Greatheart’s Table

14/07/2025

Sometimes, the most profound lessons come from unexpected places. In the latest post, I reflect on how children's books like Elephant & Piggie and The Velveteen Rabbit have shaped my sermons and provided deep insights into faith and prayer. 📚 Though simple, these books have a unique ability to reach our hearts and help connect biblical truths in ways we might not expect. Even renowned theologians and scholars like understand the value in listening to stories that resonate with both children and adults. If you’ve never considered the power of children's literature in your journey, I highly recommend giving it a try, it’s a beautiful reminder of how the most innocent stories can reveal profound truths. Read the latest post by visiting the newsletter on my website or give it a listen on Apple or Spotify!

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

07/07/2025

Many Christian parents of adult children whose lives have diverged from their faith face deep turmoil, believing they’ve failed due to a common misconception in Christian teaching. The idea that parents’ failures cause their children’s rebellion is false and deeply damaging. It’s a belief that burdens parents, making them feel responsible for their children's salvation. 🎙️ In the latest post, I discuss how rejecting this harmful notion can help parents heal and refocus on the true promises of God. Once freed from these false expectations, parents can find hope in God's unwavering faithfulness to them and their children.

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

Encouragement for Pastors and Those Who Care for Them. Click to read Greatheart's Table, by Randall R. Greenwald, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.

30/06/2025

Ministry can sometimes become a place of struggle, draining the life out of pastors instead of nurturing it. But what if healthy teams could be the key to pastoral flourishing? 🌱

In my latest "Rainy Day Conversation," I sat down with Mike Boland, the Pastor of Spiritual Formation at City Church-Eastside in Atlanta, Georgia, and Neal Salzma, the founder and director of The Rest Initiative, an organization dedicated to helping leaders thrive in their roles.

Mike and Neal bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the conversation, exploring how creating supportive, healthy teams around pastors can help them thrive in their calling. Their insights are not just practical, but hopeful, offering a fresh perspective on how pastors can find balance and joy in their ministry. Listen to part one of the full conversation on Apple or Spotify!

https://greatheartstable.com/the-podcast/

23/06/2025

In a quiet retreat, I witnessed a profound conversation between the fruits of the Spirit, where Gentleness shared his sadness at being overlooked and forgotten in a world that often celebrates power and force over kindness and mercy. His heartfelt lament revealed a truth that struck me deeply, how often do we neglect the very quality that Jesus embodied so fully? ➡️ This moment changed me, and now I pray for Gentleness to be more present in my life and in the church. Join me in reflecting on this powerful reminder of the fruit that quietly shapes us. Listen to the full story on the latest podcast and check out the new Third Monday post for more reflections on the fruits of the Spirit.

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

16/06/2025

In this month’s Third Monday update, I reflect on my recent readings and observations, from Lucy R. Austen’s biography of Elizabeth Elliot to the whimsical writings of G.K. Chesterton and the sobering history of civil rights in my own backyard. 📚 Along with a few laughs about typos and some lessons learned along the way, I’m excited to share what’s been on my mind this month. Don’t miss the latest newsletter by visiting the website or listen to the full podcast episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

Encouragement for Pastors and Those Who Care for Them. Click to read Greatheart's Table, by Randall R. Greenwald, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.

09/06/2025

As pastors, we wear many hats—preacher, counselor, youth leader, and more. But just like family practice doctors, we’re generalists, not specialists. It’s okay to not excel in everything, as long as we lead with character and humility. ➡️ Character matters more than skills. Showing up, being kind, and offering presence during tough times—these are the things that truly make a difference. Read the latest Greatheart’s Table episode ‘The Family Practice Pastor’ by clicking the link below or give it a listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

26/05/2025

In the latest Greatheart’s Table post, I explore the cautionary tale of power through the lens of Solomon’s reign and the modern-day implications of unchecked influence. From Solomon's splendor built on the backs of forced labor to the ruthless tactics of figures like Robert Moses, we see how power, when misused, can corrupt and harm. But Jesus offers a different kind of power—a power rooted in service, self-sacrifice, and love. ➡️ The power to serve, not dominate, and to witness to His resurrection through our actions. Let’s reflect on how we’re using the power we have. Are we following Jesus' example of humble service? Read the latest newsletter by visiting my website or give it a listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

Encouragement for Pastors and Those Who Care for Them. Click to read Greatheart's Table, by Randall R. Greenwald, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.

19/05/2025

In this final episode of our three-part series, I’m joined by my friends Adam Tisdale and Byron Borger as we dive into practical matters for all Christians—ebooks, audiobooks, and how to make reading more affordable. Our conversation, which started with pastoral reading habits, now expands to anyone who wants to grow in their faith through reading. ➡️ Listen in for great insights and strong opinions from these two wonderful men about how reading can shape your life. Whether you're a pastor or a layperson, this episode is for anyone who loves books. Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

12/05/2025

While the world often pushes us toward big, dramatic actions, it's the small, local acts of love and care that endure. From the quiet work of the church community to the individual acts of kindness we nurture, these efforts, though unnoticed, have lasting impact. Sometimes, what looks like doing nothing is actually the most important thing we can do. ➡️ Visit my website to read the latest newsletter ‘The Inertia of the Ordinary’ or give it a listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

05/05/2025

What Can the Righteous Do? ➡️ In my latest post, I tackle the weight of idealism in a broken world. Rather than rushing to fix everything, I encourage a more measured response—rooted in honoring God and loving our neighbors. Change doesn’t come from striving to control it all, but from faithful obedience. Sometimes, it's about embracing the current moment with grace and trusting that our actions will have ripple effects, even if we can't change everything at once. If you want to read the latest Greatheart’s Table newsletter, visit the website or listen to it via podcast on Spotify or Apple

21/04/2025

In this week’s Greatheart’s Table post, I dive into some of my reflections on reading, writing, and even some quirky birding observations! You’ll find insights into why reading is such an essential part of pastoral life, and I also share exciting updates on the Something Worth Living For book and the Off-Script Kids retreat. ➡️ If you missed it, be sure to read the full Third Monday post for my latest thoughts, and don’t forget to check out part two of my conversation with Byron Borger and Adam Tisdale about The Reading Life of Pastors (and Other Humans) on the podcast! It’s a fun and inspiring chat about reading, growth, and purpose for pastors, with some great recommendations thrown in. Read the latest newsletter on my website and give the latest podcast episode a Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

07/04/2025

In the latest newsletter, I reflect on my own struggles as a pastor, including the many letters of resignation I wrote early in my career, and how my experiences shaped the creation of Greatheart’s Table. This episode offers a renewed explanation of what the podcast and newsletter are all about, supporting pastors, especially those in smaller churches, and encouraging perseverance and hope. Read the latest newsletter by visiting the link below or give it a listen to the full conversation now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 🎙️

https://greatheartstable.substack.com