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.
The man who didn't tell my father
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Sometimes the most lasting lessons come from moments that began in mischief.Â
In this episode, Go to him alone: a childhood lesson in Matthew 18, I share a story from my early school days—one involving rocks, hubcaps, and an unexpected teacher.Â
What started as innocent fun became a vivid reminder of how Jesus calls us to address wrongdoing with truth and compassion, one person at a time.Â
It’s a simple story, but one that still echoes more than seventy years later.
How to fuss fair in the family 2
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Let’s be honest—every family fusses sometimes.Â
But how we handle those moments can either build us up or tear us apart.Â
In this second part of How to Fuss Fair in the Family, we’ll talk about staying kind when emotions run high, dealing with issues without attacking each other, and keeping the love flowing strong.Â
If you’ve ever wondered how to “fight fair” and keep peace at home, this episode is one you’ll want to hear.
To l...
How to fuss fair in the family 1
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Are you damaging your marriage or family every time you argue — and don’t even realize it?
Have you ever said “nothing’s wrong” when something was very wrong… and it only made things worse?
Do your arguments end with understanding… or with hurt feelings that never really go away?
Could one simple change in the way you argue completely change the atmosphere in your home?
Listen to the previous episode to give context to this message: Sowing and reaping cuss...
Sowing and reaping cuss words
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What if the greatest damage in your relationships isn’t caused by what happens—but by what’s said?Â
In this episode, we take a look at the words we use in marriage, politics, and even in faith conversations—and how those words follow an unchanging law: you reap what you sow.Â
If you’ve ever wondered why conflict escalates instead of heals, this discussion may challenge you to rethink not just what you say—but what you’re planting.
When you...
A porch, a podcast, and 100 mustard seeds
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Ninety-nine episodes ago, Gleaning Mustard Seeds began with a simple idea suggested by members of our family.Â
In this special milestone episode, I'm joined by our daughter, Christi, and our grandson, Braden, who first encouraged me to start the podcast.Â
They reflect on how it began, the joy it's brought, and the impact these conversations are having on listeners.Â
If you’ve ever wished you could sit in a rocking chair on a porch in the Smoky Mountains and listen to stories...
Is my picture printed here?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
If a faithful member of your congregation quietly disappeared for three weeks, would we even notice — or would we only notice when it was time to print a new directory?If you went missing from your church today, how many weeks would pass before someone filed a "spiritual missing persons report”?Are we functioning more like a gym or Walmart — serving those who show up — or like the body of Christ that searches for its missing members?What’s more tragic: the member who stops attending, or the congregation...A dose of humility
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
In this episode, I tell the story of a moment that’s stayed with me for more than forty-five years—a simple comment from a friend that exposed a blind spot I didn’t know I had.Â
I thought I understood humility. I preached about it. Quoted it. Admired it.Â
But one honest sentence from a friend made me see myself more clearly than any compliment I ever had. If you’ve ever needed a gentle correction—or been grateful for a friend brave enough t...
Fleecy Clouds, chapter 2, Little House
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
In this episode of Gleaning Mustard Seeds, you’ll hear the second 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.
Listen now as Christi Barber Parsons reads Chapter 2: Little House
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you.
Fleecy Clouds Audiobook
Fleecy Clouds Paperback
Fleecy Clouds Hardcover
Fleecy Clouds KindleÂ
...
Where do I find the time to do what I need to do?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Most of us don’t struggle with laziness—we struggle with too many meaningful things to do and not enough hours to do them.Â
In this episode, I tell the story of a day when ministry duties, family needs, study, and hospital waiting rooms collided—and the prayer that reshaped my approach to time ever since.Â
If you’ve ever wondered how to choose wisely, refuse kindly, and end the day at peace with what you did (and didn’t) do, this conversation’ll give you a si...
Do you have a head elder?
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.Â
Sometimes he’s kind and life-giving.Â
Other times he’s controlling, wounded, or quietly corrosive—and the group helps him stay that way.Â
If you’ve ever left a meeting knowing decisions were settled before discussion began, this episo...
People who planted mustard seeds
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.Â
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.Â
Decades later, their influence continues to grow.
    Between Preachers
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend: https://www.buzzsprout...
Between Preachers, chapters 12 and 14
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 paperback  https://bit.ly...
When a church splits
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.Â
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.Â
Episode 92 isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about choosing faithfulness, long-suffering, and biblical wisdom when a church tears itself apart.Â
If you’ve lived through a church split—or fear one may be coming—thi...
Elders learning to be better shepherds
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.Â
Drawing from 1 Peter 5 and John 10, we challenge common assumptions and call all leaders to Christ-shaped shepherding under the Chief Shepherd.Â
If you care about the health of the flock, this episode is for you.
This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.
Talking to elders about money
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.Â
In this episode, I start with my own bad example and trace the lessons that came from awkward questions, unspoken assumptions, and embarrassing moments.Â
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.Â
If you’re a preacher, an elder, or anyone who cares a...
How to leave a church
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.Â
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.Â
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 a candid look at how endings shape congregations, families, and future ministry.Â
Whether you’re...
Try not to learn very much
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 — Investing in Exercise 1  Â
Episode 27...
Why would anybody do that?
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 win an argument—or to win a heart?<...
Dealing with difficult people
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 the week to fire a preac...
Tell it to the church
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 clearly communicates love, grief, and hope for restoration—even when repentance never comes?If you'd...
When you fast . . .
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.Â
In this episode, we explore what happens when biblical teaching meets real-life experience.Â
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 itself.Â
If you’ve ever wondered why Jesus said when you fast—...
Why and how do you appoint deacons?
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.Â
Why were deacons appointed in the first place?Â
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?Â
You’ll discover a simple, biblical framework: identify the real need, teach the qualifications, let the congregation select, and let the leaders appoint.Â
If your congreg...
Elder appreciation parties. Why and how?
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.”Â
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.Â
You’ll hear real stories, practical ideas, and three powerful reasons every congregation should intentionally honor its shepherds.Â
If you want stronger leaders, a stronger church, and a spirit of peace among God’s...
Should we start a new church?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Are you thinking about starting a new church?Â
Before taking that step, the Bible gives us sobering guidelines and surprising examples—from the chaos of Corinth to the warnings in Revelation.Â
In this episode, we explore the questions every Christian should ask before planting a new congregation: What’s motivating the move?Â
Is it prayerfully planned—or emotionally driven? And how do we know when a church is truly “meaner than Corinth or deader than Sardis”?Â
This conversation will challenge assump...
Suicide Questions
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 word about judgment.<...
Kirby Walker and conflict management
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’ll hear why the employees in a Mississippi de...Can an old dog learn new tricks?
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 Shephe...
Vaccine for the conflict virus — 2
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 vac...
Vaccine for the conflict virus — 1
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Should every Christian and every church get vaccinated for the conflict virus?Â
The virus I’m talking about doesn’t attack the body—it infects relationships.Â
It spreads quietly, destroys trust, and divides churches.Â
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 a "mustard seed," please share the address of this pod...
Fleecy Clouds, chapter 1, The Haunted Girl in the White Slip
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 White Slip.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from...
Buying a tombstone
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?Â
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 Preachers
We're NOT getting a new preacher (church)
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 damage that’ll break down later?Is it wiser to trade for somethi...I want the church to grow, but . . . those people?
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.Â
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.Â
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 addition...
Between Preachers, chapters 10 and 13
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? Â
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 Preac...
Considering becoming an elder
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What really prepares a man to be an elder?Â
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, I share a recent conversation with a brother wrestling with these questions, and together we explore the realities, frustrations, and...
What preachers wish elders knew about preachers
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 between shepherds and ministers?
This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Ministry League Network.
When you find a "mustard seed," plea...
I want the church to grow, but
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 wants to save?
What happens when we let God, not us, dec...
Elders' covenant
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 unity?
What commitments should every elder be willing to make before serving?
Download:Â PDF of Elders Covenant
Wh...
Elders' job description
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Why do most preachers have job descriptions—but most elders don’t?
Have you ever considered what an elder actually commits to when he
accepts the role?
What would happen if a new shepherd’s first elders’ meeting were about
broken lawn mowers instead of broken hearts?
Could documenting the expected roles of elders help prevent future
conflict and confusion?
Does clear communication guide your church’s leadership roles—or just
assumed past practices?
Episode 66...
Legalized gossip for 2 weeks
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
When selecting elders, do we practice legalized gossip — and call it wisdom?
In this episode, we examine one of the most accepted but unbiblical traditions in many congregations: “signed and secret objections” during elder selection.
Â
Is it fair? Is it gossip? Is it consistent with Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 18?Â
We explore how some of our "safe" practices may sidestep scripture — and how following Christ’s harder path can lead to spiritual growth, honesty, and healthier leadership.
If you'd like to discuss...
