Greatheart’s Table

10/06/2025

From the oxen in Solomon’s temple to viral memes and cultural debates, we’re all tempted to see significance where there may be none. The latest newsletter explores the tendency to take incidental details of Scripture and turn them into obligatory principles. Join me as we consider the dangers of reading too much into the details, the importance of unity in the church, and how to avoid letting the incidental distract from God’s truth. Read it now on the website, or listen on Apple or Spotify, and reflect on the difference between Scripture’s intent and our own assumptions.

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

09/29/2025

I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Jessie Swigart, professor at Covenant Theological Seminary, for a Rainy Day Conversation on the Greatheart’s Table podcast. 🎙️ We explore what it means to form a professional identity as a pastor—a concept that shapes how we think, feel, and act in ministry, and one that is critical for personal wholeness. Jessie highlights the importance of affirmation, mentorship, and networks in helping early-career professionals, including pastors, grow in competence and confidence.

Many pastors work in isolation, and this conversation sheds light on how relationships, supervisors, and a supportive community can shape both professional identity and sustainable ministry. Listen to the first half of this conversation on Apple or Spotify, and join us as we lay the groundwork for deeper reflection on pastoral identity and burnout.

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

09/22/2025

Retirement for pastors isn’t always a move to Florida or more golf. ➡ Pastor Mike, my college pastor and mentor, passed away in his 90s, but his ministry never truly ended. Even after stepping down from active church leadership, he continued faithfully with Global Media Outreach, writing, teaching, and sharing the gospel despite physical limitations from past strokes.

In his nursing home, he would sing at the top of his lungs each morning so that even a terminal roommate could hear about Jesus. When is it time for a pastor to retire? I’ve learned to ask three questions: Am I able? Is there support/resources? Is it still joyful? If the answer is yes, retirement may just be a recasting of your calling, not an end. Pastor Mike’s life reminds us that faithful, joyful ministry can continue in every stage of life. Read the full post by visiting the link below or give it a listen on Apple or Spotify!

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

09/15/2025

This week on Greatheart’s Table, I’m sharing some personal reflections on the unpredictability of ministry, leadership, and community. On a recent run around a local lake, I counted 70 vultures cleaning up a mysterious fish die-off, and it got me thinking: pastoral leadership isn’t just herding cats, it’s more like herding birds. Some go the way you hope, some don’t, and some simply fly away.

I also share the second part of my two-part interview with three pastors’ wives, full of wisdom on the joys and challenges of life alongside ministry. And coming soon, a conversation with Dr. Jessie Swigart on what it means to develop a professional identity as a pastor. Read the latest newsletter or give it a listen on Apple or Spotify🎙️

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

09/01/2025

Ministry is messy. We stumble, we fumble, we doubt ourselves, and sometimes others make it harder. Critics, departures, and relentless inner voices can shake even the most devoted pastor. And yet, many stay. We stay because of the vows we made, because we feel God’s calling, because we get to point to Jesus, and because even in the hard moments, ministry brings joy, the stories of lives changed, the people who return, the moments that matter. Even when doubt screams the loudest, we pick up the ball and keep going. We stay. Just a little bit longer. Read the full post and reflections in the latest newsletter:

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

08/25/2025

Ministry is never easy. Even when you’ve poured your heart into serving others, criticism, both public and internal can shake you to your core. Sometimes it comes from unexpected places, even those closest to you, stirring doubt and questioning your calling.

Pastors, like all of us, hear the voice of Shimei, the inner critic that whispers, “Maybe you’re not enough.” Yet, many stay. They stay because they love what they do, because their calling outweighs the hurt, or simply because life has anchored them in this work. It’s a reminder that perseverance doesn’t mean perfection, and rest doesn’t mean surrender. Take a moment to breathe, to step back, to tell your inner Shimei to quiet down. And remember, sometimes staying is the bravest thing you can do. 📖 Read the full post and reflections in the latest newsletter or give it a listen on Apple or Spotify!

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

08/18/2025

Life in ministry, and in life more broadly, is shaped by those who guide us, challenge us, and show unexpected compassion. In this post, I reflect on the lessons learned from mentors, the people who bind up our wounds, and the stories that remind us mercy often looks different than we expect. As I get older, the mentors and guides I’ve loved in ministry are passing on, leaving holes that only their wisdom and presence once filled. Their absence is hard, but their lessons and love continue to shape the path forward. Read the latest newsletter to hear more about these reflections on mentorship, ministry, and God’s grace in our lives!

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

08/11/2025

In a culture that prizes power, dominance, and efficiency, it’s easy to overlook the true leadership model—the one set by Jesus. In response to the growing trend of valuing aggressive, domineering leadership, this post reminds us that Jesus led through gentleness, kindness, and sacrificial love. ➡️ As pastors, fathers, and leaders, we’re called to reflect these traits, not the harsh and intimidating methods some admire. Jesus didn’t lead by asserting power but by humbling himself and serving others, showing us that true leadership isn’t about being first, but about loving and caring for others in deep, meaningful ways. Read the full post now by visiting the link below, or give it a listen on Apple or Spotify!

https://greatheartstable.substack.co

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.

08/04/2025

Parenting has always been like improv, and especially so when our children go off-script. Unlike the scripted approach many believe is required, parenting is about accepting the unexpected, embracing each new challenge, and responding with wisdom and grace. ➡ Just like in improv theater, we don’t always know what will happen next, but we adapt and keep moving forward. The latest post explores how parents can let go of rigid expectations, lean into God's guidance, and trust that their journey, though unscripted, is still meaningful and impactful. Read the latest newsletter by clicking the link below, or give the full episode a listen on Apple or Spotify!

https://greatheartstable.substack.com

07/28/2025

As pastors, we must be vigilant about the truth we share, both from Scripture and in the stories and statistics we present. Too often, we rely on convenient, unverified information that may spread misinformation. The impact is more profound than we realize, especially when the audience believes what we say without question. The latest Greatheart’s Table post discusses the dangers of careless claims, from exaggerated statistics on martyrs to fabricated stories used in marriage ministry, and the importance of speaking truth in all things. Read the latest newsletter by clicking the link below or give it a listen wherever you stream your 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.

07/21/2025

In this month's Third Monday post, I reflect on a recent read that blended humor and wisdom, exploring how words like “company” remind us of the simple yet profound importance of sharing our lives. From exploring family dynamics and team health to pondering timeless wisdom from Poor Richard, I also discuss the upcoming Off-Script Kids retreat in October, aimed at restoring hope for parents navigating tough paths with their children.

Additionally, the latest podcast features part two of my conversation 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, on fostering healthy pastoral teams. Whether your ministry is large or small, this episode offers invaluable insights on building relationships that support pastors in their calling. Tune in on Apple or Spotify to hear the full episode, and let me know your thoughts in the comments or via email!

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

07/14/2025

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