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.
What I learned from learning to fly
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Have you ever been "flying" through life with your nose too high and your speed too slow, without realizing it until someone shouted at you to fix it?
If you're the one responsible for other people's safety, are you willing to reach over and close the window yourself — even if it means overriding someone with more knowledge and experience than you?
We’ll explore these principles in this episode of Gleaning Mustard Seeds.
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Whose heart attack is most important?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Is “keeping the peace” sometimes just another name for avoiding the courage to lead?
When does a leader’s past service become an unhealthy source of unchecked power?
Are you protecting someone’s feelings—or allowing fear to control an entire group?
If everyone follows one person without question, is that leadership, loyalty, or quiet surrender?
When you refuse to challenge damaging behavior because of what might happen, whose “heart attack” are you really protecting?
Do you have a head elde...
How important is baptism?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
It’s a question people have debated for centuries—but what happens when we set aside traditions and simply follow the biblical evidence?Â
Scripture connects baptism with forgiveness, salvation, entering Christ, receiving new life, and becoming part of His body.Â
In this episode, we examine five passages that directly connect baptism with salvation and ask a challenging question: Can we find a single passage where salvation comes before baptism?Â
The answer may cause you to look at baptism—and your own response to...
Fleecy Clouds, Chapter 3, Steenson Hollow
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Sometimes we don’t realize we’re living a precious moment until it becomes a memory.Â
A little girl, a family picnic, a lake, a quilt on the grass, baloney sandwiches, and a daddy holding his daughter’s hand—nothing extraordinary, yet everything extraordinary.Â
It was the first and last time they ever saw the other side of the lake.Â
What if some of the moments you’re living right now are more precious than you realize?Â
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Blameless: why good repenters make great leaders
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What if “blameless” doesn’t mean perfect—and the real qualification for spiritual leadership (and every follower of Jesus) is something far more uncomfortable?Â
In a world where everyone sins, how can elders, deacons, and ordinary Christians be called to live above reproach?Â
This episode digs into the biblical meaning of blamelessness, the power of honest confession, and why a good repenter may be the most trustworthy person in the room.
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When to search for a new preacher
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Could your congregation hurt its next preacher by starting the search too soon?
What if the most important part of choosing a new preacher isn't finding him—but saying goodbye to the old one?
Why do so many churches struggle with a new preacher, even when they've chosen an excellent man?
What does the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus teach us about changing preachers?
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How should members leave a church?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Leaving a church is one of the most emotional transitions Christians face, yet few of us have ever been taught how to do it well.Â
In this episode, I share painful examples of departures that damaged congregations, biblical principles that point to a better way, and practical ideas for leaving with grace, gratitude, and peace.Â
Whether you're moving across the country, changing congregations, or helping someone through a transition, this conversation may change the way you think about saying goodbye.Â
After all...
Between Preachers, Chapter 15, How Do You Get the Word Out
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
In this episode of Gleaning Mustard Seeds, you’ll hear a chapter 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.Â
Links to purchase the book will be included in the show notes.
Listen as I read the chapter 15, How do you get the word out that you want to do interim ministry.
This chapter was written in 2016. Some of the procedures have chang...
A new preacher won't fix it
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Are you aware that many Christians think the next preacher will be the answer to fixing all the problems in the church?Â
He begins. The sermons are inspiring, enthusiasm is high, and expectations soar.Â
But before long, disappointment often sets in.Â
Why does that happen so consistently?Â
In this episode, we explore a biblical principle that's both challenging and liberating: Jesus never intended one person to carry the church.Â
Discover why healthy churches grow when every m...
Special time with grandchildren
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
A conversation in 1988 planted a mustard seed that blessed our family.Â
As a result of a story told by Grover Hastings, Gail and I’ve taken each grandchild on a special trip when they turned twelve years old.Â
Every destination, every restaurant choice, every adventure revealed something unique about that grandchild—and taught us lessons we never expected to learn.Â
In this episode, I'll tell the story of these unforgettable trips, the rule inspired by a request to visit Jerusalem, and why some...
The friendliest church I've ever seen
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What if the secret to turning around a struggling, "cold and unfriendly" church wasn’t a new program, more sermons, or leadership changes—but a widow with a folding table and a heart for hospitality?Â
In this episode, discover how Cricket Veal’s simple monthly meals transformed relationships during one of the toughest seasons in the church’s history.Â
Her story reveals profound lessons on love, connection, and what real friendliness looks like—lessons every Christian, elder, preacher, and church needs today.
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Who selects leaders in the church?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Who really selects church leaders— the elders, the preacher, or the congregation?If the apostles trusted the whole church to pick the first special servants, why do so many elders today hand-pick their own replacements?Does your church follow the Bible’s pattern… or just the tradition that feels safest for those already in power?What if the Holy Spirit works through the entire church to identify elders and deacons, not just through the current leadership?“Leaders select leaders” sounds efficient— but is it actually biblical?As an Amazon Asso...
10 powerful words for life
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What if three simple phrases could radically change your faith, your finances, and how you face the future?Â
In this episode of 10 Powerful Words for Life, we explore the surprising power of “I don’t know,” “I will die,” and “We can’t afford that.”Â
Discover why admitting what you don’t know frees you in ministry, why planning for death brings peace today, and why learning contentment might be the most liberating financial decision you’ll ever make.Â
...Is your phone more interesting than me?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What happens when we twist Solomon’s wisdom and train up a child to stay glued to their phone in our presence?Â
They don’t just drift from you when they’re older — they’re already gone, eyes locked on TikTok, games, and endless scrolls while you speak.Â
This episode tells how smartphone addiction is quietly stealing our children’s attention, hearts, and futures — and what parents can do before it’s too late.
Onsite Living Centered Group Intensive Programs:Â https://experienceonsite.com...
A good shepherd
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
What if the best elders aren’t the loudest or most educated—but the ones who quietly love people like Jesus?Â
Would you still wanna be an elder if it meant opening your home, sharing your ice cream, and facing hard conversations with grace?Â
Have you ever known a leader in your congregation who was both firm in truth and gentle in spirit?Â
What separates an elder who just attends meetings from a real shepherd who changes lives?Â
Who’s the best e...
Why doesn't somebody do something?
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Have you ever complained about a problem for years—only to realize you could’ve started fixing it yourself?
Why do we often prefer protests, speeches, and criticism over picking up the first piece of “trash” in front of us?
What happens to a church, a family, or a community when everybody assumes “somebody else” will take responsibility?
When you find a "mustard seed," please share the address of this podcast with a friend:Â https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369804
Website for Braden Pars...
2 year anniversary of Gleaning Mustard Seeds
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
Two years, 89 countries, and my promise: as long as one person is listening, I'll keep talking if I’m able.Â
In this milestone episode, we look back at the conversations that resonated most — from a terrifying elders' meeting that caused nightmares, to observations about why elderships quietly fail, to one of the most tender questions a Christian can face: how do you respond when someone tells you they're thinking about suicide?Â
It's part celebration, part greatest-hits, and part invitation — pick the story that hits you...
Chicken or Egg? The Excuses That Kill a Church
Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie
If your church lacks strong leadership, is it because you don’t have good elders—or because you don’t have faithful mature members?Are you waiting on leaders to step up… while they’re waiting on you to follow?When conflict arises, do you expect the other person to make the first move—and what does that reveal about your obedience?Could it be that the church you experience is the one you’ve helped create—or failed to?On judgment day, will “I’s waiting on someone else” sound li...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
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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:Â 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...
