In this powerful episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, host Joe sits down with Fran and Pastor Kevin Angel to explore the heart and purpose behind the upcoming Prayer Summit at the Gahanna campus on Saturday, October 25th from 9 a.m. to noon.

Discover what really happens at a prayer summit (hint: it’s not just three hours of silent prayer), how prayer fuels every ministry at Shepherd, and why corporate prayer is essential for igniting spiritual fire in the church. From donuts and devotionals to Fran’s deeply personal testimony of praying for her husband’s salvation for over 30 years, this episode is a beautiful reminder of the power of persistent prayer and the presence of God in community.🙏 Want to be part of the prayer team or submit a prayer request? Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org
📲 Visit https://shepnaz.org/shepnow for more info and updates.👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe to stay connected with what God is doing at Shepherd Church!

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast00:25 - Meet Fran and Pastor Kevin Angel01:23 - What is the Prayer Summit?02:24 - Speakers and Topics: Mystery & History of Prayer03:48 - How to Sign Up (and get a donut!)04:43 - Sunday Prayer Ministry Overview06:21 - Prayer Room and Post-Service Prayer07:36 - Weekly Morning Prayer Opportunities09:00 - Ignite: Monthly Corporate Prayer10:49 - Why Corporate Prayer Matters12:31 - Bearing One Another’s Burdens14:03 - Prayer Requests from Basketball Signups15:38 - QR Codes and Prayer Cards16:28 - Confidential Prayer Requests17:12 - Fran’s Personal Prayer Practices19:26 - Testimony: Praying for Her Husband’s Salvation21:07 - The Power of Persistence in Prayer22:10 - Final Encouragement and Wrap-Up22:48 - Connect with Us & Closing

What does the altar really mean in today’s church? In this powerful Worship Wednesday edition of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastors Zack, Noah, and Joe dive deep into the biblical and spiritual significance of the altar—from Genesis to Romans 12—and how it continues to be a place of surrender, renewal, and transformation.

Whether you're new to church or a lifelong believer, this episode will challenge your perspective on worship, sacrifice, and what it means to truly encounter God. Discover how stepping out of your comfort zone and approaching the altar—physically or spiritually—can be a life-changing act of faith.

🙏 Join the conversation: What does the altar mean to you? Have you ever had a powerful moment at the altar? Share your story in the comments!

📧 Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org
🌐 Visit https://shepnaz.org/shepnow for more resources and upcoming events.
👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe, and Share to help spread the message!

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome & Episode Intro00:32 - What is an Altar?01:36 - Altar Calls Explained02:09 - Physical Altars in Different Churches03:00 - Romans 12:1 and Living Sacrifice04:08 - Worship Beyond Music04:32 - Abraham & Isaac: First Mention of Worship05:11 - Sacrifice and Obedience05:44 - Old vs. New Testament Worship06:35 - Jesus as the Ultimate Sacrifice06:57 - The Altar as a Place of Encounter07:37 - Encouragement to Approach the Altar08:14 - Leaving Comfort Zones for God09:17 - Desperation and Faith10:12 - Breaking Church Norms11:09 - Sensory Experience of Worship12:04 - Hunger for More of God12:38 - Memorials and Generational Impact13:07 - Steve Camp’s Bold Altar Call14:15 - Standing in Faith15:42 - The Altar as a Place of Support16:28 - Renewal and Restoration17:52 - Stop Worrying About Judgment18:20 - Church as a Place for Broken People19:14 - Call to Authentic Worship20:10 - Physical Limitations & Worship21:00 - Response Time Stories21:24 - Final Encouragement & Outro

In this powerful continuation of our conversation with Pastor Kevin Angel, we dive deeper into the message Nurturing the Call of God. If you've ever wondered whether God is calling you into ministry—or into something more—this episode is for you.

Pastor Kevin shares personal stories of wrestling with the call, the importance of spiritual mentors like Eli, and how confirmation often comes through community and persistence. From biblical examples like Samuel, Moses, and Peter to real-life testimonies from our own congregation, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that God often chooses the unlikely to do extraordinary things.

Whether you're sensing a call or know someone who is, this episode will encourage you to listen, affirm, and respond. Don't miss the story of Austin Presley and how the church walks alongside those answering God's call.👉 Comment below if you've ever felt God nudging you toward something new.
👍 Like, 🔔 Subscribe, and 📧 Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org with your thoughts or questions.
🌐 Visit https://shepnaz.org/shepnow for more resources and updates.

Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome & Recap of Part 100:37 - When the Call is Real01:24 - Wrestling with the Voice of God02:20 - Signs of a True Calling03:15 - Excuses vs. Obedience04:11 - Encouraging Others in Their Call05:10 - Mentorship and Confirmation06:26 - Austin Presley’s Story07:18 - Overcoming Personal Limitations08:09 - God’s Power in Our Weakness09:01 - Affirming the Next Generation10:01 - The Need for New Pastors11:08 - God Uses the Unlikely12:15 - Biblical Examples of Calling13:03 - God’s Joy in Partnership14:32 - Saying Yes as Worship15:04 - God’s Faithfulness Through Trials16:05 - Returning to the Moment of Calling17:09 - Dark Seasons & God's Sustaining Grace18:31 - Is God Calling You?19:31 - What to Do if You Feel Called20:39 - Steps in the Nazarene Tradition21:19 - Final Encouragement & Action Points21:58 - Closing & Contact Info

In this powerful episode, Joe sits down with Pastor Kevin Angel to explore the deeply personal and biblical journey of discerning the call of God. From reflections on District Assembly’s theme “The One” to the story of young Samuel hearing God’s voice, Pastor Kevin shares how each of us can recognize and nurture God’s call—whether to vocational ministry or deeper commitment in the life of the church.You’ll hear Pastor Kevin’s own testimony of wrestling with his calling, the wisdom of mentors like his father, and how Eli’s guidance to Samuel still speaks to us today. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is God calling me?”—this episode is for you.🙏 Let us know your thoughts!
📧 Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org
👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe, and share this episode to encourage others in their walk with Christ.🌐 Visit https://shepnaz.org/shepnow for more resources and upcoming events.Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome & Introduction00:27 - Why Pastor Kevin Preached This Sunday01:20 - Biker Sunday Memories01:52 - District Assembly Theme: “The One”02:49 - What It Means to Be Called04:01 - Pastor Eddie’s Heart for the District05:19 - Choosing the Story of Samuel06:07 - Hannah’s Dedication of Samuel07:26 - Eli’s Imperfect Leadership08:16 - Samuel’s Future Impact09:16 - God Calls Samuel10:07 - Eli’s Wisdom in Discerning God’s Voice11:05 - God’s Call vs. Human Influence12:31 - Eli’s Trust in God’s Plan13:29 - Pastor Kevin’s Personal Story14:47 - Wrestling with the Call16:17 - Advice from a Camp Evangelist17:25 - The Moment of Clarity18:58 - Telling His Father20:29 - Final Reflections20:53 - What’s Coming Tomorrow21:05 - Outro & Contact Info

Join Pastor Brett Dillinger—aka the Dark Knight—for a fun and heartfelt conversation about Trunk or Treat PLUS, happening Sunday, October 26th from 5–7:30 PM at the Gahanna campus of Shepherd Church of the Nazarene.

🎃 What’s new this year? A mash-up of past favorites like pumpkin launching, hayrides, inflatables, hot dogs, and of course, trunk-or-treating—all wrapped in a safe, welcoming, Christ-centered community celebration.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Pastor Brett shares the deeper purpose behind the event: building relationships, showing love to our neighbors, and creating a space where families feel seen, safe, and valued. Whether you're a longtime member or just curious about church, this episode will inspire you to get involved and experience the joy of Christian community.

💬 We want to hear from you! Drop a comment, like, and subscribe—and email us at podcast@shepnaz.org with your thoughts or questions.

🔗 Visit https://shepnaz.org/shepnow or click the Trunk or Treat banner at shepnaz.org to sign up to volunteer, register your trunk, or donate candy and supplies.

Chapters:00:00 - Welcome & Introductions00:24 - What is Trunk or Treat PLUS?01:20 - Event Details: Date, Time, Location02:00 - Activities: Hayrides, Pumpkin Launching, Food03:06 - Why We Do This: Serving the Community04:11 - Building Relationships Through Church Events05:01 - The Power of Christian Friendship06:03 - Shepherd Church as a Relational Community07:19 - Kids & Connection: A Testimony08:17 - Reaching Our Neighbors09:31 - Seeing & Serving Families10:07 - Creating a Safe Space for Families10:55 - What to Expect When You Arrive12:04 - Games, Food, and Fun13:04 - Costumes Encouraged!14:05 - How You Can Help: Volunteers Needed15:03 - Safety & Parking Support15:30 - Registering Your Trunk16:08 - Serving with Your Small Group17:06 - Day-of Volunteer Opportunities18:18 - Trunk Themes & Friendly Competition19:12 - Candy Donations & Supply Needs20:08 - No Sign-Up Needed to Attend21:02 - Final Thoughts & Call to Action21:57 - Follow Us & Stay Connected

In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, host Joe sits down with Jacob Bush, Head of Schools at Shepherd Christian Schools, to unpack a powerful opportunity for Ohio taxpayers to support Christian education—without spending extra money!

Jacob explains how Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) allow individuals to redirect their Ohio income tax dollars to support private schools like Shepherd Christian. Learn how this initiative can help fund tuition assistance, support teachers, and expand access to Christian education—all while giving you a dollar-for-dollar tax credit.

Whether you're a parent, church member, or Ohio resident passionate about faith-based education, this episode is a must-listen. Plus, discover how you can start giving today and make a lasting impact on students and families in your community.📌

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Jacob Bush Returns

01:08 School Year Kickoff & Parent Engagement

02:31 Navigating Pickup Line Chaos

04:04 Creative School Funding Ideas

04:39 What Are SGOs?

06:18 How SGOs Work in Ohio

07:14 Understanding Ohio Tax Credits

10:21 The Kingdom Impact of Giving

12:07 Monthly Giving Options

13:39 Next Steps to Get Involved

15:04 How to Give Through OCEN

16:27 Parents Supporting Their Own Tuition

18:57 How to Learn More & Connect

Donate towards the SGO at https://app.ocen.org/schools/14446/landing

💬 We want to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your thoughts or questions, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread the word. For more info or to get connected, email us at podcast@shepnaz.org.

🔗 Visit https://shepnaz.org/shepnow and shepnaz.org for more resources and updates.

In this heartfelt Worship Wednesday episode, Joe, Pastor Zach, and Noah dive deep into Exodus 17 and the battle against the Amalekites, revealing how Moses’ raised hands became a symbol of worship, surrender, and spiritual warfare.What happens when you’re too tired to worship? Who holds your arms up when you can’t do it alone?This episode explores:

• The power of community in worship
• The role of Aaron and Hur in supporting Moses
• How worship is more than music—it’s a lifestyle
• The importance of vulnerability and asking for help
• How marriage reflects spiritual support and unity
• Real-life stories of exhaustion, prayer, and breakthrough

💬 Join the conversation: Who are your “Aaron and Hur”? Who helps you keep your hands up when life gets heavy? Let us know in the comments!📧 Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org with your thoughts, prayer requests, or stories of worship.🙏 Subscribe, like, and share to help others find encouragement and truth through Worship Wednesday.🌐 Visit https://shepnaz.org/shepnow to stay connected with everything happening at Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Gahanna, Ohio.Chapters:

00:00 – Corn Dog PSA & Worship Wednesday Kickoff01:15 – Exodus 17: Moses, Joshua & the Amalekites02:26 – What Raised Hands Mean in Worship03:19 – When Worship Gets Physically Hard04:00 – The Power of Support: Aaron & Hur05:11 – Worship Team Testimonies & Exhaustion06:23 – Real Hugs & Spiritual Encouragement07:05 – Vulnerability & Asking for Help08:15 – Prayer Requests & Community09:05 – Total Dependence on God10:14 – God’s Faithfulness Through the Staff11:00 – Worship in Marriage12:16 – A Stressful Meeting & the Power of Prayer13:48 – Moses’ Obedience & God’s Victory16:11 – Canoe Story: Physical Weakness & Support17:06 – Jehovah Nissi: The Lord is My Banner18:31 – Joshua’s Role & God’s Credit19:28 – Final Encouragement & Church Info

In this heartfelt continuation from yesterday’s episode, Joe sits down again with Pastor Larry to explore what it means to live with the presence of God—even when life feels like captivity. Drawing from Ezekiel’s story and personal moments (including a lost Fitbit and a bank visit gone sideways), Pastor Larry shares how the Holy Spirit guides, corrects, and comforts us in real-time.

From the banks of Babylon to the streets of Westerville, this episode reminds us that God is not only with us—He lives in us. Whether you're struggling with direction, wrestling with guilt, or just need encouragement, this conversation will speak to your soul.🙏 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!
📧 Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org with your thoughts or prayer requests.
🌐 Visit https://shepnaz.org/shepnow to stay connected with Shepherd Church.Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome & Recap of Yesterday’s Episode 00:18 - Ezekiel’s Captivity and Our Spiritual Tracker 01:15 - The Fitbit Story: Losing Motivation 02:18 - Coach on a Wrist: Accountability & Conviction 04:47 - God With Us: Emmanuel and the Holy Spirit 06:04 - Spiritual GPS and Course Correction 07:06 - Old Testament vs. New Testament Presence 08:02 - Courage in Tough Times: Paul & Peter 09:16 - Ezekiel’s Faith in Exile 09:39 - The Bank Story: Conviction & Obedience 11:05 - A Spirit-Led Apology 12:29 - God’s Grace in Everyday Moments 13:37 - Peter’s Response: “Where Else Would We Go?” 14:27 - When We Misrepresent Our Faith 15:48 - God’s Correction is Love 16:19 - God Is With You 16:40 - Teaser: “God Is For Us” 17:02 - Final Encouragement & Contact Info