Pivotal Decisions

Pivotal Decisions

by Stan Parris
NewsChristianity
Season 3

College Basketball Predictions

Stan and his son, Briggs, make their College Basketball predictions for 2026.
S3 · E65
Jan 8, 2026
19:51
Season 2

The Stewardship of Influence in a Digital Age

In today’s episode, Stan continues our conversation on one of the most powerful forces shaping our lives: influence — especially in our digital age. With endless voices competing for attention online, the question isn’t whether we’re being influenced, but by whom — and how we are influencing others in return. Drawing from Scripture, practical insight, and everyday experience, Stan breaks down eight essential truths about influence and how followers of Christ can steward it wisely. If you missed the previous episode on influence, be sure to go back and listen. Today’s message builds on that foundation.
S2 · E64
Dec 7, 2025
19:08

The Power of Influence

In this episode, Stan explores one of the most important — and often overlooked — areas of the Christian life: the stewardship of influence. You don’t need a title, a platform, or a stage to impact the world for Christ. Someone is watching your life, being shaped by your example, and influenced by your faithfulness. Through an inspiring historical chain that began with Edward Kimball — the quiet Sunday school teacher whose influence ultimately led to the salvation of D.L. Moody, Billy Sunday, and Billy Graham — Stan shows how God can multiply ordinary faithfulness in extraordinary ways. You have influence. The question is: How will you use it?
S2 · E63
Nov 17, 2025
20:43

Pivotal Decisions in Church Revitalization with NAMB’s Jimbo Stewart

In this episode, Stan sits down with Jimbo Stewart, Replant Specialist with the North American Mission Board (NAMB), to talk about the critical moments that define ministry leadership. Together, they unpack what it means to lead with conviction, navigate seasons of change, and make decisions that shape the future of the church. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or someone passionate about church health and revitalization, this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and wisdom for the journey. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and transformation. 📱 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
S2 · E62
Oct 27, 2025
21:54

My Conversation with Mark Clifton, Senior Director of Replanting at the North American Mission Board

In this episode of Pivotal Decisions, Stan sits down with Mark Clifton, Senior Director of Replanting at the North American Mission Board (NAMB), to explore the hard but holy work of revitalizing dying churches. Mark shares the pivotal decisions that shaped his calling, the challenges of replanting in a post-Christian culture, and why no church is too far gone when the gospel is at the center. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or simply passionate about seeing the local church thrive, this conversation will encourage you to rethink failure, embrace obscurity, and lean into God's redemptive work — even in the most unlikely places.
S2 · E61
Oct 1, 2025
19:29

Kickoff Conversation: A Look at the 2025 College Football Season

In this special episode, Stan sits down with his son, Briggs, for a fun and insightful conversation about the upcoming college football season. Together, they look at the storylines, players, and teams that could shape the year ahead. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting ready for kickoff, this father-son conversation is filled with energy, predictions, and a few laughs along the way.
S2 · E60
Aug 25, 2025
32:34

Attitude Adjustment: Turning Negativity into Growth

In this episode of Pivotal Decisions, Stan tackles a struggle we all face from time to time—a bad attitude. Whether it's negativity, bitterness, or frustration, your mindset can shape your life more than you realize. The good news? You’re not stuck. With practical steps and biblical insight, this episode offers encouragement and tools to help you adjust your attitude and align it with God's purpose for your life. 🔑 Key Takeaways: A bad attitude is not permanent—it’s within your power to change. Your attitude reflects your heart, your beliefs, and your trust in God. 🛠️ Practical Tips to Fix a Bad Attitude: Acknowledge your attitude needs adjustment. Stop blaming others—own your mindset. Identify triggers that spark negativity. Desire real change—it starts with wanting it. Challenge and replace negative thoughts with truth. Build life-giving habits that promote positivity. Surround yourself with uplifting people. Show grace to yourself in the process. Visualize a better future with a new mindset. Practice gratitude every day. Use positive self-talk rooted in God’s Word. Reject a victim mentality—you are more than your circumstances. Remember: this is temporary—keep perspective. Engage in daily prayer and mindfulness.
S2 · E59
Aug 8, 2025
23:47

Check Yourself: 17 Red Flags of a Bad Attitude

Your attitude shapes how you see the world—and how the world sees you. In this episode, Stan takes a deep dive into 17 clear signs that reveal when your attitude may be out of alignment. Based on insights from Sarah Kristenson's article on HappierHuman.com, we explore how a poor attitude affects every area of life: your relationships, leadership, joy, and spiritual growth. From carrying grudges and constant comparison to being easily annoyed and always expecting the worst, these warning signs are powerful indicators that it might be time for a mindset check. Stan also shares a Christ-centered perspective on attitude, grounded in Philippians 2:5 and the radical humility of Jesus. This episode isn’t about shame—it’s an invitation to self-awareness and spiritual transformation. 17 Signs You Have a Bad Attitude 17 Signs You Have a Bad Attitude & How to Fix It - Happier Human It’s Your Way or the Highway You Always Compare Yourself to Others You Look Down on Others Everyone Annoys You You Are Always in a Hurry Your Expectations Are Too High You See the World as Black or White You Misinterpret Everything Others Say or Do You Fixate on Conflict You Always Expect the Worst You Carry Grudges You Believe You're Unlikable You Can’t Be Happy for Others You Can’t Let Go People Call You Out on Your Bad Attitude Everyone Is Competition or the Enemy You Demand Respect But Don’t Show It 🎧 Listen Now: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and YouTube. 📢 Subscribe & Share: If this episode encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
S2 · E58
Jul 23, 2025
22:38

Success or Just Busy? 10 Habits That Actually Make a Difference

Welcome back to the Pivotal Decisions Podcast! I’m your host, Stan Parris. When you hear the word success, what comes to mind? Is it wealth, recognition, status, or achievement? In this episode, we explore our often-unquestioned assumptions about success—and challenge them with a fresh, deeper perspective. Whether it’s the pressure parents feel for their children to “make it,” or the cultural obsession with being “most likely to succeed,” the pursuit of success is everywhere. But is it truly fulfilling? Does it align with your values, or is it just a chasing after the wind? Drawing from an article by Elizabeth Perry of BetterUp, we walk through 10 time-tested habits of highly successful people—from getting organized to practicing gratitude. We’ll also hear the moving words of Dr. Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who, when facing terminal cancer, discovered that success is often found not in achievement but in meaning. In this episode: Why the traditional American view of success might be misleading 10 practical habits that lead to real, sustainable success How organizing your life, prioritizing wisely, and taking care of your health impact your purpose The power of community, accepting help, and cultivating gratitude A deeper, faith-informed lens on what matters most in the end If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I really succeeding at what matters?”—this episode is for you. 🔗 Subscribe to the podcast and our YouTube channel for more meaningful content 💬 Share this episode with a friend who needs a new perspective on success
S2 · E57
Jul 10, 2025
20:38

One Thousand Years with Jesus: Hope Beyond the Tribulation

In this episode, Stan unpacks one of the most fascinating and sometimes misunderstood teachings in Scripture: the Millennium — the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ on earth. Drawing from Revelation 20 and various Old and New Testament passages, Stan explores the biblical foundation, different theological views, and the profound implications of Christ’s literal reign on earth. If this episode was helpful to you, please consider sharing it with a friend or loved one. Subscribe to the Pivotal Decisions Podcast on: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🎧 iHeartRadio 📺 YouTube 💬 Connect with Stan Parris: Instagram: @stanparris YouTube: Pivotal Decisions Podcast Channel
S2 · E56
Jun 9, 2025
22:43
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