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Some conversations stay with you long after the recording stops. This was one of those conversations.
In this episode of The Hacka Podcast, I sat down with Rodney Shaw, Senior Pastor of New Life Austin and author of Churchwork and Feed My Sheep. He has spent more than four decades in ministry, serving in small churches, church plants, assistant pastor roles, editorial leadership, and now as the pastor of a large iApostolic church.
What struck me most was his emphasis on faithfulness. In an age where many people are looking for the next opportunity, the next platform, or the next promotion, Bro Shaw continually brought the conversation back to being diligent, focussing on growth, and serving where God has planted you.
We talked about his upbringing in small churches, his call to ministry, his years serving alongside Dr David K. Bernard, and the unexpected transition that led him to become Senior Pastor of New Life Austin. Bro Shaw also shared lessons from his books Churchwork and Feed My Sheep, discussing leadership, followership, teamwork, preaching, and pastoral ministry.
One of the most memorable moments came when Bro Shaw said, “If you’re boring behind a pulpit, the question is not why are you boring? The question is why are you bored?” That simple statement reveals something deeper: effective ministry flows from a genuine passion for God’s Word and a commitment to continual growth.
Whether you’re a pastor, church planter, volunteer, teacher, or simply someone who wants to serve God more effectively, there is wisdom in this conversation that can help you become more faithful, more effective, and more fruitful in ministry.
10 Key Takeaways
1. Faithfulness Matters More Than Position
Bro Shaw reflected on moments in his younger years when he thought certain positions or opportunities would be the key to success. Looking back, he realised many of those things would have been detrimental. God’s timing is always better than our ambitions.
2. Grow Where You’re Planted
One of his strongest themes was the importance of serving faithfully where God has placed you today rather than constantly looking for the next opportunity.
3. Leadership Is About People
A major principle from Churchwork is what Bro Shaw calls “follower-centric leadership.” Leadership is not primarily about accomplishing a vision, it is about serving people.
4. Great Leaders Must Also Learn to Follow
Many leaders spend years developing leadership skills but neglect followership. He argued that everyone serves in a followership role at some point and must learn how to do it well.
5. Trust and Respect Build Healthy Transitions
Bro Shaw’s transition into the pastorate at New Life Austin happened under unusual circumstances. He credits much of its success to the mutual trust and respect that existed between himself and Bishop David Bernard.
6. Good Teaching Should Never Be Boring
One of his most memorable observations was that boredom in teaching often reveals a lack of passion in the communicator, not a deficiency in the material.
7. Develop Multiple Ministry Competencies
He intentionally refused to accept the idea that someone must be only a preacher, only a teacher, or only a writer. He challenged leaders to pursue excellence in every area God opens to them.
8. Let the Bible Do the Heavy Lifting
Bro Shaw described himself as a textual preacher. Rather than relying heavily on stories and illustrations, he seeks to explain and apply the biblical text itself, trusting that Scripture is powerful and engaging.
9. The Work You Do Today Shapes Your Future
He spoke about spending years teaching through books of the Bible while serving as an assistant pastor. The disciplines he developed in his twenties and thirties continue to produce fruit decades later.
10. Keep Digging Deeper
Growth is not accidental. Bro Shaw encouraged leaders to remain students, continually learning, reading, studying, and developing. Long-term effectiveness is built through consistent investment over time.
Memorable Quotes
“If you’re boring behind a pulpit, the question is not why are you boring? The question is why are you bored?”
“A bored preacher is a boring preacher.”
“Be diligent where you’re at. Be faithful where you’re at.”
“Your faithfulness will lead you to more open doors.”
“Leadership is not about accomplishing a vision. Leadership is about the people you lead.”
Books and Links
Visit Rodney Shaw’s website – Links to where you can buy Churchwork and Feed My Sheep are here.
People of Promise — Rodney Shaw
Follow him on socials: Facebook | Instagram
Final Thought
One thing I appreciate about Rodney Shaw is that he doesn’t speak from theory alone. His insights have been formed through decades of ministry, leadership challenges, church planting, and serving the local church.
The message I walked away with that I think best applies to all of us is: don’t spend your life chasing opportunities, but focus on being a faithful servant.
God knows where you are. He knows what He is developing in you. If you’ll remain diligent, continue growing, and serve with excellence, He is fully capable of opening every door that needs to be opened.
The challenge for all of us is stay faithful right where we are.
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