Claim OwnershipGleaning Mustard Seeds with Jerrie Barber
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© 2026 Gleaning Mustard Seeds with Jerrie Barber
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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.
90 Episodes
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Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Most preachers don’t learn how to talk to elders about money in school—they learn it the hard way. In this episode, I start with my own bad example and trace the lessons that came from awkward questions, unspoken assumptions, and embarrassing moments. From unpaid vacations to refusing a raise out of fear, to discovering the wisdom of written agreements, this is an honest, practical conversation about money, trust, and leadership.&...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Most preachers spend years preparing for sermons, visits, and beginnings—but almost no time learning how to leave a church well. In this episode, I share what I learned the hard way through painful exits, family strain, an abrupt dismissal, and, eventually, thoughtful and healing departures. From quoting the Sermon on the Mount to avoid criticism, to sitting in living rooms saying “thank you,” “I love you,” and “goodbye,” this is ...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Have you ever felt overwhelmed by trying to change everything at once—and ended up changing nothing? What if real growth isn’t about learning more, but about learning less and actually using it? Could one small, “mustard seed” habit make more difference in your life than all the books, classes, and seminars combined? Why do small, consistent steps often lead to lasting change while big bursts of motivation fade so quickly? Episode 26 — Invest...
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie What if the people who frustrate you most aren’t being rebellious—but genuinely believe they’re doing the right thing? How did Jesus respond to people committing the greatest sin in history—and what does that mean for the way we correct others today? Does believing that “everyone is right in their own eyes” change how you talk to irritating brethren, disappointing leaders, or even your own family? When you confront someone, are you aiming to ...
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 enduring difficult people to dealing with them wisely. The best day of ...
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 losing members?How can a church pursue discipline in a way that clea...
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 from Scripture, but from the journey of fasting i...
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 simple, biblical framework: identify the re...
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 congregation should intentionally honor its shepherds.&n...
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 we know when a church is truly “meaner than ...
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 how to respond, how to comfort the grieving, and why Jesus—not us—holds the final wo...
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 courageous step that most of us never take?In today’s episode, you’...
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? What Does the Bible Say? Volume 1 What Does the Bible Say? Volume 2 New Shepherds...
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? Imagine what could happen if every believer took a personal stand to be vaccinated agains...
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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you. Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse When you find ...
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. Listen now as Christi Barber Parsons reads Chapter 1: The Haunted Girl in the Whi...
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 purchases. There is no additional charge to you. Between Pre...
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 can you tell the difference between normal wear-and-tear and severe d...
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 qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to yo...
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. Between Preachers: You Can Grow Through Interim Ministry Between Pre...
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