Pastoral Thoughts

In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, Pastor Jack Young sits down with Pat LaBarbera, Executive Director of International Gospel Missions, for a fascinating conversation about missions, church planting, and the work of the gospel around the world.Pat shares stories from his twenty years serving as a missionary in Ukraine, discussing both the opportunities and challenges of ministering in a nation that has experienced tremendous political, cultural, and spiritual change. He reflects on God’s faithfulness through decades of ministry and offers insight into how the Lord continues to work in Eastern Europe.The conversation also explores practical missions philosophy, including the importance of partnering with and training national pastors and church leaders. Pat explains why developing indigenous leadership is essential for long-term gospel impact and how missionaries can best serve local churches without creating unhealthy dependence.Whether you are a pastor, missionary, missions supporter, or simply interested in how the Great Commission is being fulfilled around the world, this episode provides valuable encouragement and biblical perspective on reaching the nations with the gospel.Topics discussed:Twenty years of missionary ministry in UkraineLessons learned from serving cross-culturallyThe role of national pastors and church leadersIndigenous church planting and discipleshipModern missions philosophyEncouragement for churches engaged in world evangelismThe future of global missions“The gospel advances most effectively when missionaries faithfully invest in local believers who can reach their own people for Christ.”

Who calls the shots in your church? Who calls the shots in your life? Many Christians claim that the Bible is their sole authority, but is that what we practice? In this episode, Pastor Jack Young, and Pastor Jonathan Mager describe the ways we can claim the Bible as authority but live with other authorities corporately and as individuals. This episode aims to help us sharpen our focus on and submission to the Bible as our Sole Authority.

How do we go from reading the Bible, to having a clear understanding of truth and the church?In this episode, Pastor Jack Young and Pastor Jonathan Mager explain the rules for Biblical interpretation, how to understand difficult texts, and how to go from Bible reader, to confident, obedient Christian. Truth can be known, Truth must be tested, obedience is possible.

Does your church name matter? Should we keep our denominational distinctions? Are they biblical? In this episode, Pastor Jack and Pastor Jonathan introduce a new curriculum they are launching based upon the book “Why Baptist?” and discuss the biblical and practical questions surrounding the church in our nondenominational age.

Welcome to The Expound Sessions, a special teaching series recorded live at the Expound Conference. Each session is designed to sharpen preachers, strengthen churches, and deepen your confidence in the Word of God..🔹 Upcoming Event — Expound Conference 2026Make plans to join us April 13–14, 2026 at Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church in Webster, NY.We’ll gather Monday at 7 PM, then Tuesday from 9 AM–2 PM, and again Tuesday at 7 PM—8 sessions in all.Registration is only $30, which includes meals, books, and conference materials.👉 Register today at lbbc.info