A Special Replay of Episode 5 parts 1 and 2 As a tribute to Georg Shaffer.

It is with deep sorrow and Christian hope that we announce the passing of George Richard Shaffer, Sr., Director of Deacon and Leadership Training, who entered the presence of the Lord on August 19, 2026.

George faithfully dedicated his life to serving Christ, strengthening churches, mentoring leaders, and equipping deacons and pastors for effective biblical ministry. His wisdom, encouragement, and servant leadership impacted countless individuals and congregations across the nation.

We thank God for George's legacy of faith, integrity, and leadership. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him.

As a tribute to his life and ministry, we invite you to listen to a special episode of Church Leadership in Focus Episode 100:

In episodes 101- 102, Parts 1 and 2, the host, Don Hicks, introduces George Shaffer, the director of Deacon and leadership at Church Health Solutions, as a special guest. George is also a friend, and Don met George at First Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, where Don served as the Senior Transitional Pastor for almost three years. George played a significant role as the Deacon's Chairman in changing the Deacon ministry's culture. George will share that the first step in a pastor and deacon working together is to form a biblical, healthy personal friendship and relationship that builds trust.

Don highlights their collaborative work in providing Deacon training, conflict resolution, Christian conciliation, and mediation to churches and church leaders by sharing The Gospel through Church Health Solutions.

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If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

In this special episode of Church Leadership in Focus, host Don Hicks pays tribute to his dear friend and ministry partner, George Richard Shaffer, Sr., who entered the presence of the Lord on August 19, 2026. George devoted his life to serving Christ, strengthening churches, mentoring leaders, and developing healthy biblical leadership

Listeners will hear personal stories of George's impact on church leadership, deacon ministry, conflict resolution, and pastoral encouragement. Don reflects on their years serving together, the lessons George taught him about leadership, and the influence George had on pastors and churches throughout the country.

George's remarkable career included executive leadership at AT&T and service as Senior Director of Executive Education at the Darden School of Business, where he helped develop leadership programs for major corporations. Yet his greatest passion was serving Christ and investing in people. He faithfully served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Join us as we celebrate a life marked by faith, integrity, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to helping others lead well for the glory of God.

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Support the show

If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

2 Part Series

In Part 2 the conclusion of this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, Dr. Don Hicks sits down with Henok Girma Tibebu to discuss a journey marked by challenges, perseverance, and God's faithfulness. From caring for a child with special needs to balancing family, ministry, and leadership responsibilities, Henok shares how God sustained his family through difficult seasons and transformed their struggles into a testimony of grace, healing, and hope. Listeners will be encouraged to trust God's presence even when the path is uncertain.

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Support the show

If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

A 2 Part Series

In Part 1 of this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, Dr. Don Hicks sits down with Henok Girma Tibebu to discuss a journey marked by challenges, perseverance, and God's faithfulness. From caring for a child with special needs to balancing family, ministry, and leadership responsibilities, Henok shares how God sustained his family through difficult seasons and transformed their struggles into a testimony of grace, healing, and hope. Listeners will be encouraged to trust God's presence even when the path is uncertain.

Tell us how we're doing

Support the show

If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

In this inspiring episode, Dylan shares his powerful journey from hardship and personal struggles to a life marked by victory, healing, and renewed purpose. Through seasons of challenges, discouragement, and uncertainty, Dylan discovered the faithfulness of God and the strength that comes from a supportive community. Listen as he reflects on the vital role his pastor, church family, and faithful friends played in encouraging him, praying for him, and walking alongside him during difficult times. Dylan's testimony is a reminder that no one has to face life's battles alone and that God's grace can bring hope, restoration, and triumph even in the darkest moments. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about faith, perseverance, Christian fellowship, and the transforming power of God's love. This episode will encourage anyone facing struggles and remind them that victory is possible when we trust God and lean on the people He places in our lives.

Tell us how we're doing

Support the show

If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

Church conflict affects more than congregations. It often leaves deep emotional, spiritual, relational, and leadership scars on the pastors called to shepherd God's people. In this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, Don Hicks explores the often-overlooked personal toll that church conflict takes on pastors and their families.

Drawing from biblical examples, ministry experience, and a relatable real-life ministry illustration, Don discusses the emotional exhaustion, spiritual struggles, family pressures, and leadership challenges pastors frequently face during seasons of tension and division. He also provides practical, biblically grounded guidance for healing, recovery, and long-term resilience in ministry.

Whether you are currently navigating conflict, recovering from a difficult season, or seeking to better understand the challenges pastors face behind the scenes, this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, and hope for faithful ministry leadership.

Tell us how we're doing

Support the show

If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

Part 3 of a 3 Part series

In this compelling episode of Church Leadership in Focus, host Dr. Don Hicks sits down with pastor David Jones to explore a life journey marked by faith, perseverance, love, loss, and God's sustaining grace.

David shares his story of growing up in a small Tennessee town without a father and the challenges that shaped his early years. He reflects on his college experience, the formative lessons God taught him along the way, and meeting the love of his life, Beverly. Together, they built a Christ-centered marriage, raised a family, and served faithfully in ministry side by side through the local church.

With transparency and courage, David also shares the heartbreaking loss of Beverly six months ago due to complications following heart surgery. He discusses the profound grief of losing his wife, the difficult decision to resign from his church, and his subsequent move to Georgia to live with his son and family. As he walks through this season of transition, David opens up about seeking God's direction and discerning what the Lord may have for him in the next chapter of life.

This powerful conversation offers encouragement to anyone facing loss, uncertainty, ministry transitions, or life's unexpected challenges. David's testimony reminds us that even in our deepest valleys, God remains faithful and continues to guide His people forward.

Call to Action

If this episode encourages you, please subscribe to Church Leadership in Focus, leave a review, and share this conversation with a friend, pastor, church leader, or someone walking through grief and transition. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations that strengthen faith and equip leaders for effective ministry. Be sure to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode and join us as we

Tell us how we're doing

Support the show

If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

Part 2 of a 3 Part series

In this compelling episode of Church Leadership in Focus, host Dr. Don Hicks sits down with pastor David Jones to explore a life journey marked by faith, perseverance, love, loss, and God's sustaining grace.

David shares his story of growing up in a small Tennessee town without a father and the challenges that shaped his early years. He reflects on his college experience, the formative lessons God taught him along the way, and meeting the love of his life, Beverly. Together, they built a Christ-centered marriage, raised a family, and served faithfully in ministry side by side through the local church.

With transparency and courage, David also shares the heartbreaking loss of Beverly six months ago due to complications following heart surgery. He discusses the profound grief of losing his wife, the difficult decision to resign from his church, and his subsequent move to Georgia to live with his son and family. As he walks through this season of transition, David opens up about seeking God's direction and discerning what the Lord may have for him in the next chapter of life.

This powerful conversation offers encouragement to anyone facing loss, uncertainty, ministry transitions, or life's unexpected challenges. David's testimony reminds us that even in our deepest valleys, God remains faithful and continues to guide His people forward.

Call to Action

If this episode encourages you, please subscribe to Church Leadership in Focus, leave a review, and share this conversation with a friend, pastor, church leader, or someone walking through grief and transition. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations that strengthen faith and equip leaders for effective ministry. Be sure to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode and join us as we continue exploring the issues and stories that matter most to church leaders today.

Tell us how we're doing

Support the show

If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com