Transforming the Church with Dr. Derwin L Gray

Latest Episodes:

Trust the Process—Part 1 Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

In this sermon, Pastor Derwin Gray emphasizes the importance of recognizing the church as a community of believers rather than just a physical structure or institution. He highlights the mission of the church to reach lost people, asserting that evangelism should be prioritized over societal issues like healthcare and justice. Using the narrative of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, he underscores the need to break down barriers of race and gender and affirm the dignity of all individuals. Ultimately, Pastor Derwin encourages listeners to experience joy through participating in God’s mission to bring people to Christ, framing evangelism as a loving invitation rather than a judgment.
Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

Cross-Cultural Mission: Follow Jesus' example by reaching across cultural and racial barriers to share the gospel.
Affirm Dignity: Engage with others by affirming their dignity, as Jesus did with the Samaritan woman.
Prioritize Evangelism: Focus on reaching lost people and view evangelism as an invitation to a relationship with Christ.
Find Joy in Mission: Experience joy by participating in God's mission to save the lost.
Trust the Evangelism Process: Understand that evangelism involves preparing, planting, and harvesting, with God giving the increase.
Live Out the Gospel: See all aspects of life as opportunities to worship and glorify God.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

What I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Became a Pastor – Part 3: Effective Ways to Stay Healthy May 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Transforming the Church Podcast, Pastor Derwin Gray shares insights on maintaining health as a ministry leader. This is the third part of the series "What I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Became a Pastor." Pastor Derwin discusses the importance of taking sabbaticals, establishing a weekly Sabbath, having mentors, peers, and mentees, and staying physically fit. These practices are essential for sustaining a healthy ministry and personal life, allowing leaders to serve effectively and joyfully.

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

Sabbatical and Study Breaks: Pastor Derwin emphasizes the importance of taking extended breaks, such as a seven-week summer sabbatical, to recharge and prepare for future ministry work. These breaks are not just for rest but also for spiritual renewal and planning, allowing leaders to be proactive and organized.
Weekly Sabbath: A weekly Sabbath is a day of delight and rest, not boredom. It’s a time to engage in activities that refresh the soul, such as hobbies or spending time in nature. Pastor Derwin shares his personal practice of fishing on his Sabbath, which reinvigorates his spirit.
Mentorship and Community: Having mentors (a "Paul"), peers (a "Barnabas"), and mentees (a "Timothy") creates a cycle of learning and teaching that enriches personal and spiritual growth. Mentors provide wisdom and experience, peers offer mutual support, and mentees allow leaders to pass on their knowledge.
Physical Fitness: Staying physically fit is crucial for mental health and overall well-being. Resistance weight training, in particular, helps maintain mental clarity and emotional stability. Pastor Derwin shares his journey of rediscovering the importance of physical fitness after his NFL career and how it benefits his ministry.
Living from Affirmation: Leaders should live from the affirmation of being loved and approved by God, rather than seeking approval through their work. Understanding that righteousness comes from Christ allows leaders to serve from a place of grace and security.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

What I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Became a Pastor - Part 2: Effective Ways to Engage in Difficult Conversations Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Transforming the Church Podcast, Pastor Derwin Gray delves into the essential skills needed for effective pastoral leadership, focusing on engaging in difficult conversations. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical principles, Pastor Derwin offers practical advice for ministry leaders and followers of Jesus who are committed to discipleship and mentoring. This episode is part of a series titled "What I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Became a Pastor," providing insights that transcend specific ministry roles and apply to all believers.

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

The Importance of Difficult Conversations: Engaging in difficult conversations is crucial for anyone in ministry. Avoiding these conversations can lead to greater issues later on.
Character Over Celebrity: Ministry is not about fame or celebrity status but about developing Christ-like character. Holiness and the fruit of the Spirit are paramount.
Practical Tips for Difficult Conversations: Never Raise Your Voice: Maintain a gentle and calm demeanor, even when discussing challenging topics.
Never Have a Difficult Conversation Alone: Always have another ministry leader present to ensure clarity and accountability.
Security in Christ: The more secure you are in your identity in Christ, the more maturely you can handle difficult conversations.
Biblical Foundation: Referencing 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Pastor Derwin emphasizes the importance of character and self-control for church leaders.
Cultural Sensitivity: Understand the cultural context of your audience and adapt your communication style accordingly.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

What I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Became a Pastor - Part 1: Effective Pastoral Leadership Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Transforming the Church Podcast, Pastor Derwin begins a three-part series exploring the insights and lessons he wishes he had known before stepping into pastoral leadership. This episode focuses on effective pastoral leadership, emphasizing the importance of serving beyond preaching, the necessity of excellent systems and processes, and the inevitability of resistance to change. Join us as we delve into the heart of ministry, discovering how to lead with love, humility, and resilience in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

Ministry as Service: Ministry is about serving the Lord, the body of Christ, and those yet to know Jesus. It is rooted in the priesthood of all believers.
Beyond Preaching: Effective pastoral leadership involves more than just preaching. It requires sharing life with the congregation, demonstrating Christ-like character, and working hard in service.
Systems and Processes: Healthy leadership necessitates excellent systems and processes. Organization and teamwork are vital to managing the pressures of ministry.
Resistance to Change: Expect and prepare for resistance when leading change. Understanding and addressing fears of power loss, status, and the unknown are crucial.
God's Calling and Empowerment: God, who calls and seats leaders, empowers them to be servant leaders through the life of Jesus within them.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

Unveiling Jesus' Mercy: Professor N.T. Wright on Faith, Ministry, and Global Church Growth Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Transforming the Church podcast, Pastor Derwin L. Gray welcomes the esteemed New Testament scholar, Reverend Dr. N.T. Wright. Together, they explore the depths of Jesus' mercy, the challenges and glories of ministry, and the importance of prayer and scripture in spiritual growth. Dr. Wright shares personal anecdotes, including his interactions with the late Queen of England, and offers insights into the global state of the church. This conversation is rich with wisdom, encouragement, and a call to embody the transformative power of the Gospel.

Here are a few of the key takeaways you’ll learn in this episode:

Inexhaustible Mercy of Jesus: Dr. Wright emphasizes the profound and surprising depths of Jesus' mercy, which continues to reveal itself in new ways throughout his life.
The Call to Ministry: Dr. Wright shares his early sense of calling to ministry and the importance of having mentors and role models who speak life into young people.
Challenges and Glories of Ministry: Ministry is described as both more challenging and more glorious than one can imagine, with the potential to push back darkness and reveal God's light.
Importance of Prayer and Scripture: Dr. Wright stresses the necessity of engaging deeply with the Bible and prayer as foundational practices for spiritual growth.
Global Church Dynamics: While some areas show decline, there are also signs of new growth and vitality in the church, particularly in places like London.
Personal Stories and Influence: Dr. Wright shares personal stories, including his interactions with the Queen, highlighting the importance of grace and good manners.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

Renewed and Transformed by the Gospel | A Conversation with Kyla Gillespie Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

Hey there! On this episode of Transforming the Church, Dr. Derwin Gray and featuring guest Kyla Gillespie explore the profound themes of identity, grace, and transformation. The discussion begins with a reminder that time should be invested wisely, particularly in spiritual growth. Both pastors emphasize their hopes for listeners to deepen their love for Jesus, embrace His love, and share that love with the world. The focus then shifts to Kyla's powerful personal journey, beginning with her childhood in a Christian home and the complexities of grappling with her sexual identity. Kyla recounts her struggles with same-sex attraction, the impact of her parents' divorce, and feelings of shame and guilt stemming from her inability to reconcile her faith with her experiences. As she navigated through life's challenges, including abuse of alcohol and the search for acceptance within LGBTQ communities, she ultimately faced a significant turning point. Through her engagement with faith communities and key mentors, Kyla found herself drawn back to her identity in Christ, leading to her decision to detransition. Her story underscores the transformative power of God's love, the importance of empathy, and the need for open, honest conversations about faith and identity. Pastor Derwin concludes with encouragement for listeners, highlighting that true transformation occurs in the church, which has the potential to impact the world profoundly.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Be encouraged to invest your time in activities that foster spiritual growth.
Understand the importance of community and the role of the church in transformation. The church's role is to support and nurture individuals through their spiritual journeys.
Dive deep into the transformative power of God's love that leads to repentance and transformation, inviting individuals to turn to Him and experience His grace.
FEATURED QUOTES:
"Time is like currency, and you want to spend it in places where your investment gets a return." -Dr. Derwin L. Gray
"Hey, mom and dad, Husband, wife, how you love each other and serve each other is the most important gospel witness you're going to give to your kids." - Dr. Derwin L. Gray
"The way you feel about yourself is the way you treat yourself." - Dr. Derwin L. Gray
"It is the kindness of God that leads to repentance." (Referencing Romans 2:4) - Dr. Derwin L. Gray

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

Marriage and Ministry with Dr. Crawford Loritts Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Pastor Derwin Gray sits down with Dr. Crawford Loritts, a seasoned pastor and leader in the Christian community, to discuss the essentials of maintaining a flourishing ministry and marriage. Dr. Loritts shares insights from his 50 years of ministry experience, emphasizing the importance of a personal relationship with God, the dangers of pride and entitlement, and the need for gratitude and rest. The conversation also touches on the current cultural climate and the role of the church in navigating these challenges.

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

The Foundation of Ministry: The most important aspect of ministry is maintaining a personal and genuine relationship with God. Everything else flows from this foundation.
Dangers of Pride and Entitlement: Visibility and success can lead to pride and a sense of entitlement. It's crucial to remember that we are not the source of people's strength but rather a resource dependent on God.
Gratitude and Dependency: Gratitude is a key indicator of our dependency on God. When gratitude wanes, it may signal a drift towards self-reliance and entitlement.
Importance of Rest and Perspective: Taking time for rest and reflection is vital for maintaining perspective and avoiding burnout. This includes building rhythms of rest and sabbaticals into ministry life.
Marriage and Ministry Balance: A flourishing marriage is essential for effective ministry. Prioritizing one's spouse and family is crucial, and ministry should not become an idol.
Cultural Engagement: The church must avoid being co-opted by political ideologies and should focus on embodying the teachings of Jesus. The church's role is to be a prophetic voice, not a political entity.
Responding to the Cultural Moment: The church should be known for its love and transformation, not for engaging in cultural wars. It's important to maintain the fruit of the Spirit in all interactions.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

How to Prepare a Sermon Series Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

One of the best ways to help your congregation be discipled is by bringing intentionality to your sermons by crafting them into a series. But where do you even start? This week, Dr. Derwin Gray is going to give you the inside scoop on his creative process for developing a sermon series. By sharing his insights and experiences, you will be encouraged to adopt a proactive mindset as a church leader and preacher. Dr. Gray emphasizes the significance of preparation and prayer in delivering engaging and Christ-centered messages. He’ll show you how crafting a sermon series can help you grow as a communicator and can nurture a transformed church that can have a profound impact on the world.
Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:
-Unleash Your Creative Process for Sermon Series Development: Unlock innovative methods to craft engaging and impactful sermon series that resonate deeply with your congregation.
-Plan Ahead for Sermon Series with Precision: Master the art of strategic planning for sermon series, ensuring each message aligns seamlessly with your church's vision and goals.
-Understand The Power Of A Sermon Series- Pastor Derwin helps us understand the rhythms and power of focusing our teaching on a single idea or theme for an extended period.
FEATURED QUOTES
"The Holy Spirit allows us to be proactive and not just reactive. If I could say this respectfully, don't blame your lack of action on the Holy Spirit." - Dr. Derwin Gray
"In preparing a sermon series, I walk through and answer multiple questions to prepare and then share those with the staff, specifically our creatives, our comms team, and our music team." - Dr. Derwin Gray

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

How I Prepare a Sermon: The Dance Method Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Dr. Derwin L. Gray provides actionable advice for preachers and church leaders on crafting impactful sermons. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared by Jesus before preparing a sermon, stressing intimacy with God and reliance on the Holy Spirit's power. Additionally, he discusses the head, heart, hands approach, advocating for simplicity in preaching and the significance of reaching both believers and non-believers with the Gospel. Dr. Gray's practical guidance is rooted in his experience of preaching to a diverse congregation, shaping him into a better preacher and disciple.
Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

Mastering Christocentric preaching techniques to bring depth and relevance to your sermons.
Understanding the profound impact of family decline on faith and how it shapes your congregation.
Crafting sermons that resonate with multiethnic congregations, fostering inclusivity and understanding.
Gaining insights from a nationwide study on faith and relationships will enrich your pastoral approach.
Implementing effective strategies to authentically engage and connect with digital congregations.

A Few Great Quotes From This Episode:
To preach is to open up the inspired text with such faithfulness and sensitivity that God's voice is heard and God's people obey him. - John Stott
When a man or a woman is preaching, and they catch on fire, people will come everywhere to see them burn. - John Wesley

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

4 Ways to Cultivate Ministry Grit Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of pastoral ministry? Have you been told to just tough it out and push through the difficulties? The pressure of ministry can be draining, leaving you feeling inadequate, betrayed, and questioning your calling. It's time to break free from ineffective advice and cultivate the grit you need for lasting ministry impact.

In this episode, you'll be encouraged by Pastor Derwin Gray to cultivate pastoral ministry grit in these ways:

Develop unwavering resilience in pastoral leadership amidst challenges.
Understand the profound impact of family dynamics on church attendance.
Utilize research to gain deeper insights into evolving faith trends.
Embrace fundamental leadership principles for high school sports programs.
Navigate and conquer the unique challenges of pastoral ministry with confidence.

Here Are Some Huge Takeaway Moments From This Episode:
00:01:20 - Cultivating Grit in Ministry
Grit is essential for ministry leaders. Dr. Derwin L. Gray shares the importance of grit in ministry, drawing from his experience as a high school football player and relating it to the challenges of pastoral ministry.
00:07:31 - Remembering Your Calling
In times of doubt and difficulty, it's important to remember that Jesus called you, not man. Standing in the grace of God and being gracious in adversity are key aspects of embracing your calling.
00:11:44 - Jesus' Indwelling and Provision
Jesus indwells ministry leaders, providing the strength and adequacy needed to fulfill the calling. Understanding that Jesus gives the vision and provision for ministry tasks is crucial for cultivating grit.
00:15:27 - Finding Grit in Praise and Transformation
Grit in pastoral ministry is ultimately found in praise and the enduring presence of Jesus. Dr. Derwin emphasizes the lasting nature of Jesus amidst tough times and the transformative impact of a transformed church on the world.

FEATURED QUOTES:

Jesus will last; tough times will not. - Dr. Derwin Gray

Grit is passion and perseverance for long-term goals- Dr. Angela Duckworth.

Often, when we have so much, we have so little of Him. - Dr. Derwin Gray

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN