Gleaning Mustard Seeds with Jerrie Barber

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Every eldership says it believes in shared leadership—until one man’s voice consistently ends the discussion. In this episode, Do You Have a Head Elder?, I name a dynamic most churches recognize but rarely confront: the leader of the leaders. Sometimes he’s kind and life-giving. Other times he’s controlling, wounded, or quietly corrosive—and the group helps him stay that way. If you’ve ever left a meeting knowing decisions w...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Most of the people who changed my life never tried to. They weren’t aiming to be memorable or influential—they were simply doing what came naturally. In this episode, I reflect on the men and women who planted small mustard seeds in my life and opened doors I didn’t know existed. Decades later, their influence continues to grow. Between Preachers When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address o...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie In this episode of Gleaning Mustard Seeds, you’ll hear two chapters of the audible version of Between Preachers, a book about interim ministry by Jerrie Barber. Between Preachers is available in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audio. Links to purchase the book will be included in the show notes. Listen as I read the chapters 12 and 14, Interim Minister Working Agreement and I Don't Think We Need to Write it Down Between Preachers pape...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Church splits leave scars that last for decades—not just on congregations, but on hearts. In this episode, I revisit a painful division involving people I loved on both sides, the fear of being “marked,” and the long road toward understanding what scripture really teaches about doctrine, conflict, and unity. Episode 92 isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about choosing faithfulness, long-suffering, and biblical wisdom when a church te...

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Being an elder is more than a title—it’s a calling. In this episode, we examine Peter’s appeal to elders and Jesus’ model of shepherding to ask hard questions about leadership. Drawing from 1 Peter 5 and John 10, we challenge common assumptions and call all leaders to Christ-shaped shepherding under the Chief Shepherd. If you care about the health of the flock, this episode is for you. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction...