Gleaning Mustard Seeds with Jerrie Barber
Jesus told His disciples that faith, like a grain of mustard seed, can move a mountain. This podcast presents short ideas that bless when the concepts are put into practice and become habits.
Episodes
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Everyone's had at least one person who's made ministry harder than it had to be. In this episode, I share painful moments—from constant criticism to being asked to resign minutes before worship.
It's also good to learn how to respond without becoming bitter or difficult myself.
I tell those stories and share the hard-earned principles that helped me move from simply en...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
- What does Jesus mean by “tell it to the church,” and how can a congregation obey this command without turning discipline into public shaming or gossip?
- How does involving the whole church—rather than only elders or preachers—change both the spirit and the effectiveness of church discipline?
- What’s lost when a congregation avoids discipline out of fear of conflict, division, or los...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Many Christians can quote what Jesus said about fasting, but far fewer have actually practiced it.
In this episode, we explore what happens when biblical teaching meets real-life experience.
From Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount to the early church’s use of fasting in mission, leadership, and spiritual struggle, this conversation takes you inside the lessons learned—not just ...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
In this episode, we dig beneath the traditions and assumptions surrounding deacon selection and go back to the New Testament pattern.
Why were deacons appointed in the first place?
Who actually chose them? And how does Acts 6 reshape common practices like “rewarding faithfulness,” filling vacancies, or appointing men to keep families from leaving the congregation?
You’ll discover a ...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Elders pour out time, prayer, energy, and emotional strength to shepherd God’s people—yet many serve for decades without ever hearing a heartfelt “thank you.”
In this episode, we explore why elder appreciation isn’t just polite—it’s biblical, healthy, and vital for the unity and future of the church.
You’ll hear real stories, practical ideas, and three powerful reasons every congreg...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Are you thinking about starting a new church?
Before taking that step, the Bible gives us sobering guidelines and surprising examples—from the chaos of Corinth to the warnings in Revelation.
In this episode, we explore the questions every Christian should ask before planting a new congregation: What’s motivating the move?
Is it prayerfully planned—or emotionally driven? And how do w...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What do you say when someone looks you in the eye—or calls you on the phone—and tells you they’re thinking of ending their life?
In this episode, I share three life-saving questions I learned decades ago, real conversations I've had with people on the edge, and biblical insights about those who died by suicide—including one hero of faith.
We’ll talk about ho...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
- What happens when a workplace conflict gets so intense that the boss finally brings in a psychologist—and why does that psychologist’s plan begin with something as simple as buying lunch?
- How can a $2,000 conversation solve a problem that months of tension and frustration couldn’t fix?
- And what if the key to restoring peace in an office—or a family, or a church—is hidden in one co...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
- Have you ever thought you were too old to start something new?
- What if your greatest joy in life was hiding behind something you’ve always said you “don’t like to do”?
- How can a seventy-year-old who once dreaded writing end up publishing books, blogs, and now podcasts?
- Is it ever too late to discover a new passion — or could your next chapter be your best one yet?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
This is the second in a series of two episodes on gossip and conflict. If you haven't heard episode 76, start there.
Have you ever wondered why gossip spreads so easily—and why it’s so hard to stop once it starts?
What if the key to ending conflict in your church, family, or workplace is as simple as refusing to add one more stick of wood to the fire?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Should every Christian and every church get vaccinated for the conflict virus?
The virus I’m talking about doesn’t attack the body—it infects relationships.
It spreads quietly, destroys trust, and divides churches.
Its name? Gossip.
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Fleecy Clouds: One...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
In this episode of Gleaning Mustard Seeds, you’ll hear the first chapter of the audible version of Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving after Childhood Abuse, by Gail Champion Barber and Alice Sullivan.
Fleecy Clouds is now available in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audio. Links to purchase the book will be included in the show notes.
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Most of us avoid talking about death—or about leaving a ministry—until we’re forced to. But what if preparing for both could bring peace instead of panic?
In this episode, I’ll share lessons from planning my own funeral and my own exit from full-time preaching—practical ways preachers and elders can prepare for the next chapter.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying pur...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Moving to a new church and getting a new preacher is an exciting time. Many are convinced this’ll solve all the problems they've ever had, and everyone will live happily ever after.
- What if your “new” preacher—or your “new” church—comes with more miles and hidden dents than you realize?
- Do you know where to get a reliable “PREACHERFAX” or “CHURCHFAX” before making a move?
- How ...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
I say I want the church to grow—but often what I mean is only with people like me.
Jesus said His kingdom would start small and grow beyond expectation, yet when growth brings people who unsettle me, I face the the difference between what I want and what God wants.
The real question is: Do I want the church to grow, or just to grow my way?
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifyin...
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.
Listen as I read the chapters 10 and 13, Is There Any Hope for this Church and How Much Do You Pay an Interim?
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What really prepares a man to be an elder?
Is it years of church, attendance, a successful business career, or a heart shaped by conflict, prayer, and growth?
When someone accepts the call to shepherd God's people, how do they know if the congregation actually wants them to serve, and how do they avoid simply becoming a senior deacon?
In this episode...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What happens when elders and preachers stop guessing about each other—and start talking honestly?
How can friendship between elders and preachers change the health of a church?
Why is constant, open feedback more valuable than an annual surprise list of problems during the yearly evaluation?
Could sharing both successes and struggles strengthen trust betwe...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Have you ever wanted your church to grow — but not with certain kinds of people?
What would you do if someone with a terrible past, like Saul of Tarsus or Jeffrey Dahmer, wanted to be baptized or place membership at your congregation?
Are we more concerned with our comfort than with God’s mission for the church?
Could fear of change be keeping us from welcoming the very people God wan...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What’s the difference between an elder’s job description and an elder’s covenant—and why does it matter?
Could your eldership function better if its “unwritten rules” were actually discussed, agreed upon, and written?
Is avoiding all disagreement a sign of unity—or a sign of trouble?
How can a covenant help elders handle conflict with respect, love, and un...
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