership

✅ Hashtags:

#MinistryMatters #ChurchLeadership #PreacherLife #MinistryTransition #KirkBrothers #HeritageChristianUniversity #LegacyLeadership #ChristianMinistry #SuccessionPlanning #MinisterAdvice

In this episode of Ministry Matters That Matter, Dr. Kirk Brothers shares decades of wisdom on how to conduct funerals with grace, sensitivity, and biblical purpose.Whether you're a young preacher or seasoned minister, this guide will help you navigate one of the most emotionally demanding and spiritually impactful aspects of ministry.Dr. Brothers covers:How to prepare before a death occursWhat to say (and what not to say)Structuring the funeral message around past, present, and futurePractical steps for coordinating with the family and funeral homePersonalizing the message with stories and ScriptureSupporting grieving families long after the funeral ends📍 This is part of a larger series equipping ministers for real-life ministry moments.🔔 Subscribe for more episodes: [insert channel link]📧 Email: ministrymatters@hcu.edu🌐 Website: [insert website]⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:00 - Why Funerals Matter in Ministry04:00 - The Power of Being Present07:00 - Comforting the Family During the First Viewing12:00 - Clarifying the Funeral Details Early16:00 - Gathering Stories & Honoring Memories20:00 - Structuring the Sermon: Past, Present, Future24:00 - Speaking to the Grieving Family27:00 - Graveside Service Tips & Military Honors31:00 - Following Up with the Family32:00 - Final Encouragement & Outro🔑 Keywords:how to conduct a funeral, funeral tips for ministers, grief counseling, funeral sermon outline, comforting grieving families, pastoral care, funeral home coordination, Dr. Kirk Brothers, Heritage Christian University, Ministry Matters That Matter📌 Hashtags:#FuneralMinistry #PastoralCare #GriefSupport #ChurchLeadership #MinistryMattersThatMatter #DrKirkBrothers #ChristianMinistry #FuneralSermon #MinisterTraining #HeritageChristianUniversity

In this episode of Ministry Matters That Matter, Dr. Kirk Brothers visits Bear Valley Bible Institute to sit down with Denny Petrillo, President Emeritus, and Wayne Jones, current President. Together, they reflect on spiritual leadership, mentorship, and the challenges and blessings of transitioning ministry roles.

Discover practical insights on how to:

Lead well in local congregations

Build trust and maintain relationships

Encourage and train future gospel preachers

Navigate change with humility and vision

They also share favorite resources for those in preaching and church leadership.

🎧 Great for: Elders • Preachers • Ministry Trainers • Church Leaders • Bible Teachers

📚 Resources Mentioned:

– Grasping God’s Word by Duvall & Hays

– Preaching God’s Word by Duvall & Hays

– Preacher Training Podcast by Robert Hatfield

– Dan Owen’s Podcast

⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome from Bear Valley Bible Institute

00:50 – Meet Denny Petrillo & Wayne Jones

02:00 – Eldership lessons: Know your flock

05:20 – Challenges in building trust as a leader

08:10 – Teaching & training future gospel preachers

11:40 – Developing patience and mentoring with grace

14:20 – Transitioning leadership roles effectively

17:00 – Advice for following long-time ministers

20:00 – Recommended ministry resources

22:30 – Final encouragement: Why ministry matters

#MinistryMatters #BearValleyBibleInstitute #ChurchLeadership #Eldership #MinistryMentoring #ChristianLeadership #WayneJones #DennyPetrillo #PreachingMatters #MentorMinisters #SpiritualGrowth #LeadershipTransition #MinistryPodcast #MinistryResources