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.
First aid for gossip
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What does it mean to love someone enough to ask gentle questions instead of making harsh accusations?
Could we change the culture of our churches by learning how to listen, confront, and encourage without gossip?
In this episode, we explore how to recognize, address, and prevent gossip—not with guilt trips, but with grace and truth.
If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390Â
When you find a "mustard seed," please share...
Starting and maintaining a support group
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Do you have a safe place to speak openly — and be truly heard? What if you could meet regularly with people who understand your struggles and celebrate your victories?
In this episode, I share how people meeting consistently can grow into a decades-long tradition of support, encouragement, and deep connection. You’ll learn how to start and sustain a monthly group that feeds your soul and strengthens your ministry.
3rd Monday Workshop
Guidelines for a Good Discussion Â
If you...
12 leadership ideas
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Are we living with the consequences of the leaders we’ve shaped—or failed to shape?
Have you ever wondered why toxic conflict lingers in churches, even after a problem person is gone?
Could your family background be silently shaping your leadership—for better or worse?
What can we do to improve leadership in the family, church, business, and softball team?
If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390Â
When you...
If you appoint a new elder, I'll quit!
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Why is transition to new elders sometimes difficult, especially when a preacher has been with a church for decades?
Why is a preacher often surprised when he is suddenly dismissed and he has a contract?
Here's a method I discovered in 1988, and it's been helpful to me.
Website for Braden Parsons Photography
Braden Parsons' email:Â bradencparsons@gmail.com
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com...
Observations on a preacher moving
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
How does a preacher decide to move to another church. How does he choose the church where he will work? What are the things he looks for to make that decision?
I can't answer for other preachers, but several years ago, I made a detailed study of my process in one of me moves. In this epsoide, you have my report of that process.
My shortest stay as a preacher, Episode 40Â Â Â
Website for Braden Parsons Photography
Braden Parsons' email:Â braden...
Shopping for family rules
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Have you noticed that different families have different rules?Â
Did your mother and father have different rules?Â
Did you know who to ask to get what you wanted?Â
Did you think your family had the best rules, or did you wish that your family had the rules of some of your friends?Â
How does that work when two people get married who came from different families with different rules?
Family Rules
Website for Braden Parsons Photography
Braden Parson...
You look weird!!!
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What do you do when you are speechless?
What do you do when someone tells you that you look weird?
Do you do whatever they say to make you look unweird?
Criticism Rule blog post Â
Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838
Website for Braden Parsons Photography
Bra...
Don't try to forgive yourself
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
How are you doing on forgiving yourself? What if you are trying to do something that can't be done?
Listen to this episode. Forgiveness is a gift that God is willing to give us. It isn't a gift we give ourselves.
That takes a lot of pressure off trying to forgive myself.
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Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Ab...
Is your preacher the PASTOR?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Why do people sometimes take the preacher's side in a church fuss?
Why do some people call the preacher Pastor?
What does the Bible say?
Why would people not respect that and not take the preacher's side?Â
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Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of...
Fleecy Clouds — Forward and Introduction
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What do you do when you’ve had severe trauma in your life? How do you deal with repeating nightmares? Does my faith in God prevent me from seeking professional help? Â
In this episode of Gleaning Mustard Seeds, you’ll hear the beginning of the audible version of Fleecy Clouds.
Jim Wright, Executive Director Emeritus of Childhaven, wrote the Forward.
Gail Champion Barber wrote the Introduction.
Fleecy Clouds is now available in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audio.
Fleecy...
One Year of Gleaning Mustard Seeds — Thank you
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Reflections on the first year of this podcast. Thank you for your support and encouragment.
Top 10 downloads for this year.Â
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838
Website for Braden Parsons Photography
Braden Parsons' email: bradencparsons@gmail.com
If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390
This podcast is brought to you in con...
What will I do with my anger?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Is it a sin to be angry?
How can I keep from sinning when I feel angry?
What scriptures and principles can guide me in dealing with anger?
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Between Preachers: You Can Grow Through Interim Ministry
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838
Website for Br...
Does the front door of your church need repainting?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
"You never get a second chance to make a good first impression."
When people are considering visiting your congregation, what is their first impression? Does your website have "curb appeal?"
You may find a "mustard seed" that could improve the "front door" of your congregation.
Read the blog post corresponding to this episode: Does the Front Door of Your Church Need Repainting? Â
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B...
Jerrie and Gail's budget . . . a 60-year process
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
I've often heard that money causes the most conflict in marriage. Gail and I haven't experienced that.
One of our first big arguments was where to squeeze the toothpaste tube.
I discuss both these topics in this episode.
PDF of budget items  https://www.jerriebarber.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Jerrie-and-Gails-Budget-2.xlsx
Maintaining a car and casket fund https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/16363606
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.
...
Do you know of a sound congregation in...?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
How do we reconcile what Paul said to the church at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 with what he wrote in the rest of the book? Were they hopeless? Would you attend their special events if you lived in the area? Would you invite them to your Vacation Bible School and Friends and Family Day?
If a church is a dead church, does that mean that every member in that congregation is dead and hopeless? Revelation 3:1-4
Read a blog titled: Do You Know of...
Why would elders have an eldership funeral?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Do you recognize transitions in groups or ignore them?Â
I've found that recognizing and discussing the transitions is better than ignoring them and being disturbed by the resistance, anger, and sabotage accompanying them.
To read the documents mentioned in this episode, click the links below:
Guidelines for DiscussionÂ
Starting from Scratch Â
Shepherds, What Are Your Rules? Â
Standard Operating Procedures Negotiable Items Â
Standard Operating Procedures Non-negotiable Items Â
Eldership Funeral PDFÂ Â
Eldership Fune...
Rest awhile — my sabbatical
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What do you do when you are tired, burned out, and don't even have time to eat? Jesus said, "Come away...and rest awhile."
A sabbatical in the summer of 2000 was the most helpful gift a church has given me.
How can we encourage ourselves and others to practice this principle?Â
This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a fri...
Overcoming stuttering, becoming outstanding band director
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Wanting to be a teacher and having a severe problem with stuttering presented a problem for young John Whitwell. With the help of others, he overcame that speech impediment, became one of the best band directors in the country, and has taught throughout the United States and other countries.
Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame
John Whitwell on YouTube
This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.
When you find a "mustard seed," please share th...
John Whitwell — From Cow Holler to Michigan State
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Jerrie's cousin, John Whitwell, tells how he went from Cow Holler near Centerville, Tennessee, to be the Director of Bands at the University of Michigan. Although he had never heard of a school band when his family moved to Michigan, he first saw one in a 4th of July parade.Â
Hear how that event and the events following changed his life, his stuttering, and the thousands of others he influenced and encouraged throughout his life.
Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame
John Whi...
Let shepherds shepherd and deacons deak
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
How can elders and deacons keep their roles separate yet compatible and cooperative?
How can elders oversee and not micromanage?
Steps in Delegation by Charles HobbsÂ
The Five Levels of Delegation, by Michael Hyatt Â
This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838
Website for Braden Parsons Phot...
Discussion guidelines 2
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Why do we have trouble with having peaceful, productive conversations?
Could it be because it would be challenging to have an enjoyable game if some played by basketball rules, others by baseball rules, and another part of the group played by football rules?
Different groups can have different rules of engagement for different purposes. However, the same group needs to have the same communication rules for each occasion.
For a list of the rules without comments, click on Discussion Guidelines.Â
Discussion guidelines 1
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Why do we have trouble with having peaceful, productive conversations?
Could it be because it would be challenging to have an enjoyable game if some played by basketball rules, others by baseball rules, and another part of the group played by football rules?
Different groups can have different rules of engagement for different purposes. However, the same group needs to have the same communication rules for each occasion.
For a list of the rules without comments, click on Discussion Guidelines.Â
Remembering for 14 seconds
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Can we accomplish in 14 seconds what the Lord intended for the Lord's Supper?
Please take a few minutes to consider what we should be doing each week when we pause and "DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME."
Stories of Amazing Grace — JerrieÂ
The Lord’s Supper: Count to Seven — Twice Â
If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390Â
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcas...
Refusing a raise
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
How can a young, inexperienced preacher do well? What if your young preacher doesn't understand some of the fundamental principles of finances, how to do the work of ministry, how elders work, and how to have a good preacher-elder relationship?
My best answer is to tell how three elders dealt with me and taught me essential lessons by word and example with gentleness.
If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390
Wh...
My shortest stay as a preacher
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What do you do when you can't fulfill your promises? That was my challenge when I resigned from a church less than twelve hours after I agreed to move to their town and work with them.
But the principle applies to anyone who discovers they have promised what they can't do.
Website for Braden Parsons Photography
Braden Parsons' email:Â bradencparsons@gmail.com
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www...
Investment Principles
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Is there any hope of investing to accumulate money for retirement and other big purchases? Does anybody know enough to help me understand the principles of investment? These ten principles have helped me to develop a plan and not worry about each day's market report.
Bob Farrell's 10 Rules
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Just to let you know, there is no additional charge to you.
Here are three books that I've found valuable:
The Only In...
Memories from Shipps Bend 2
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:3: "I thank my God every time I remember you."
That sums up my thoughts on the people where I grew up: Hickman County, Centerville, Tennessee, and the Shipps Bend community. Listen as I recount how many people touched me and how significant their influence was on me.
The blog post I'm reading in the next two episodes:Â Great Principles My Community Taught Me 60 Years Ago
Website for Braden Parsons Photography
Braden Parsons' email:Â brad...
Memories from Shipps Bend 1
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:3: "I thank my God every time I remember you."
That sums up my thoughts on the people where I grew up: Hickman County, Centerville, Tennessee, and the Shipps Bend community. Listen as I recount how many people touched me and how significant their influence was on me.
The blog post I'm reading in the next two episodes:Â Great Principles My Community Taught Me 60 Years Ago
Website for Braden Parsons Photography
Braden Parsons' email:Â brad...
Maintaining a car and casket fund
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Is your policy to buy things in cash or with credit? Have you thought about moving away from credit and paying cash? How could you get started?
What are the advantages and disadvantages? Do you buy extended warranties?
What is the best way to use our limited resources of time and money?
Website for Braden Parsons Photography
Braden Parsons' email:Â bradencparsons@gmail.com
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a f...
How to develop trust
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
When you meet a person with no previous information or introduction, do you trust that person or not trust?
How do you build trust?
How do you let others know you are trustworthy?
This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Just to let you know, there is no additional charge to you.
Find out more on Amazon about
Between Preachers
My Attitude Adjustment Talk
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Does your attitude ever get "out of line?" Mine does. This talk is one way I try to get it back in alignment.
My Attitude Adjustment Talk
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838
Website for Braden Parsons Photography
Braden Parsons' email: bradencparsons@gmail.com
If you'd like to discuss your roofing needs, call Jerrie Wayne Barber, II, at 931.628.3390
Th...
Settling conflicts before we have conflicts
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
"You said you were going to do this."
"I didn't say that."
"Yes, you did say that. I remember exactly where we were and who was there."
"Well, I may have said it, but I don't remember it."
How can we prevent those conflicted discussions with people who are important to us: our family, friends, business associates, and brothers and sisters in Christ?
Listen for 9 minutes for a "mustard seed" that might make a difference.
Website for Braden Pa...
Does this man have one wife or two wives?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
When a man is considered for an elder or a deacon, what if he has been married before and his first wife died or he divorced her?
How many wives does he have? Is he "the husband of one wife?
In this episode, we use Jesus' calculator in John 4 to find the answer. Click on the link below to see it in a calculator app.
Calculator for Adding Wives according to Jesus
Website for Braden Parsons PhotographyÂ
B...
Facts or Fairy Tales? 3
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
How can I get through my disappointment? What use is it to know that relationships go through three stages: honeymoon, disappointment, and reality? Will I, or anyone else, be continually happy?
This episode was brought to you by the Ministry League Network
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838
Website for Braden Parsons Photography
Braden Parsons' email: bradencparsons@gmail.com
If...
Facts or Fairy Tales? 2
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Have you reached a disappointment in your marriage, your church, or your job? What can you do? Is it hopeless, or an opportunity to make it better?
This episode was brought to you by the Ministry League Network
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838
Website for Braden Parsons Photography
Braden Parsons' email: bradencparsons@gmail.com
If you'd like to discuss your ro...
Facts or Fairy Tales? 1
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Have you noticed that many things don't turn out as you had hoped? Are you often disappointed? When will you be totally satisfied, and continually happy? When will everything be perfect?
This episode was brought to you by the Ministry League Network
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804/episodes/17566838
Website for Braden Parsons Photography
Braden Parsons' email: bradencparsons@gmail.com
If you'd li...
Time management — planning your funeral
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
How do you plan your time? How much time do you have to plan? I found planning my funeral has been a good way to plan the time I have left. In this episode, you hear my process and suggestions on preparing yourself and your family for this event.
This episode was brought to you by the Ministry League Network
Blog post on this topic:Â Buying a Tombstone
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast wit...
Investing in Exercise 2
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
The previous episode gives context to this one.
In this episode, I discuss additions and adjustments I've made to my exercise habits.
Channel 5 News report on September 18, 2024, on Jerrie Barber running barefoot
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, by Gail Champion Barber
Born to Run, by Christopher McDougallÂ
Barefoot Running: How to Run Lig...
Investing in Exercise 1
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Paul said in 1 Timothy 4:8, "For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things."
Does that mean that exercise is useless and should be avoided?
In this and the next episode, I tell my 55-year story of running and bike riding.
This isn't a prescription for you but a description of my exercise history. Try not to learn very much. Look for a "mustard seed" that will help you.
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qua...
Why do people make bad decisions? 2
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
How can we be helpful to friends who are thinking about "missing the mark," sinning?" What questions should we ask? What tone do we need to use?
Is it OK to admit that sin is fun?
How do we forget about thoughts and decrease our desire to do wrong things?
Think about this principle:
A person doesn't sin because they think about sinning.
   A person sins because they don't think about sinning enough.
Artificial Intel...
