Why The Church Fails – Derek Mathews – The MakeReady Podcast #19

In this episode of the MakeReady Podcast, we sit down with Derek Mathews—pastor, disciple-maker, and leader of leaders—to wrestle with what it truly means to shepherd God’s people.

From the danger of becoming a “greenroom pastor” to rediscovering the biblical call to walk among the sheep, Derek unpacks why presence matters more than polish, why performance-driven ministry leaves men isolated, and how genuine connection and authenticity reflect the heart of Christ. We talk about the difference between scaling a church and shepherding a flock, why real transformation happens in circles not rows, and how leaders can resist the pressure to appear polished and instead model honesty and dependence on God.

If you’ve ever felt like church has become more performance than presence, or wondered what true biblical shepherding looks like in today’s culture, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to return to the simplicity of knowing and being known.

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