In this episode of the R3 Ministry Network Podcast, host Greg Joyner sits down with Pastor Andrew Harris of Evansville Baptist Church in Niles, Ohio, to discuss his experience with a Pastor Advisory Team and how it has provided encouragement, perspective, accountability, and practical wisdom during an important season of ministry.

Pastor Andrew shares how Evansville Baptist Church has experienced significant spiritual and numerical growth since he and his family began serving there in 2023. What was once a church with mostly older members is now seeing younger families and children become part of the church family, creating new opportunities and challenges.

Before that growth, Pastor Andrew was navigating significant ministry pressures, including financial difficulties, an aging building, needed renovations, and outdated sound equipment. Through a connection with R3 Ministry Network and a matching grant, Evansville Baptist was able to invest in improvements to the church facilities while also connecting Pastor Andrew with a Pastor Advisory Team.

Pastor Andrew explains why he was willing to invite outside voices into his ministry, how he overcame initial reservations about who would be advising him, and what the monthly advisory meetings actually look like. He also shares how honest conversations with experienced pastors have helped him think more clearly, make sustainable decisions, and recognize which responsibilities he needed to release.

Throughout the conversation, Pastor Andrew emphasizes the importance of godly counsel, mentorship, prayer, humility, and shared wisdom. His experience demonstrates how pastors can benefit from having trusted leaders who care about both their ministry and their personal well-being.

Whether you’re a pastor considering an advisory team, a ministry leader navigating growth, or someone looking for encouragement in ministry, this episode offers practical insight into the value of having others walk alongside you.

In This Episode

• How Evansville Baptist Church has experienced spiritual and numerical growth
• The ministry challenges Pastor Andrew faced when he first arrived at the church
• How financial difficulties and building needs affected the church
• How an R3 matching grant helped the church make important improvements
• Why Pastor Andrew chose to seek outside counsel and mentorship
• What happens during a typical Pastor Advisory Team meeting
• How honest feedback can help pastors lead more clearly and confidently
• Learning to distinguish biblical commands from personal expectations
• Why pastors need to prioritize personal health and sustainable ministry
• The encouragement that comes from knowing other pastors are praying for you
• Why seeking counsel is not a sign of weakness
• How pastors can benefit from learning from others who have walked similar paths
• Preparing for new challenges that come with church growth

Key Takeaway

Pastors were never meant to carry the work of ministry alone. Seeking godly counsel, listening to experienced leaders, and allowing others to speak honestly into ministry decisions can provide valuable perspective and encouragement. Pastor Andrew’s experience with a Pastor Advisory Team shows how trusted relationships can help pastors stay focused on what is biblical, sustainable, and most important for their church and family.

Listen now to discover how ordinary obedience can lead to extraordinary ministry impact.

Healthy Leaders…Strong Churches

Refresh A Pastor (and his wife)! 

Everyone could use a regular refreshment and pastors and their wives are no exception. That’s why we want to help refresh as many pastors and their wives as we are afforded. We know pastors keep long hours and full days. Often their wives work outside the home as well. Additionally, some pastors work part-time jobs to help make ends meet. Extra finances for a much-needed date outing are just not available. We want to help. So, we began the Refresh a Pastor ministry. Refresh a Pastor commits $100 per month for 12 months to needy pastors used exclusively for a once per month date outing. It has been a huge encouragement to many, and we want to bless many more! 

Pastor Advisory Team Summary

The need for pastors we serve at R3 is access to godly counsel that is experienced, caring, strong in character, and willing to help. Could you use a team that recognizes your unique tasks as a pastor, church planter, or revitalizer?  If so, we designed a Pastor Advisory Team with you in mind. To learn more, email info@r3ministrynetwork.org 

Proverbs 11:14, 15:22

Our Iron Team calls are designed to sharpen and influence one another, as iron sharpens iron according to Proverbs 27:17. The goal is to enhance our ministry impact while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

During these calls, we bring together pastors, missionaries, and full-time ministry leaders, with one designated leader per team. Your presence and active participation are highly valued and beneficial. 

To learn more about IRON Team calls and how to get involved, please click here: (r3ministrynetwork.org)

Take a step towards revitalizing churches and supporting pastors today!