Echoes Through Eternity with Dr. Jeffery Skinner

Coming Monday...When Expectations Collide with Formation

Apostolic leadership serves as a catalyst for the disruption of settled expectations within church communities. This episode elucidates the premise that such leadership does not aim to maintain comfort within established systems, but rather to uphold faithfulness to core principles. Comfort, as we contend, poses a significant impediment to the vitality of church planting and outreach efforts. When congregants become complacent, their engagement diminishes, thus stymieing the potential for growth and outreach. We acknowledge that while systems can provide structure and support, they may also cultivate an atmosphere of ease that is antithetical to the essence of a life committed to the teachings and challenges inherent in a crucified existence.Coming Monday on Echoes Trough Eternity we will discuss In this episode of Echoes Through Eternity, we explore what happens when spiritual formation begins to reshape your pace, your availability, and your leadership—while others still expect the version of you that ran on urgency.Drawing on the wisdom of Jesus, Alan Hirsch, Henri Nouwen, Richard Rohr, and lived pastoral experience, this conversation names the quiet collision between formation and expectation.If you are leading with care, protecting your soul, and feeling tension instead of applause, this episode is for you.Formation always disrupts assumptions.The question is whether you will stay faithful when it does.

Echoes Through Eternity-The Next 100 Days- After the Adrenaline Rush

The first 100 days of church planting get the attention. The next 100 days determine sustainability.In this episode, Dr. Skinner speaks directly to pastors and church planters who launched strong and now find themselves in the trenches. As adrenaline fades and reality sets in, leaders face fatigue, vision drift, relational strain, and hidden fragility.This conversation reframes the early season of church planting, not as arrival, but as orientation. It explores what truly sustains a church after momentum slows and why faithfulness, presence, and formation matter more than speed and scale.Key Themes & Takeaways• Why most church plants struggle after the first 100 days, not during them• The danger of mistaking momentum for maturity• How adrenaline masks fragility in early ministry• Why mission sustains when vision alone cannot• The difference between gathering crowds and forming community• How emotional safety shapes discipleship and trust• Why proximity matters more than strategy in a new context• The importance of leadership depth and intentional equipping• What vision drift really reveals about trust and formation• Why the next season is not failure, but formationNotable Insights• “The first 100 days don’t prove sustainability. They reveal potential.”• “Attendance can rise while depth stays shallow.”• “You cannot program belonging. You have to model it.”• “Trust forms through repetition, not charisma.”• “Grace creates the space where truth can grow.”Scripture Referenced• John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”Grace before truth. Presence before proclamation.Referenced Voices & Stories• Kevin Myers – Founder of 12Stone Church• DCPI (Dynamic Church Planting International)• Exponential Church Planting Network• Insights on community formation and leadership developmentWho This Episode Is For• Church planters beyond launch Sunday• Pastors navigating post-launch fatigue• Leaders facing vision drift or emotional exhaustion• District leaders and coaches supporting planters• Anyone asking, “What comes after the adrenaline?”The first 100 days of church planting get the attention. The next 100 days determine sustainability.In this episode, Dr. Skinner speaks directly to pastors and church planters who launched strong and now find themselves in the trenches. As adrenaline fades and reality sets in, leaders face fatigue, vision drift, relational strain, and hidden fragility.This conversation reframes the early season of church planting, not as arrival, but as orientation. It explores what truly sustains a church after momentum slows and why faithfulness, presence, and formation matter more than speed and scale.Key Themes & Takeaways• Why most church plants struggle after the first 100 days, not during them• The danger of mistaking momentum for maturity• How adrenaline masks fragility in early ministry• Why mission sustains when vision alone cannot• The difference between gathering crowds and forming community• How emotional safety shapes discipleship and trust• Why proximity matters more than strategy in a new context• The importance of leadership depth and intentional equipping• What vision drift really reveals about trust and formation• Why the next season is not failure, but formationNotable Insights• “The first 100 days don’t prove sustainability. They reveal potential.”• “Attendance can rise while depth stays shallow.”• “You cannot program belonging. You have to model it.”• “Trust forms through repetition, not charisma.”• “Grace creates the space where truth can grow.”Scripture Referenced• John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”Grace before truth. Presence before proclamation.Referenced Voices & Stories• Kevin Myers – Founder of 12Stone Church• DCPI (Dynamic Church Planting International)• Exponential Church Planting Network• Insights on community formation and leadership developmentWho This Episode Is For• Church planters beyond launch Sunday• Pastors navigating post-launch fatigue• Leaders facing vision drift or emotional exhaustion• District leaders and coaches supporting planters• Anyone asking, “What comes after the adrenaline?”Reflection QuestionWhere are you right now?Are you still running on adrenaline, or learning how to abide?Where are you right now?Are you still running on adrenaline, or learning how to abide? During this time, while attendance may surge, the depth of community engagement can remain disappointingly superficial. Authentic community is birthed through shared vulnerability, as opposed to merely a compelling vision, and trust is cultivated through consistent interactions rather than charismatic leadership. Additionally, we must acknowledge that perceived failures present valuable opportunities for growth, and it is essential to approach public decisions with a measured pace to foster trust among congregants. Ultimately, our identity must remain anchored in Christ, transcending the metrics of success or failure that often preoccupy church planters.SummaryIn this episode of Echoes Through Eternity, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner discusses the challenges and realities of church planting, particularly focusing on the what follows critical first hundred days. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that the initial excitement of launching a church is often followed by significant challenges, including maintaining community, developing leadership, and navigating emotional fatigue. Dr. Skinner shares insights on building trust, the necessity of vulnerability in leadership, and the importance of anchoring one's identity in Christ rather than in measurable outcomes. He encourages church planters to slow down decision-making processes and to focus on deepening relationships within their communities.TakeawaysMost church plants struggle in the next hundred days.The first hundred days are about orientation, not the finish line.Attendance can rise while depth stays shallow.Community forms through shared vulnerability, not just vision.Trust forms through repetition, not charisma.Failure gives us an opportunity to improve.Slow down public decisions to build trust.Anchor identity in Christ, not outcomes.Delay is not failure; faithfulness is key.Stay rooted, present, and faithful in ministry.Navigating the Challenges of Church PlantingThe Reality Beyond the First Hundred Days.Sound Bites"People commit because they feel safe.""Slow down public decisions.""Delay is not failure."Takeaways:The initial one hundred days of a church plant signify an orientation phase rather than a definitive conclusion to the process.It is a common observation that while attendance may increase, the depth of relationships within the community often remains superficial.Trust within a ministry context is cultivated through consistent, repeated interactions rather than charismatic leadership alone.Shared vulnerability among community members is crucial for the formation of authentic relationships, surpassing mere shared vision.The discourse surrounding church planting frequently underscores the significant challenges encountered in the initial phase of establishment. The first hundred days are often misconstrued as an endpoint; however, they serve primarily as a period of orientation. During this time, energy and excitement may be palpable, yet it is essential to recognize that such enthusiasm does not inherently translate to depth in community relationships. The episode elucidates the reality that many church plants experience a surge in attendance while failing to cultivate substantive connections among congregants. This superficial growth can often lead to disillusionment as the novelty fades. Furthermore, the cultivation of community hinges on shared vulnerability rather than mere alignment with a vision. Trust, as articulated, is established through consistent, repeated engagement rather than charismatic leadership alone. The discussion also addresses the necessity of acknowledging failure as a precursor to growth, emphasizing that delays in decision-making should not be perceived as failures but rather as opportunities to deepen trust and faithfulness in ministry. Ultimately, the focus is on remaining anchored in Christ, rather than being swayed by measurable outcomes, and understanding that true ministry persists through patience and consistent presence, even amid challenges.Links referenced in this episode:dcpiexponential12stonejohnmaxwellCompanies mentioned in this episode:Dynamic Church Planting International12 Stone ChurchMentioned in this episode:Peace in that Finds You in the Middle of ChaosCozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnershipPeace in that Finds You in the Middle of ChaosCozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnershipPeace in that Finds You in the Middle of ChaosCozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnership

Illuminating Faith: The Enduring Light of the Christ Candle

The Christ Candle serves as a profound symbol of the enduring light of faith, reminding us that grace does not come to an end with the holiday season. As we reflect on the past year and look forward, we are invited to abide in faith even as it faces trials in our daily lives. The importance of community engagement is emphasized as a catalyst for personal growth, urging us to reconnect with the essence of our faith. This episode serves as both a celebration of our journey and a call to persist in our belief amidst the challenges we encounter. Together, we endeavor to equip leaders for the future, ensuring that the light of faith continues to shine brightly in our lives and communities.In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner 'Echoes Through Eternity.' The episode emphasizes the significance of the Christ candle and the importance of abiding in faith, inviting listeners to reflect on their spiritual journeys as they look forward to the new year.The Christ candle symbolizes the enduring light of faith.Listeners are encouraged to return to the essence of their faith.The importance of community engagement in personal growth is highlighted.The episode serves as a reflection on the past year and a look forward.Faith is tested in daily life after the holiday season.The invitation to abide in faith is central to the message.The podcast aims to equip leaders for the future.The illumination of the Christ candle serves as a poignant reminder of the unending light of faith that persists beyond the holiday season. This profound episode invites listeners to reflect on the essence of their faith as they navigate the often tumultuous realities of daily life. After the festive celebrations have concluded, many find their faith tested in the mundane routines that reassert themselves. The hosts articulate a powerful message: that the invitation to abide in faith is not merely a call to maintain belief but a profound encouragement to return to the core of what faith embodies. As we stand at the threshold of a new year, this episode provides not only a retrospective on the past year but also a forward-looking vision for personal and communal growth. The emphasis on community engagement underscores the vital role that fellowship plays in nurturing our spiritual journeys and equipping us for future leadership endeavors within our communities.Takeaways:The Christ candle serves as a profound symbol of the enduring light of faith, inviting us to reflect on our spiritual journey.In the aftermath of the holiday season, our faith faces substantial tests as we navigate daily life.The essence of our faith calls us to return to its core principles, fostering a deeper connection with God.Community engagement plays a pivotal role in personal growth, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our journeys.As we conclude the year, this episode reflects on past experiences while encouraging us to look forward with hope.The invitation to abide in faith is central, reminding us that the light of Christ continually guides us through life's challenges.Links referenced in this episode:cozyearth.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:Dynamic Church Planning InternationalMissional Church PlantingCozy EarthMentioned in this episode:Peace in that Finds You in the Middle of ChaosCozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnershipPeace in that Finds You in the Middle of ChaosCozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnership

Advent Love: Embracing Presence Over Power

Dive into the heart of Advent with Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner as he explores the profound meaning of love that stays. This episode unravels the essence of Advent love — a presence that refuses to distance, even in the face of fear and uncertainty. Join us in embracing a love that transforms through vulnerability and presence, inviting us to remain faithful and connected. Perfect for leaders seeking inspiration and depth in their spiritual journey.Advent love, presence, vulnerability, Isaiah, Romans, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner, faith, connection, transformationTakeawaysAdvent love is about presence, not power.God's love is embodied, not abstract.Presence transforms fear into trust.Advent invites us to remain faithful.Love is entering pain without abandoning it.God's answer to fear is presence, not domination.Advent love is quiet and transformative.Presence matters more than ever in a noisy world.Faith is trust lived out, not mere agreement.God's love invites response, not control.Mentioned in this episode:Peace in that Finds You in the Middle of ChaosCozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnershipPeace in that Finds You in the Middle of ChaosCozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnership

Advent Joy for Tired Souls

In this episode of Echoes Through Eternity, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner explores the theme of joy during the Advent season, particularly in the context of current societal challenges. He reflects on the biblical text from Zephaniah, emphasizing that true joy is rooted in God's presence amidst chaos and is not a denial of pain but a strength that comes from trust in God. The conversation highlights the transformative power of joy, which leads to restoration and hope, even in the face of brokenness.Mentioned in this episode:Peace in that Finds You in the Middle of ChaosCozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnershipPeace in that Finds You in the Middle of ChaosCozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnership