Matt Davis specializes in helping people and organizations through leadership challenges and ministry transitions. He&apos;s Wayne Shepherd&apos;s guest on this week&apos;s FIRST PERSON.  (click for more...)     Website:  www.ministrytransitions.comIn this episode of First Person, host Wayne Shepherd interviews Matt Davis, President and Chief Pastoral Officer of Ministry Transitions, an organization that helps churches, nonprofits, faith-based companies, and individuals navigate leadership changes. Matt speaks candidly about his own story — after spending decades as an executive and teaching pastor, he experienced a moral failure that ended his ministry career, causing significant pain to his family, colleagues, and congregation. Through years of counseling, restoration, and personal rebuilding, he co-founded Ministry Transitions with Bill Tom to fill a gap he experienced firsthand: the lack of structured support for ministry leaders in transition. The organization works with boards and individuals through three types of transitions — open, hidden, and blind — emphasizing dignity, grace, and honest communication throughout the process. Matt stresses that churches and organizations need to build a &quot;culture of continuity&quot; from day one, framing succession planning as a discipleship issue rather than a crisis response. He also hosts a podcast called Life After Ministry, which chronicles stories of people rebuilding their lives after vocational ministry ends, with the goal of reaching leaders before they hit rock bottom rather than after.           Next week:  Joe and Cindi Ferrini, The Special Needs ParentSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company: FEBC National Processing Center  Far East Broadcasting Company P.O. Box 6020  Albert Lea, MN 56007 Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Matt Davis&lt;/b&gt; specializes in helping people and organizations through leadership challenges and ministry transitions. He&amp;apos;s Wayne Shepherd&amp;apos;s guest on this week&amp;apos;s FIRST PERSON.  (click for more...)     &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Website:  www.ministrytransitions.com&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode of &lt;em&gt;First Person&lt;/em&gt;, host Wayne Shepherd interviews Matt Davis, President and Chief Pastoral Officer of Ministry Transitions, an organization that helps churches, nonprofits, faith-based companies, and individuals navigate leadership changes. Matt speaks candidly about his own story — after spending decades as an executive and teaching pastor, he experienced a moral failure that ended his ministry career, causing significant pain to his family, colleagues, and congregation. Through years of counseling, restoration, and personal rebuilding, he co-founded Ministry Transitions with Bill Tom to fill a gap he experienced firsthand: the lack of structured support for ministry leaders in transition. The organization works with boards and individuals through three types of transitions — open, hidden, and blind — emphasizing dignity, grace, and honest communication throughout the process. Matt stresses that churches and organizations need to build a &amp;quot;culture of continuity&amp;quot; from day one, framing succession planning as a discipleship issue rather than a crisis response. He also hosts a podcast called &lt;em&gt;Life After Ministry&lt;/em&gt;, which chronicles stories of people rebuilding their lives after vocational ministry ends, with the goal of reaching leaders &lt;em&gt;before&lt;/em&gt; they hit rock bottom rather than after.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;           &lt;b&gt;Next week:  Joe and Cindi Ferrini, The Special Needs Parent&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Send your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:&lt;br/&gt;FEBC National Processing Center &lt;br/&gt;Far East Broadcasting Company&lt;br/&gt;P.O. Box 6020 &lt;br/&gt;Albert Lea, MN 56007&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Matt Davis specializes in helping people and organizations through leadership challenges and ministry transitions. He's Wayne Shepherd's guest on this week's FIRST PERSON.  (click for more...)      Website:  www.ministrytransitions.com In this episode of First Person, host Wayne Shepherd interviews Matt Davis, President and Chief Pastoral Officer of Ministry Transitions, an organization that helps churches, nonprofits, faith-based companies, and individuals navigate l...

Matt Davis

Master calligrapher Tim Botts is Wayne Shepherd&apos;s guest, talking about his approach to the creation of his art and the inspiration he finds in God&apos;s Word.  (Click for more...)Website:  <a href='https://www.timbottscalligraphy.com'>www.TimBottscalligraphy.com</a>This week we feature Christian artist and master calligrapher Timothy Botts, who has spent decades expressing Scripture through colorful calligraphy and visual art. Botts explains how his work is deeply inspired by the words of the Bible, combining his training in graphic design with his love for God’s Word to visually communicate its meaning rather than simply decorate it. Influenced by music, early encouragement from teachers, and artistic exposure during missionary work in Japan, he developed a distinctive style that brings together art, worship, and communication. Botts also reflects on the role of visual art in the church, encouraging congregations to value and support artists as part of gospel ministry. Through initiatives such as the Masterpiece Arts Camp, he mentors young creatives, helping them discover how their artistic gifts can honor Christ and impact others. Ultimately, Botts sees his work as a form of meditation on Scripture—creating “word pictures” that allow the message of the Bible to move from the page to the heart.                               NEXT WEEK:  Matt Davis, Ministry Transitions Send your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company: FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting Company P.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007 Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

<description>&lt;p&gt;Master calligrapher Tim Botts is Wayne Shepherd&amp;apos;s guest, talking about his approach to the creation of his art and the inspiration he finds in God&amp;apos;s Word.  (Click for more...)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Website:  &lt;a href='https://www.timbottscalligraphy.com'&gt;&lt;b&gt;www.TimBottscalligraphy.com&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This week we feature Christian artist and master calligrapher &lt;b&gt;Timothy Botts&lt;/b&gt;, who has spent decades expressing Scripture through colorful calligraphy and visual art. Botts explains how his work is deeply inspired by the words of the Bible, combining his training in graphic design with his love for God’s Word to visually communicate its meaning rather than simply decorate it. Influenced by music, early encouragement from teachers, and artistic exposure during missionary work in Japan, he developed a distinctive style that brings together art, worship, and communication. Botts also reflects on the role of visual art in the church, encouraging congregations to value and support artists as part of gospel ministry. Through initiatives such as the &lt;b&gt;Masterpiece Arts Camp&lt;/b&gt;, he mentors young creatives, helping them discover how their artistic gifts can honor Christ and impact others. Ultimately, Botts sees his work as a form of meditation on Scripture—creating “word pictures” that allow the message of the Bible to move from the page to the heart. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;                              &lt;b&gt;NEXT WEEK:  Matt Davis, Ministry Transitions&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Send your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:&lt;br/&gt;FEBC National Processing Center &lt;br/&gt;Far East Broadcasting Company&lt;br/&gt;P.O. Box 6020 &lt;br/&gt;Albert Lea, MN 56007&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Master calligrapher Tim Botts is Wayne Shepherd's guest, talking about his approach to the creation of his art and the inspiration he finds in God's Word.  (Click for more...) Website:  www.TimBottscalligraphy.com This week we feature Christian artist and master calligrapher Timothy Botts, who has spent decades expressing Scripture through colorful calligraphy and visual art. Botts explains how his work is deeply inspired by the words of the Bible, combining his training in graphic ...

Tim Botts

Christian Comedian Phil Callaway joins Wayne Shepherd for a conversation about his life and calling to a ministry of comedy. (click for more....)Website:  <a href='https://www.philcallaway.com'>www.PhilCallaway.com</a>The interview features Christian comedian, author, and speaker Phil Callaway sharing how God used humor and life experiences to shape his ministry. Callaway recounts how his faith was deeply influenced by his parents’ authentic Christianity and by teachers who encouraged his communication gifts. Beginning in 1990 by writing humorous articles about family life, he was soon invited to write books—eventually authoring more than two dozen—and later expanded into speaking, radio, and conference ministry. Despite early fears of public speaking, he sensed God calling him to use humor to inspire hope, both in Christian settings and in secular audiences such as teachers and medical professionals. Callaway also reflects on personal trials in his family, including the threat of Huntington’s disease, which reinforced the importance of offering hope through laughter and faith. Throughout the conversation he emphasizes gratitude, perseverance, and the idea that God often works through ordinary people who simply offer their gifts in service to others.                                     Next Week:  Calligrapher Tim BottsSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company: FEBC National Processing Center  Far East Broadcasting Company P.O. Box 6020  Albert Lea, MN 56007 Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

<description>&lt;p&gt;Christian Comedian Phil Callaway joins Wayne Shepherd for a conversation about his life and calling to a ministry of comedy. (click for more....)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Website:  &lt;a href='https://www.philcallaway.com'&gt;&lt;b&gt;www.PhilCallaway.com&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The interview features Christian comedian, author, and speaker Phil Callaway sharing how God used humor and life experiences to shape his ministry. Callaway recounts how his faith was deeply influenced by his parents’ authentic Christianity and by teachers who encouraged his communication gifts. Beginning in 1990 by writing humorous articles about family life, he was soon invited to write books—eventually authoring more than two dozen—and later expanded into speaking, radio, and conference ministry. Despite early fears of public speaking, he sensed God calling him to use humor to inspire hope, both in Christian settings and in secular audiences such as teachers and medical professionals. Callaway also reflects on personal trials in his family, including the threat of Huntington’s disease, which reinforced the importance of offering hope through laughter and faith. Throughout the conversation he emphasizes gratitude, perseverance, and the idea that God often works through ordinary people who simply offer their gifts in service to others. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;                                    &lt;b&gt;Next Week:  Calligrapher Tim Botts&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Send your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:&lt;br/&gt;FEBC National Processing Center &lt;br/&gt;Far East Broadcasting Company&lt;br/&gt;P.O. Box 6020 &lt;br/&gt;Albert Lea, MN 56007&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Christian Comedian Phil Callaway joins Wayne Shepherd for a conversation about his life and calling to a ministry of comedy. (click for more....) Website:  www.PhilCallaway.com The interview features Christian comedian, author, and speaker Phil Callaway sharing how God used humor and life experiences to shape his ministry. Callaway recounts how his faith was deeply influenced by his parents’ authentic Christianity and by teachers who encouraged his communication gifts. Beginning in 1990 ...

Phil Callaway

<a href='https://soundofmajesty.org/about'>Greg Wheatley</a>, host of the online music platform Sound of Majesty, joins Wayne Shepherd and gives a brief biographical sketch of two great composers. (click for more...)    Website:  <a href='https://soundofmajesty.org'>www.soundofmajesty.org</a>In this edition of First Person, Wayne Shepherd interviews Greg Wheatley, host of SoundofMajesty.org, about the life, faith, and musical legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach, with additional insights into Felix Mendelssohn. Wheatley explains that Bach, a devout Lutheran, viewed all his work as done for the glory of God, often signing his compositions “Soli Deo Gloria.” They discuss Bach’s monumental St. Matthew Passion, highlighting its theological depth and intricate craftsmanship, originally written for Good Friday worship. The conversation also explores how Mendelssohn revived Bach’s music nearly a century after his death, sparking renewed appreciation for his genius. Throughout the discussion, Wheatley emphasizes that classical sacred music, though sometimes perceived as complex, remains spiritually accessible and deeply moving for listeners today.                                              NEXT WEEK:  Phil CallawaySend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company: FEBC National Processing Center  Far East Broadcasting Company P.O. Box 6020  Albert Lea, MN 56007 Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://soundofmajesty.org/about'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Greg Wheatley&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, host of the online music platform Sound of Majesty, joins Wayne Shepherd and gives a brief biographical sketch of two great composers. (click for more...)    &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Website:  &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href='https://soundofmajesty.org'&gt;&lt;b&gt;www.soundofmajesty.org&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this edition of First Person, Wayne Shepherd interviews Greg Wheatley, host of SoundofMajesty.org, about the life, faith, and musical legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach, with additional insights into Felix Mendelssohn. Wheatley explains that Bach, a devout Lutheran, viewed all his work as done for the glory of God, often signing his compositions “Soli Deo Gloria.” They discuss Bach’s monumental St. Matthew Passion, highlighting its theological depth and intricate craftsmanship, originally written for Good Friday worship. The conversation also explores how Mendelssohn revived Bach’s music nearly a century after his death, sparking renewed appreciation for his genius. Throughout the discussion, Wheatley emphasizes that classical sacred music, though sometimes perceived as complex, remains spiritually accessible and deeply moving for listeners today.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;                                              &lt;b&gt;NEXT WEEK:  Phil Callaway&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Send your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:&lt;br/&gt;FEBC National Processing Center &lt;br/&gt;Far East Broadcasting Company&lt;br/&gt;P.O. Box 6020 &lt;br/&gt;Albert Lea, MN 56007&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Greg Wheatley, host of the online music platform Sound of Majesty, joins Wayne Shepherd and gives a brief biographical sketch of two great composers. (click for more...)     Website:  www.soundofmajesty.org In this edition of First Person, Wayne Shepherd interviews Greg Wheatley, host of SoundofMajesty.org, about the life, faith, and musical legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach, with additional insights into Felix Mendelssohn. Wheatley explains that Bach, a devout Lutheran, vie...

Greg Wheatley

Pastor Josh Moody of College Church in Wheaton, IL talks with Wayne Shepherd about his love of Scripture and how to make it a regular part of life.    (click for more...)<a href='https://godcenteredlife.org'>Website:  www.GodCenteredLife.org</a>In this First Person conversation, Pastor Josh Moody, senior pastor of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, reflects on his journey from England to pastoral ministry in the U.S., his deep appreciation for Jonathan Edwards, and his passion for helping believers engage Scripture as the living Word of God. Moody recounts formative influences from his parents’ example, a transformative mission trip that awakened his love for the Bible, and his conviction that daily dependence on God’s Word is essential for spiritual life and perseverance. He discusses his book Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know as an accessible, interactive guide meant to draw readers into Scripture without guilt or pressure, emphasizing that faith, growth, and evangelism ultimately flow from hearing and responding to God’s Word.                                            NEXT WEEK:  Greg WheatleySend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company: FEBC National Processing Center  Far East Broadcasting Company P.O. Box 6020  Albert Lea, MN 56007 Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

<description>&lt;p&gt;Pastor &lt;b&gt;Josh Moody&lt;/b&gt; of College Church in Wheaton, IL talks with Wayne Shepherd about his love of Scripture and how to make it a regular part of life.    (click for more...)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://godcenteredlife.org'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Website:  www.GodCenteredLife.org&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this &lt;em&gt;First Person&lt;/em&gt; conversation, Pastor &lt;b&gt;Josh Moody&lt;/b&gt;, senior pastor of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, reflects on his journey from England to pastoral ministry in the U.S., his deep appreciation for Jonathan Edwards, and his passion for helping believers engage Scripture as the living Word of God. Moody recounts formative influences from his parents’ example, a transformative mission trip that awakened his love for the Bible, and his conviction that daily dependence on God’s Word is essential for spiritual life and perseverance. He discusses his book &lt;em&gt;Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know&lt;/em&gt; as an accessible, interactive guide meant to draw readers into Scripture without guilt or pressure, emphasizing that faith, growth, and evangelism ultimately flow from hearing and responding to God’s Word.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;                                            &lt;b&gt;NEXT WEEK:  Greg Wheatley&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Send your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:&lt;br/&gt;FEBC National Processing Center &lt;br/&gt;Far East Broadcasting Company&lt;br/&gt;P.O. Box 6020 &lt;br/&gt;Albert Lea, MN 56007&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Pastor Josh Moody of College Church in Wheaton, IL talks with Wayne Shepherd about his love of Scripture and how to make it a regular part of life.    (click for more...) Website:  www.GodCenteredLife.org In this First Person conversation, Pastor Josh Moody, senior pastor of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, reflects on his journey from England to pastoral ministry in the U.S., his deep appreciation for Jonathan Edwards, and his passion for helping believers engage Scripture...

Josh Moody

Once a week 24 minute radio interviews focusing on personal Christian faith stories and spiritual calling. FIRST PERSON is produced by Wayne Shepherd Communications, LLC. 1717 Park St., Suite 300, Naperville, IL 60563. Email: Wayne@wayneshepherd.net

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