Welcome to The Rod and the Staff Podcast — a new teaching ministry with Dr. Tony Myers, inspired by Psalm 23:4:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

In this introductory episode, Tony shares the heart and vision behind the podcast—why it exists, what it means to follow the Good Shepherd, and how His care shapes every aspect of the believer’s life.

You’ll discover:

✅ The meaning of The Rod and The Staff in Psalm 23

✅ The relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep

✅ The power and peace found in God’s provision and protection

✅ How the Shepherd’s promise brings comfort, guidance, and hope

Join us as we explore the tools of the Shepherd, the depth of His love, and the call to shepherd one another with wisdom and grace.

📖 Biblical. Pastoral. Redemptive.

👉 Subscribe to The Rod and the Staff YouTube channel for Bible-centered teaching that strengthens believers, equips leaders, and glorifies Christ, our Good Shepherd.

🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.

🌐 Learn more and access free resources at https://rodstaff.org

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The Tools of the Shepherd | Pastor Tony Myers | The Rod and the Staff Podcast

In this episode of The Rod and the Staff Podcast, Dr. Tony Myers explores the meaning and significance of the Shepherd’s tools—the Rod and the Staff—as revealed in Psalm 23.

These simple yet powerful instruments represent God’s authority, discipline, guidance, and comfort. Understanding them helps believers see how the Good Shepherd both protects His flock from danger and lovingly corrects them when they stray.

In this teaching, you’ll learn:

✅ The biblical symbolism of the Rod and the Staff

✅ How God’s discipline is an act of love, not punishment

✅ The Shepherd’s role in defending, guiding, and restoring His sheep

✅ How these tools reveal God’s heart of protection, provision, and peace

Be encouraged as you discover how the Lord uses both His rod and His staff to lead us into deeper fellowship, trust, and maturity in Christ.

📖 Biblical. Pastoral. Redemptive.

👉 Subscribe for more Bible-centered teaching that equips believers and strengthens church leadership.

🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next episode in this Psalm 23 series.

🌐 Free resources: https://rodstaff.org

What if the greatest Person in the universe wanted to know you—and call you His own?

In Episode 3 of The Rod and the Staff Podcast, Pastor Tony Myers explores the deeply personal opening words of Psalm 23:

“The Lord is my Shepherd.”

This short phrase contains one of the most profound truths in Scripture: the God of the universe knows us, names us, notices us, and invites us into relationship with Him.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✅ Why the word “my” in “The Lord is my shepherd” is one of the most sublime words in Psalm 23

✅ How God designed us for relationship—not isolation, independence, or self-sufficiency

✅ What it means to belong to God as part of His flock

✅ Why shepherds historically named their sheep—and how Jesus does the same for us

✅ The significance of Jesus’ words in John 10: “I call my sheep by name… my sheep hear my voice… I know them.”

Be encouraged as you learn what it means to be fully known, deeply valued, and lovingly led by the Good Shepherd—and how we join Him in shepherding one another.

📖 Biblical. Pastoral. Redemptive.

👉 Subscribe for more biblical teaching from Pastor Tony Myers that strengthens believers and equips church leaders.

🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode in this Psalm 23 series.

🌐 Free resources: https://rodstaff.org

Psalm 23:4 says, “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

But how can correction and discipline possibly be comforting?

In this episode, Pastor Tony Myers explains the deeper meaning of the shepherd’s rod and staff—and why true comfort is not ease, but release. Drawing from Scripture and real-life shepherding imagery, this teaching reveals how God’s guidance and correction flow from love, not control.

When we lack trust, correction feels threatening and guidance feels restrictive. But in a genuine relationship with God, the rod and staff become instruments of protection, direction, and freedom.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What “comfort” really means in Psalm 23

Why God’s discipline is proof of His love (Hebrews 12)

How the rod and staff represent both protection and guidance

Why spiritual growth often comes through pressure before release

How the Good Shepherd brings peace even in the valley

📖 “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” — Psalm 23:4

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.

We live in one of the wealthiest nations in history—and yet one of the most discontented. How can that be?

In this episode of Rod & Staff, Pastor Tony Myers explores Psalm 23:1: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This bold and almost unbelievable statement confronts our modern obsession with more—more comfort, more control, more success, more approval—and exposes why our desires so often leave us empty.

Drawing from Scripture, pastoral experience, and voices like the Apostle Paul, C.S. Lewis, and Paul Tripp, this teaching explains why contentment is not natural, not promoted by the world, and not easily learned. Contentment is a mystery that must be learned, one that reshapes our desires and redirects our satisfaction away from “bigger and better” toward Jesus, our Good Shepherd.

When the Lord truly becomes our Shepherd, our wants begin to change. Our satisfaction shifts from temporary things to lasting joy in Christ. If God has met our greatest need, what more could we possibly want?

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.

Do you find it hard to rest — or even impossible?

Psalm 23:2 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” But what does that really mean? Why does the Shepherd make His sheep lie down?

In this episode of Rod & Staff, Pastor Tony Myers explores the powerful image behind Psalm 23:2 and why rest is not optional for God’s people. Sheep cannot properly digest what they eat unless they lie down — and in the same way, we cannot properly process life without stopping.

God does not merely suggest rest. He lovingly presses us into it. Like children at the beach who resist sunscreen and naps, we often fight the very thing that keeps us healthy. We chase what looks “green,” but we are spiritually colorblind. Only the Shepherd knows what is truly life-giving.

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

When God makes us lie down, it is not punishment — it is protection, love, and care.

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit rodstaff.org.

Is your life too busy?

Psalm 23:2 gives us a powerful picture of God’s care: “He leads me beside still waters.” But in a world defined by constant activity, anxiety, and motion, many of us rarely experience the kind of rest the Shepherd provides.

In this episode of Rod & Staff, Pastor Tony Myers explores what it means for God to lead His people to still waters—and why busyness is not just unhealthy, but can become spiritually dangerous. Sheep cannot drink from chaotic or stagnant water. They need calm, steady, life-giving streams. In the same way, our souls were not designed for nonstop motion.

Through biblical insight and practical examples, this teaching reveals how God, in His mercy, interrupts our busyness and leads us to places of rest, refreshment, and renewal. What we often resist is actually His care.

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.

Does following Jesus mean life becomes easy?

Psalm 23:4 gives a very different answer: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Life is not free from hardship. In fact, valleys are inevitable.

In this episode of Rod & Staff, PastorTony Myers explores how Psalm 23 shifts from internal struggles to external threats—circumstances that are often beyond our control. These valleys are not signs that something has gone wrong. They are places where we feel vulnerable, uncertain, and exposed.

But Scripture offers a powerful promise: if God has already dealt with our greatest enemy—death—then we can trust Him in every lesser fear we face. Hope is not found in a trouble-free life. Hope is found in the presence of God with us in the valley.

“In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.

What does God do when you’re surrounded by trials, pressure, or even enemies?

Psalm 23:5 gives a surprising answer: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Instead of removing the battle, God prepares a feast in the middle of it.

In this episode of Rod & Staff, Pastor Tony Myers explores what it means to experience God’s provision when life feels like a fight. This powerful image shows that God does not always take us out of trials—but He meets us in them with presence, strength, and purpose.

Through the imagery of anointing and an overflowing cup, we see that what feels like weakness is often the place where God’s power is most clearly revealed. In the midst of opposition, uncertainty, or loss, God provides everything we need—not to escape the trial, but to endure it with hope.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.

What in your life is absolutely certain—something that will never change?

Psalm 23:6 gives a powerful answer: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

In this episode of Rod & Staff, Pastor Tony Myers explores the biblical meaning of hope—not wishful thinking, but confident certainty in what God has promised. This verse points to two unshakable realities: God’s goodness and mercy pursuing us every day, and the future promise of dwelling in His presence forever.

Rather than a distant or reluctant God, Scripture reveals a Shepherd who actively pursues His people. His goodness gives what we do not deserve, and His mercy withholds what we do deserve. Together, they follow us—not passively, but relentlessly—through every season of life.

And beyond today’s struggles, there is a future hope: a place of belonging, peace, and rest in the presence of God forever.

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.

What comes to mind when you hear the words "church discipline?"

For many Christians, the phrase brings up images of harshness, legalism, judgment, or even spiritual abuse. Yet Scripture presents church discipline as an essential part of discipleship, spiritual growth, and loving care within the body of Christ.

In this first episode of a new series, Pastor Tony Myers lays the foundation for a biblical understanding of church discipline. Rather than viewing it as punishment, we explore how God uses correction, restoration, and loving accountability to form His people into the likeness of Christ. This episode introduces the key questions that will guide the series: What is the Gospel? What is a Christian? What is the Church? And what is church membership?

Church discipline is not the opposite of discipleship—it is part of discipleship. When practiced biblically, it aims at restoration, reconciliation, renewal, and spiritual maturity.

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.

Before we can understand church discipline, we must answer a foundational question: What is the Gospel?

In this episode of The Rod and the Staff, Pastor Tony Myers explores why our understanding of the Gospel determines how we view church discipline. Many people assume that love and discipline are opposites—that a loving God would never discipline His children. But Scripture teaches the exact opposite. God disciplines those He loves.

Drawing from Hebrews 12, this teaching contrasts a popular modern view with the biblical Gospel. Rather than simply helping good people become better people, God rescues sinners who are unable to save themselves, frees them from the power of sin, and calls them into a life of holiness. Because He loves His children, God refuses to leave them where they are.

Church discipline only makes sense when we understand the Gospel rightly. Love and discipline are not enemies—they are companions in God's gracious work of transforming His people.

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.

What is a Christian?

The answer may seem obvious, but how we answer that question has profound implications for discipleship, church membership, accountability, and church discipline.

In this episode of The Rod and the Staff, Pastor Tony Myers continues laying the foundation for a biblical understanding of church discipline by examining what Scripture teaches about the identity of a Christian. A Christian is more than someone who agrees with certain beliefs. A Christian is someone who has been made new by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Drawing from passages throughout the New Testament, this teaching explores three essential aspects of the Christian life: a new condition, a new community, and a new calling. Christians are new creations in Christ, members of God's family, and people who have been called to live lives that reflect the holiness and glory of God.

Understanding this new identity helps us understand why accountability, encouragement, correction, and spiritual growth are normal parts of the Christian life and the life of the church.

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.

Is the local church just a voluntary organization that Christians attend when it is convenient? Or is it something far more significant?

In this episode of The Rod and the Staff, Pastor Tony Myers continues laying the foundation for a biblical understanding of church discipline by exploring the question: What is the local church? Along the way, he examines two common misconceptions about the church and introduces a historic distinction between the visible church and the invisible church.

Many Christians today view the church as a provider of religious goods and services—a place to attend, evaluate, and leave when something better comes along. Others emphasize only a private relationship with Jesus while minimizing the importance of belonging to a local congregation. Scripture presents a different picture. God's design is that believers would gather together visibly, worship together, serve one another, and live under loving accountability.

Understanding the local church is essential for understanding church membership, accountability, and why biblical church discipline is ultimately a grace rather than a burden.

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.

Why should a church practice church discipline at all?

Before discussing how to practice church discipline, we must first understand why. In this episode of The Rod and the Staff, Pastor Tony Myers explains the four biblical purposes of church discipline and why every act of loving correction must keep all four in view.

Scripture teaches that church discipline exists to glorify God, reclaim straying saints, purify the church, and provide a faithful witness to a watching world. Far from being punitive or unloving, biblical church discipline reflects God's holiness, mercy, justice, and compassion. It is a ministry of restoration that seeks to rescue believers from the deceitfulness of sin while protecting the health and witness of Christ's church.

When practiced faithfully, church discipline makes the gospel visible. It demonstrates that God takes sin seriously, offers genuine forgiveness through Christ, and transforms His people by His grace.

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit https://rodstaff.org.

How should Christians actually practice church discipline? Jesus has not left the church to figure it out on its own. In Matthew 18:15–17, He gives a clear process that begins with a simple but challenging first step: go to your brother or sister privately.

In this episode of The Rod and the Staff, Pastor Tony Myers examines the first step of biblical church discipline—individual admonition. Church discipline does not normally begin with church leaders, a committee, or a public confrontation. It begins when one Christian lovingly and humbly goes directly to another.

Pastor Tony explains why we should go privately, why we must avoid gossip and assumptions, how to approach another believer with humility rather than accusation, and why the goal is never condemnation. The goal is repentance, reconciliation, restoration, and ultimately to “gain your brother.”

He also discusses important exceptions—including abuse, threats of harm, criminal activity, significant authority imbalances, and public scandalous sin—when going alone may not be appropriate.

Biblical church discipline requires courage, humility, and selfless love. And in most cases, this private conversation is where the process should begin—and end.

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.

Do Christians need to confront every sin they see in one another—or are there times when love calls us to simply overlook an offense?

In this episode of The Rod and the Staff, Pastor Tony Myers explores one of the most practical questions surrounding biblical church discipline: How do we know when to address an offense and when to cover it in love?

Scripture tells us that “love covers a multitude of sins” and that it can be to our glory to overlook an offense. But there are also times when loving another person means having a difficult conversation.

Pastor Tony offers practical guidance for making that decision by considering the nature of the sin, whether it has become a pattern, its impact on the individual and others, the response of our own heart, and whether repentance is present.

He also challenges us with two important questions: If I overlook this offense, am I genuinely loving this person—or simply avoiding a difficult conversation? And if I confront it, am I seeking their restoration and God’s glory—or merely trying to prove that I’m right?

Biblical love doesn’t require us to confront every offense. But neither does it use forgiveness as an excuse to avoid the conversations that love sometimes requires.

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.

What should you do when you privately confront someone about a serious offense and they refuse to listen?

In this episode of The Rod and the Staff, Pastor Tony Myers continues through the biblical process of church discipline found in Matthew 18. Jesus teaches that when private admonition has been attempted patiently but the person continues to refuse to listen, there may come a time to bring others into the conversation.

But those people aren't supposed to be your supporters or allies. They should be spiritually mature, impartial believers who care about both parties, are committed to the truth, and are submitted to Scripture. Their role is to listen carefully, establish the facts, correct misunderstandings, encourage both people to hear one another, and help pursue repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Tony also explains why this process should not be hurried. The goal is clarity and restoration—not winning an argument.

And sometimes the witnesses may discover that the offense isn't as significant as initially believed, that there has been a misunderstanding, or even that the person bringing the concern should overlook the offense in love.

For more biblical resources and teaching from Pastor Tony Myers, visit https://rodstaff.org.

When does church discipline reach the point of excommunication—and what does that actually mean?

In Season 2, Episode 11 of The Rod and the Staff, Pastor Tony Myers explains the final step described in Matthew 18:17. Excommunication is not public humiliation or flippantly “kicking someone out.” It comes only after persistent, willful refusal to repent despite repeated and loving appeals.

Tony explains how the church’s relationship with that person changes, why the goal is still repentance and restoration, and why even this most serious form of discipline should be carried out with love, clarity, patience, and hope.

The goal is never rejection for rejection’s sake. Even at this final stage, the church continues to seek restoration and the good of the person involved.

Learn more:

https://rodstaff.org